PARET; an integrated visual tool for the study of parallel systems

PARET (Parallel Architecture Research and Evaluation Tool) is an object-oriented graphical environment for the study of parallel or multiprocessor systems that provides a laboratory for investigation of alternative architectural decisions and experiments with such issues as scheduling, mapping, and routing policies. PARET is unique in providing an animated interactive visual tool for parallel systems with a modeling paradigm that is closely linked to its graphical representation. Models have the same morphology regardless of the subsystem represented or the level of detail in the model. Presently, PARET runs on SUN workstations, using color graphics, mouse input, and pop-up menus to control and observe a simulation engine. Ongoing projects using PARET include evaluation of a special-purpose multiprocessor system and use of PARET in a system to create application-specific ICs for signal processing