Title
Bringing real processors to labs
Abstract
The architecture of current processors has experienced great changes in the last years, leading to sophisticated multithreaded multicore processors. The inherent complexity of such processors makes difficult to update processor teaching to include current commercial products, especially at lab sessions where simplistic simulators are usually used. However, instructors are forced to reduce this gap if they want to properly prepare students in this topic. Dealing with these complex concepts at labs does not only help reinforce theoretical concepts but also has a positive effect in the students'motivation. This article presents a methodology designed for the study of current microprocessor mechanisms in a gradual way without overwhelming students. The methodology is based on the use of a detailed simulation framework, used both in the academia and in the industry, which accurately models features from current processors. Due to the huge simulator complexity, it is introduced through several learning phases. Qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that students are able to develop skills in a detailed simulator in a reasonable time period and, at the same time they learn the details of complex architectural mechanisms of commercial microprocessors. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Year
DOI
Venue
2015
10.1002/cae.21645
Periodicals
Keywords
Field
DocType
lab sessions,computer architecture,processor simulation,multicore processors
Architecture,Computer science,Simulation,Microprocessor,Multi-core processor
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
23
5
1061-3773
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
0
0.34
4
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Crispín Gómez Requena116012.57
María Engracia Gómez214917.48
Julio Sahuquillo342053.71