Application-dependent simulation of microprocessor-based multiprocessors

The paper describes techniques to improve parallel algorithm design and performance evaluation on multiprocessors constructed from off-the-shelf microprocessors. Parallel algorithms are characterized by a set of parameters, and this characterization is used to generate a synthetic parallel program whose performance is then simulated. A concurrent program, which takes the form of a collection of machine language program files, is simulated in a serial fashion by enforcing a one-step behaviour constraint. The multiprocessor configuration to be simulated is described by three user-supplied data files and a pair of network function calls. By combining characterization, synthetic code generation and simulation we present a unique and flexible methodology for insight into multiprocessor dynamic behaviour.