Research and Advances
Computing Applications

An experiment in high level language microprogramming and verification

Posted

The STRUM system was created to apply software engineering techniques to microprogramming. It provides the tools that allow the microprogrammer to use high level language, structured programming, and formal program verification to create emulations for a horizontally microprogrammed computer. This system is evaluated in two parts: (1) High level microprogramming language design and its use in structured microprogramming; and (2) Verification of a large microprogram. Both parts of this evaluation include experimental results. Part I includes a comparison of an emulation created using traditional techniques to the same emulation created using the STRUM system. Part II describes the formal verification of a 1700 line program that was immediately subjected to extensive testing. This work provides new results on the efficiency of high level microprogramming languages, the effectiveness of peephole optimization for microcode and the practicality of formal microprogram verification.

View this article in the ACM Digital Library.

Join the Discussion (0)

Become a Member or Sign In to Post a Comment

The Latest from CACM

Shape the Future of Computing

ACM encourages its members to take a direct hand in shaping the future of the association. There are more ways than ever to get involved.

Get Involved

Communications of the ACM (CACM) is now a fully Open Access publication.

By opening CACM to the world, we hope to increase engagement among the broader computer science community and encourage non-members to discover the rich resources ACM has to offer.

Learn More