Showing papers on "Emulation published in 1974"

Table driven emulation system

Abstract: A host microprogrammed data processing system includes a plurality of tables to store information coded to define a plurality of a variety of different input-output system configurations of resources required to execute input-output instructions in a corresponding number of target systems being emulated by the host system. The host system further includes emulation apparatus which includes a control store which stores microprograms for directing the system in processing input-output instructions of target programs and for verifying whether each such instruction can be executed by the host system. The emulation apparatus generates coded information indicating which one of a given number of channel program routines the host system is required to use to execute the input-output instruction using the host input-output resources. Using the information of the tables, the emulation apparatus is able to execute completely certain types of target system input-output instructions used to perform control operations.

Direct Transition Memory and its Application in Computer Design

Abstract: This paper investigates a potential application of microprogrammable memories to the problem of sequential network synthesis and computer design. It is shown that by allowing a controllable amount of memory redundance, a microprogrammed emulation of a state table can be organized such that decision branches in the microprogram are achieved in an immediate multiport manner, without the need of additional branch steps in the microprogram, thus increasing operational speed. A design technique is developed which, for a given state table, allows a minimum number of memory address variables to be used while minimizing the dependence of the variables on both the input and current state information. This technique has immediate practical application in the design of sequential networks, and is shown to be feasible in the controller design of a general purpost computer.

The Microprogrammable Multi-Processor (MMP) system for simultaneous emulation of interoperating computer systems

Abstract: A Teleprocessing Design Center (TDC) has been established within the Communications/Automatic Laboratory of the US Army Electronics Command (ECOM) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, for the purpose of supporting experimentation in developing and validating Army Tactical Data Systems (ARTADS) configurations.The TDC is collocated within the Communications/Automatic Data Processing Laboratory with the Communications System Design Facility which includes circuit and message switching systems, systems and technical control facilities, and transmission media. The heart of the TDC is the MMP system which will provide the capability of simultaneously emulating up to two interoperating ARTAD systems. This paper describes that system, including the hardware and key software modules, and provides a detailed look at its use in emulating one of the ARTAD systems, namely the Tactical Fire Direction System (TACFIRE). Of particular interest is the system nature of this emulation, since not only the processor itself, but each and every one of the diverse peripheral units will be emulated.

Microprogramming and its relationship to emulation and technology

Abstract: This paper is a survey of the development and future trends in microprogramming. We show how the structure of microprogrammed processors has been shaped primarily by two factors: the state of (semiconductor) technology and the task of emulation. The other main theme of this article is that it is a fruitless exercise to try to characterize and understand microprogramming in terms of how it differs from 'regular' programming. The right approach to understanding microprogramming is to recognize that it is primarily applied to the task of emulation (interpretation). Through this approach the evolution of microprogramming, independent of a particular technology and type of instruction set being emulated, is reviewed and future trends indicated.

Emulation of computer networks by microprogrammable microcomputers

Abstract: The advent of low cost, sophisticated, microprogrammable, LSI microprocessors has renewed interest in multiple-computer systems. This paper suggests a method of implementing microprogrammable microcomputer systems as a sophisticated tool (emulators) for decreasing the economic risk involved in development of large computer networks. Two levels of emulation are proposed for different network configurations. At the first level each microprocessor emulates one of the large computers in the real network. At the second level of emulation, an additional microprocessor emulates the front-end processor associated with each large computer. The Intel 8080 microprocessors are selected for implementing the systems described.

System description of the JHU emulation laboratory

Abstract: The emulation laboratory described in this paper is being implemented at Johns Hopkins University as a research and educational facility. Currently, we are planning to use this laboratory to support research in the following areas:1) Examination of and experimentation with novel system architectures,2) Evaluation of various directly executed language (DEL) structures and the effective structure of their associated base machines [4], and3) Dynamic analysis of the Performance of current machine organizations by a combination of emulation and embedded data collection routines.The design of the emulation laboratory and, particularly, the host machine have evolved from several seminars given at Johns Hopkins [1], [2], [3]. From these discussions we felt that there were several important features that our laboratory should include.

Application of microprogramming to medium scale computer design

Abstract: The concept of microprogrammable architectures can provide the system designer with a powerful development tool. This paper describes the development process of a medium scale computer system, using a specific microprogrammable processor. The hardware architecture used in this system is referred to as the MPP (microprogrammable processor) while the resulting computer system is referred to as the MP-60.The MPP hardware was designed to accomplish two primary goals; to shorten the lead time for computer system development by establishing a set of hardware building blocks, and to provide a mechanism for computer system emulation.

An experimental seminar on microprogramming and emulation

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe an experimental senior/graduate-level seminar on "Microprogramming and Emulation" which was offered during the 1974 Spring Semester at the University of Delaware. The stated a priori objective of the course was:"To study the current "state-of-the-art" of microprogramming and microprogrammable machines, to look at where microprogramming is going and why; to develop tools for characterizing tasks and for designing architectures appropriate for a particular task such as emulation."