LMSim, cacheminnessimulator för utbildningssyfte
Cache simulator is a tool to increase the understanding of a cache memory. Therefore cache memory simulation is included in the course Computer Engineering IS1200 at the Royal Institution of Technology. The purpose of this project is to develop a cache memory simulator for education. The existing MipsIt and Mips Simulator which is currently used in IS1200 has been the main source of inspiration. This resulted in the development of the cache memory simulator LMSim. LMSims purpose is to replace the current simulator Mips in future courses treating the subject cache memories, this as a result of the lack of educational functionality in Mips.LMSim is developed to simulate cache memory for educational purpose. This is achieved by using a simplified user interface with limited functionality. Input for the simulation is generated as a reference stream by the Nios II Simulator NIISim. The format of the reference stream is .din which is used by the cache simulator Dinero III, the format has been extended to include size to suit its purpose.LMSim is currently not fulfilling its goal to replace Mips in the course IS1200, further development and testing is required. Potential future projects in case of LMSims completion could be added support for the extended .din format in NIISim. A direct link between the simulator and course material could also be implemented for deeper educational understanding.