Using the Alfa-1 simulated processor for educational purposes

  • Authors:
  • Gabriel A. Wainer;Sergio Daicz;Luis F. De Simoni;Demian Wassermann

  • Affiliations:
  • Carleton Univ.;Universidad de Buenos Aires;Universidad de Buenos Aires;Universidad de Buenos Aires

  • Venue:
  • Journal on Educational Resources in Computing (JERIC)
  • Year:
  • 2001

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Abstract

Alfa-1 is a simulated computer designed for computer organizationcourses. Alfa-1 and its accompanying toolkit allow students toacquire practical insights into developing hardware by extendingexisting components. The DEVS formalism is used to model individualcomponents and to integrate them into a hierarchy that describesthe detailed behavior of different levels of a computer'sarchitecture. We introduce Alfa-1 and the toolkit, show how toextend existing components, and describe how to use Alfa-1 foreducational purposes. We also explain how to assemble, link, andexecute applications and how to test new extensions usingthetesting tools.