SuperscalarSIM

Superscalar Simulator (ALPHA version) based on Tomasulo's Algorithm

The purpose of this project is to help students of computer engineering understand the concepts of superscalarity in microprocessor architecture.

This program consists of a simulator for a superscalar architecture based on Tomasulo's algorithm.

This is an alpha version with the purpose of being evaluated and improved. Any contributions are welcomed.

Roberto Miranda robertomap@gmail.com

Eduardo Gregório eduardo.gregorio@sga.pucminas.br

How to use it

Requiremens

• Java 10 or lower

Compiling, Building and Running the project

You need to set your java executable locations in the path_to_JDK_executables.txt file to the apropriate ones. (If the latest java version you have installed is less or equal to version 10, ignore this step.)

You can use the scripts in this folder to run, compile or build the entire project. Use the PowerShell scripts (.ps1 files) for Windows and the .sh files for UNIX. To execute the PowerShell scripts, you need to open PowerShell and execute this command: Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass Process.

Starting the Simulator

There's a JRE 8 compiled binary available in the dist folder. To use it, just double click the SuperscalarSIM.jar file. You can also run it from the command line.

 $ java -jar dist/SuperscalarSIM.jar 

Opening an Assembly Code

Once started, go to File menu, then Open Program. It will appear a file selection window. Select a pseudo MIPS assemply file and click Open. Some examples are available in the test folder. After selecting the file the assembly code will appear in the memory block, represented by the left side table.

Configuring Operational Parameters

On the Configuration menu it's possible to select different pipeline execution options.

• Operational Units

  • Second ALU Unit
  • Second FP Unit
  • Second Memory Unit

  ---

  • 2-line Buffer
  • 3-line Buffer

• Pipeline Ways

  • 1-way Pipeline
  • 2-way Pipeline
  • 4-way Pipeline

Executing the Code

Now you'll be able to see the instructions flowing through the pipeline one clock tick at a time.

Every time you click on the Next button, at the left lower side, you push the execution ahead one clock cycle. Thus the simulator will evalute every pipeline stage. The menu command File -> Run have the same purpose.