The Design and Microprogrammed Implementation of a Structured Language Machine

Abstract

A computer architecture is described which is suitable for the execution of structured languages (such as Pascal or Algol) at the intermediate language level. The design is heavily stack oriented and consists basically of a dual processor with one processor dedicated largely to address mapping and stack maintenance. The structure has been implemented using microprogrammable bit-slice processors. The stack organisation is described and their possible utilisation during process execution is examined. The use of a tag facility for memory is also considered. Software development for the system includes a flexible micro-assembler and a program for the placement of microinstructions in the two-dimensional address space of micromemory, both of which are briefly described.