A Highly Interactive PC based Simulator Tool for Teaching Microprocessor Architecture and Assembly Language Programming

摘要

The principal author of this paper has taught advanced undergraduate level courses in computer sciences for the past six years. Lab-Volt electromechanical μP experimental sets [1] have been used for microprocessor (μP) and computer architecture course at the University of Gazi in Ankara, Turkey. As the number of the students in classrooms is crowded and the number of the sets is insufficient, the students are grouped into two teams. Attempting to increase the number of the sets faced cost considerations [2, 3]. The student having designed the software component of a project may not be able to access to the laboratory because of schedule/security difficulties [3]. Like most computer system courses, Assembly Language Programming (ALP) is being used as a vehicle to understand the interrelationship and interactions between the different components of a computer system [4]. The programs in ALP written by the user are translated to machine language by using a hand assembler or third party assembler and are entered to experimental sets [5, 6]. During the execution of the programs, the students are unable to see what steps are taken in the hardware units and to comprehend the consequences [7-10]. This is especially the case when teaching the matters regarding to I/O operations. The students are also unable to get sufficient help materials and supervision during the laboratory sessions [2, 3, 11]. As a result, the success of the students which has been monitored stayed below a certain level. In proposing new methods when teaching/learning μP architecture and ALP, the use of computers and functional simulators as an assisting tool is emphasized [4, 12]. The use of a simulator has two advantages: the first one is to develop a suitable simulator for desired μP except commercial and standard types, the second one is to get good results by using simulator for visualization and debugging. In addition, the programs written for a processor are able to be executed in computers having different types of processors [4]. This enables the students to use the simulators at any environment.