Web-Based Simulator of Superscalar RISC-V Processors

Abstract

This paper presents an advanced, web-based simulator designed to help students and professionals master the fundamentals of superscalar RISC-V processors, HW/SW co-design, and HPC optimization. The tool features customizable processor and memory architectures, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for computational architectures. Utilizing a modern web GUI and offering full C compiler support alongside detailed runtime statistics, this simulator significantly enhances skills development in modern processor design.

Report

Key Highlights

• Novel Web-Based Tool: The core innovation is a simulator delivered via a modern web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), maximizing accessibility.
• Superscalar RISC-V Focus: The simulator is specifically engineered to model and analyze superscalar RISC-V processor architectures.
• Educational Emphasis: It serves as a comprehensive tool for IT students and professionals to grasp complex concepts, including HW/SW co-design and High-Performance Computing (HPC) optimization techniques.
• Customization: Users can modify the underlying processor and memory architectures for experimentation.

Technical Details

• Target Architecture: Superscalar RISC-V processors.
• Input Capability: Provides full support for compiling and running C programs directly within the environment.
• Analysis Output: Generates detailed runtime statistics, allowing users to measure and evaluate performance metrics.
• Interface: Features a modern, user-friendly, web-based GUI for ease of use and accessibility.
• Simulated Components: Allows customization of both the processor core and the memory hierarchy.

Implications

• Democratization of Education: By being web-based, the simulator lowers the barrier to entry for learning complex processor architectures, requiring only a browser rather than specialized local software or high-cost physical hardware.
• Accelerating RISC-V Adoption: The tool provides critical educational infrastructure necessary to train developers and engineers proficient in optimizing software and designing hardware for the growing RISC-V ecosystem.
• Enhancing HPC Research: The customizable architecture and detailed statistics enable professionals to rapidly test the performance implications of different design choices for power-efficient and high-speed programs.
• Practical Co-Design: It allows direct visualization of how software compiled via the C compiler interacts with specific hardware configurations, which is vital for effective HW/SW co-design.