A representation for the analysis of microprogram operation

ABSTRACT

Architectural advances and cost reductions in computer hardware have accelerated the demand for user support on the microprogram level. To service these demands, several approaches have been forwarded including the compilation from high level languages to microprogram object code [1,2,3]. Based upon the historical development of compilers, we can anticipate that microprogram compilers will eventually require object text optimization [4]. Microprograms operate some what differently from traditional assembly language programs. The microprogram language inherits many properties from the hardware architecture. A diversity of code formats has developed among available equipment. These properties have worked in opposition to unifying techniques for improving microprograms.

REFERENCES

• 1: G. R. Lloyd and A. van Dam, "Design Considerations for Microprogramming Languages", SIGMICRO NEWSLETTER, April, 1974.
• 2: C. V. Ramamoorthy , M. Tabandeh , M. Tsuchiya, A higher level language for micro-programming, Conference record of the 6th annual workshop on Microprogramming, p.139-144, September 24-25, 1973, College Park, Maryland, United States [doi>10.1145/800203.806251]
• 3: A. Keith Tirrell, A study of the application of compiler techniques to the generation of micro-code, Proceedings of the meeting on SIGPLAN/SIGMICRO interface, p.67-85, May 30-June 01, 1973, Harriman, New York, United States
• 4: R. L. Kleir and C. V. Ramamoorthy, "Optimization Strategies for Microprograms", IEEE Trans. Comput., July, 1971.
• 5: Michael J. Flynn , M. Donald McLaren, Microprogramming revisited, Proceedings of the 1967 22nd national conference, p.457-464, January 1967, Washington, D.C., United States [doi>10.1145/800196.806013]
• 6: S. S. Husson, Microprogramming Principles and Practices, Prentice-Hall, 1970.
• 7: C. V. Ramamoorthy and M. Tsuchiya, "A Study of User-Microprogrammable Computers", SJCC, 1970.
• 8: S. R. Redfield, "A Study in Microprogrammed Processors: A Medium Sized Microprogrammed Processor", IEEE Trans. Comput., July, 1970.
• 9: Allen B. Tucker , Michael J. Flynn, Dynamic microprogramming: processor organization and programming, Communications of the ACM, v.14 n.4, p.240-250, April 1971 [doi>10.1145/362575.362580]
• 10: F. E. Allen, "Program Optimization", Annual Review in Automatic Programming, Pergamon, 1969.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.1 CONTROL STRUCTURES AND MICROPROGRAMMING

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.1 CONTROL STRUCTURES AND MICROPROGRAMMING
      B.1.4 Microprogram Design Aids
          Subjects: Optimization

General Terms:
Design, Languages