A microprogramming project for a course in computer systems

Abstract

This paper describes a microprogramming project in a course in Computer Systems and Architecture. The project requires the students to write a machine language emulator on a simple microarchitecture. The limited scope of the machine language and the simplicity of the microarchitecture reduce the project to a manageable size. A simulator implements the microarchitecture, producing tracing output which allows students to follow the flow of their microprograms. The project and the simulator have proved to be a useful tools in teaching the concepts of emulation and microcoding.