计算机体系结构软件模拟技术

Computer Architecture Software-Based Simulation

在现代处理器或计算机系统设计中,体系结构软件模拟技术已成为一个不可缺少的环节.与不使用模拟技术的计算机系统或处理器设计方法相比,软件模拟技术可以极大地降低设计成本和缩短设计周期.然而,由于开发计算机体系结构软件模拟器通常十分困难,模拟器运行标准性能测试程序的时间很长以及模拟结果精度差等3个主要问题,限制了体系结构软件模拟技术在计算机系统设计中的有效性.许多研究人员已经提出了各种各样的方法和技术来解决这些问题,但是,到目前为止,这些问题还并未得到根本性解决.同时,未来体系结构模拟技术的新挑战已经开始显现.研究了体系结构软件模拟技术的由来和历史,对现有的技术和方法进行了分类和比较,对未来的挑战也进行了分析,指出了该领域今后的发展方向,以帮助计算机体系结构设计师或研究人员选择、开发体系结构模拟器或对该技术进行研究.基于这些调查分析,正在使用较为先进的技术开发一个适合于安腾系列架构的体系结构模拟器SimIPF.

Computer architecture simulation is an integral part of modem computer design process. Simulation can help architects reduce the time and cost of computer architecture design dramatically, However, difficulties of constructing simulators, long simulation time, and poor accuracy limit the effectiveness of simulation. Many researchers have proposed a wide range of approaches to resolving the three main problems, which are still open. Meanwhile, new challenges start to emerge for future computer architecture simulation. This paper investigates the history of computer architecture simulation, classifies and compares the existing methodologies and technologies, and analyzes the challenges to help architects select, develop, or research on simulators. A brief description of the simulator SimlPF design is provided as well.