The Transputer

Finding out how a particular computer works is a good way for programmers to improve their understanding of how programs are executed. The Transputer is a good computer to choose as an example to look at because it is a real, up-to-date computer, and yet it is relatively simple.

While reading these pages, you will want to run the simulation program to see the Transputer in action. If your browser supports Java version 1.1, you can press this button to start up the Transputer simulator now.

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Your browser apparently does not understand Java 1.1

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Alternatively, if you have a Java implementation available supporting version 1.1, you can download the source compile it, and run it as an application. See the download section below.

Contents

1. Introduction

What is the Transputer?

Downloading the Transputer Simulator

2. The Display

Registers

Data

Program

3. Arithmetic

A simple sum

An expression

4. The Workspace

Grabbing Space

Storing Intermediate Values

Assignment

5. Making Choices and Looping

Testing

Jumping

6. Procedure Calls

Calling and Returning

7. Further Details

Assembly Language

Multi-byte Instructions

Language Support

Concurrency and Communications

Graphics