MCU Microprogramming Language Study-Source Level Description.

Abstract : The problems of firmware development are briefly considered with specific references to the AN/UYK-17 SPE and, in particular, the Microprogrammed Control Unit (MCU). Alternatives treated are definition of a hospitable target machine, and direct generation of microcode from a higher level language. Various forms and levels of higher level languages are discussed. A motivation and source level description of a proposed language, PUMPKIN, are included. Three levels of this language are briefly described (base, base augmented with run time support, extensible base). Areas for proposed future research are outlined. (Author)