A simulation applet for microcoding exercises

At the University of Edinburgh we have used a Hierarchical Computer Architecture design and Simulation Environment (HASE) to build a number of architectural models for use in research and teaching. Within HASE, the Java-HASE facility allows models to be translated into applets which can be accessed via the WWW. The Edinburgh Microcodable Microprocessor Applet (EMMA) was created in response to a need to provide students with a reliable practical experiment on processor design in a Computer Design course. There are currently two versions, a Basic model that can execute single-cycle arithmetic operations and an Enhanced model that can also execute multiply and divide. The Basic model was used successfully by a class of about 80 students in 2003.