APPENDIX Tools for Processor Evaluation
Given the complexity of many processor configurations, it is not always possible to predict performance or the area required for many designs without the help of simulation or prediction tools. In this text, we provide simple tools that can give reasonable estimates of many design parameters.
The SimpleScalar tool set is used for exploring the design space for instruction processors. Its backend has been precompiled to support four architectures: Alpha, ARM, PISA (a variant of MIPS), and x86.
Figure A.1 shows the setting for the SimpleScalar web interface. Figures A.2 and A.3 present two simulated results using different L1 cache configurations and different translation lookaside buffer (TLB) configurations.
This web interface provides the following key features to users:
- enabling different instruction set architectures (ISAs) such as PISA, ARM, and x86;
- enabling different benchmark programs such as math.c, fmath.c, and llong.c;
- enabling different ...