Book Image

Computer Architecture with Python and ARM

By : Alan Clements
Book Image

Computer Architecture with Python and ARM

By: Alan Clements

Overview of this book

This comprehensive guide offers a unique and immersive learning experience by combining Python programming with ARM architecture. Starting with an introduction to computer architecture and the flow of data within a computer system, you’ll progress to building your own interpreter using Python. You’ll see how this foundation enables the simulation of computer operations and learn ways to enhance a simulator by adding new instructions and displaying improved results. As you advance, you’ll explore the TC1 Assembler and Simulator Program to gain insights into instruction analysis and explore practical examples of simulators. This will help you build essential skills in understanding complex computer instructions, strengthening your grasp of computer architecture. Moreover, you’ll be introduced to the Raspberry Pi operating system, preparing you to delve into the detailed language of the ARM computer. This includes exploring the ARM instruction set architecture, data-processing instructions, subroutines, and the stack. With clear explanations, practical examples, and coding exercises, this resource will enable you to design and construct your own computer simulator, simulate assembly language programs, and leverage the Raspberry Pi for ARM programming.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
1
Part 1: Using Python to Simulate a Computer
Free Chapter
2
Chapter 1: From Finite State Machines to Computers
10
Part 2: Using Raspberry Pi to Study a Real Computer Architecture

Literal addressing

The easiest addressing mode is literal addressing. Instead of saying where an operand is in memory, you provide the operand in an instruction (i.e., this is literally the value). Other addressing modes require you to specify where an operand is in memory. Consider the following Python expression, which has two literals, 30 and 12:

if A > 30: B = 12

We can express this fragment of Python in ARM assembly language as follows:

                         @ Register r0 is A and r1 is B
      cmp    r0,#30      @ Compare A with 30
      ble    Exit        @ If A ≤ 30, skip the next operation
      mov    r1,#12 ...