A Microcode Compiler that Runs on the IBM AT.

PENGUIN SOFTWARE, Inc has demonstrated the feasibility of supporting microcode development with a retargetable microcode compiler. This approach avoids many of the problems associated with microcode compilers by allowing the designer to specify an efficient language tailored to the requirements of a particular computer design and programming algorithm. In particular, we avoid the issues of code compaction, and resource allocation. Prototype compilers were generated which have the capability of supporting a broad class of different languages, and generating microcode for virtually any digital hardware architecture. Based on the performance of these compilers, several recommendations have been made for future enhancements. One especially important modification is necessary to support cascaded, systolic, and parallel arrays of microprocessor. Another change concerns using HILEVEL Technologies HAlLE meta-assembly language as an intermediate language.