Charles W. Rose

N.mPc: A Retrospective

N.mPc, a mature, UNIX (FOOTNOTE: UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories)-based computer-aided design tool is described. Its structure, performance, and limitations are discussed together with its applications to the design of multiple processor hardware/software systems and VLSI.

N.mPc: A Study in University-Industry Technology Transfer

A good idea¿in this case, new, practical techniques for the design of multiple-microprocessor and VLSI systems¿and industry/academia cooperation can lead to unexpected commercial success.

Distributed Computer Intelligence for Data Acquisition and Control

The critical needs of nuclear science have motivated a trend toward distributed computer systems for data acquisition and control. Such systems combine the flexibility of distributed input/output systems with the capability of handling high data rates and critical control loops by localized intelligence and data reduction. Common problems of such systems such as data rate variations, analysis of alternative configurations, and utilization of standard modules are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of the microprocessor as a common component of the system.

The N.2 System

The N.2 System is described. N.2 is a simulation based design environment which is built upon the N.mPc System [1]. Major enhancements are presented, as well as a system overview. Areas covered include a hierarchical description facility, expanded port interconnection primitives, fault insertion/detection, a PLA description language, and increased use of graphics.

Application of hardware description languages to microprogramming: Method, practice, and limitations

The use of microprogrammable processors and networks of microcomputers has induced a reconsideration of development tools and methodologies for system design and construction. This article presents the history, structure, and use of a system developed at Case Western Reserve to support the development of these kinds of systems. Other applications of hardware description languages to microprogramming and system development are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of limitations on the application of hardware description languages to this area as a consequence of faults in the languages themselves.

The N. mPc Runtime Environment

Presents the N. mPc runtime environment consisting of the Ecologist, Simulated Memory Processor, Kernel, Command Interpreter, and Simulated Memory Manager. The Ecologist and Simulated Memory Processor assemble the hardware and software modules to form network simulations. The Kernel, Command Interpreter, and Simulated Memory Manager provide the runtime environment The Kernel performs all process scheduling, data structure manipulation, and manages simulation breakpoint and monitor functions. Simulated memories are handled by the Simulated Memory Manager. The interface between the simulation and the user is handled by the Command Interpreter which accepts commands from the user to examine or modify simulation states, to control simulation execution, or to set up data collection from executing simulations.

Integrating Stochastic Performance Analysis with System Design Tools

SPA is a stochastic performance analysis utility which is part of the N.2 System Design Environment. It allows performance analysis of a system under design within the same environment that the behavioral design itself takes place, and at multiple levels of abstractions.

Database concepts used in the LOGOS computer-aided design system

Some criteria for the database construction of a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) System are specified. These criteria are discussed in terms of the LOGOS CAD system. From the discussion of the LOGOS implementation, a generalized approach to database design for CAD systems is proposed.