Simulation of the Super-scalar Processor Core Operation

2018. No. 591.

Иванова Е. М., Вишнеков А. В.

The article considers the features of super-scalar processors, their way of performing several operations on several pairs of operands simultaneously. The research focuses on the organization of processor pipeline operation for execution of several machine instructions in one processor core. The simulating kit was developed for better understanding of an execution engine of several commands in the pipeline. It includes two parts: program and methodical recommendations on its use with multiple task options. The simulating kit demonstrates the pipeline architecture consisting of two clusters: front-end and back-end and the principle of translating complex multi-cycle CISC-like instructions into simpler RISC-like microoperations. The main types of machine instructions are considered: data transfer between registers and memory cells (four variations), data processing of couple of operands from registers and memory cells (four variations), conditional jump to the specified address. The program-simulator makes it possible to conduct a more detailed simulation of one of the three mechanisms for calculations accelerating in the processor core: multi-functional (super-scalar) processing, out-of-order processing, speculative instructions execution after the branch prediction. The simulating kit is used in educational process when training masters of Higher School of Economics National Research University.

Ключевые слова: branch prediction, CPU core, pipeline simulation, super-scalar processor, out-of-order processing