Simulating the UltraSPARC-T2

Two months back, I started playing around with the UltraSPARC-T2 development tools that are available. Included with the tools are the following simulators:

• SAM (SPARC Architecture Modeler)
• Legion (Fast Instruction Simulator)

These tools are intended for developers to simulate the architecture on other SPARC systems. I took the time to compile the tools on my Sun Blade 2000. It does take some considerable overhead to simulate a single UltraSPARC-T2 processor core. However, the learning experience is worth the effort. Both tools enable you to simulate the complete stack (processor, POST, hypervisor, and OBP), and enable you to run a guest OS. Definitely an interesting way to learn about the architecture under the hood!

Here is a screenshot of SAM:


Here's a screenshot of Legion:


Now that the hypervisor API has been released, I'll be playing with this more. Hopefully, I'll be able to get my arms around the programming and do something useful:)