Application of hardware description languages to microprogramming

Abstract

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.