VMW: a visualization-based microarchitecture workbench

Superscalar processor design requires increasingly sophisticated software tools. The visualization-based microarchitecture workbench described in the paper addresses weaknesses common to most performance simulators: the lack of retargetability, visualization support, and interactive control. VMW provides a multifunction workbench for aiding designers of modern superscalar processors. It facilitates rigorous machine specification by providing specification templates at both the architecture and microarchitecture levels.