Microprogram documentation with design in mind

Abstract

This paper discusses the dilemmas of microcode documentation. It discusses the traditional relationship between "designing" microcode and "documenting" microcode. It establishes a different relationship between designing and documenting, one where the primary emphasis is shifted to documentation. The activities of documenting become the "process" by which a quality design can be achieved. A strategic documentation framework combined with a high-level design language to form and test the proper solution is suggested as a means of achieving quality designs.