MIPS Processor Implemented in a Visual Simulator for Educational Use
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5753/ijcae.2024.5342Keywords:
MIPS, Arquitetura de Computadores, Processador, Pipeline, logisimAbstract
Computer Architecture and Organization (AOC) is a common component in Computer Science programs. Due to the physical characteristics of the objects studied in this subject, it is not possible to bring a way to visualize how these objects function as if we were looking at the gears of a clock. From the observation of some studies, we found that the use of simulators contributes to improving this situation. However, these software tools usually simulate the functioning of the architecture without showing how it works or lack ways to interact with the simulated circuit. This paper presents the Aperture Project, delivering incremental implementations of a MIPS processor, ranging from a single-cycle to a pipeline with forwarding and branch buffers, using the Logisim digital circuit simulator. In this project, users can execute code on the processor, visualize its operation, and modify the circuit. The goal of this work is to collaborate with AOC education by providing material focused on visualizing and interacting with the simulated circuit.
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