A Dynamically Microprogrammable Computer with Low-Level Parallelism

A new microprogrammable computer with low-level parallelism was built and has been utilized as a research vehicle for solving different classes of research-oriented applications such as real-time processings on static/dynamic images, pictures and signals, and emulations of both existing and virtual machines including high (intermediate) level language machines. The design goal of the machine was to achieve a high degree of processing enhancement in research- oriented applications by means of a low-level parallel processing organization combined with dynamically microprogrammable control. The machine has the capability to process multiple data streams, performing parallel operations with four 16-bit ALU´s. These ALU´s are independently controlled by the different fields of a 160-bit horizontal-type microinstruction, and have simultaneous access to 15 working registers. This microprogrammed MIMD organization is expected to provide a greater degree of flexibility for low-level parallel processing. In addition, not only does the machine contain powerful ALU´s and a large number of registers, but also it employs flexible control structures and a hierarchical organization of control storage. All of these combine to yield extensive microprogramming capability which the user can effectively tailor to a wide spectrum of applications.