A Graphical Full System Simulator for Undergraduate Computer Architecture Education

计算机体系结构近年来有了很大的发展，但这些创新在计算机组织导论课程中并没有被广泛教授。现有的模拟器主要供研究人员使用，但不能满足学生的需求。为这个项目开发的模拟器模拟了一个完整的x86机器，包括现代架构组件，包括多核、超标量、两级缓存和推测。学生选择诸如管道或内存之类的组件来可视化数据的处理方式。多层抽象允许学生忽略他们还没有准备好学习的组件。还可以使用图形用户界面重新配置体系结构组件。预期的结果包括模拟器作为一个独立的应用程序，一个web applet和实验室练习的集合。材料的设计是在现有的计算机组织和体系结构课程中使用。该applet可以被任何现代浏览器访问，因此允许广泛的受众采用。小规模的文科学校美国大学（American University）和大型公立大学马里兰大学（University of Maryland）正在进行试点。

Computer Science (31)Computer architectures have evolved greatly in recent years but these innovations are not widely taught in introductory computer organization courses. Existing simulators are used by researchers but do not meet the needs of students. The simulator developed for this project models a full x86 machine and includes modern architectural components including multicore, superscalar, two-level cache and speculation. Students select components such as the pipeline or memory to visualize how data are processed. Multiple levels of abstractions allow student to ignore components that they are not ready to study. One can also reconfigure the architecture components using a graphical user interface.Expected outcomes include the simulator as a standalone application, a web applet and a collection of laboratory exercises. Materials are designed to be used within existing computer organization and architecture courses. The applet can be accessed by any modern browser and thus allows adoption by a wide audience. Pilot testing is being performed at American University, a small liberal arts school, and the University of Maryland, a large public university.