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Three simulator tools for teaching computer architecture: Little Man computer, and RTLSim

Published:01 December 2001Publication History
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Abstract

Teaching computer architecture (at any level) is not an easy task. To enhance learning, a critical mass of educators has begun using simulator visualizations of different computer architectures. Here we present three representative computer architecture simulators for learning which show that there is a growing consensus for computer simulation as a teaching tool for complex dynamic processes, such as underlying computer operations. Simulators also show the wide spectrum of pedagogical goals for teaching computer organization and architecture. Specifically, the three simulators we describe are (1) EasyCPU for the Intel 80x86 family of CPUs; (2) Little Man Computer for a general von Neumann computer architecture; and (3) RTLSim, a data path simulator for a MIPS-like CPU. An appendix is provided for more detailed descriptions of each simulator.

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  1. Three simulator tools for teaching computer architecture: Little Man computer, and RTLSim

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            cover image Journal on Educational Resources in Computing
            Journal on Educational Resources in Computing  Volume 1, Issue 4
            December 2001
            151 pages
            ISSN:1531-4278
            EISSN:1531-4278
            DOI:10.1145/514144
            Issue’s Table of Contents

            Copyright © 2001 ACM

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            Association for Computing Machinery

            New York, NY, United States

            Publication History

            • Published: 1 December 2001
            Published in jeric Volume 1, Issue 4

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