A Study of General-Purpose Microprogrammable Computer Architectures.
Abstract
Based on an extensive review of the literature, this report provides a comprehensive framework and descriptive parameters for the analysis of microprogrammable computer architectures. Separate discussions on hardware considerations, microprogramming considerations and control storage considerations are included. The emphasis is on identifying and analyzing those architectural features which provide flexibility and thus enhance the 'general-purpose' capabilities of microprogrammable processors. Introductory material traces the historical development of microprogramming from a technique of the computer designer to a tool of the systems and applications programmers. The concepts of 'firmware' and 'dynamic microprogramming' are also examined along with 'emulation' and the 'universal host' machine. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0768884
Entities
People
- Alan B. Salisbury
Organizations
- Stanford University