Student: Vahid Bahreman

Supervisor: Z. Stachniak

Description

The manufacturers of tablets, pocket PCs, smart-phones, etc. frequently release software simulators (or emulators) of these devices to emulate the functionality of actual products for cost-effective development of application software (e.g. to test how a given device's software, screen, keyboard, or trackwheel will work with an application under development). These simulators can also be used as sophisticated tools for testing, training and in presentations. The design and implementation of such emulators require a broad computer science expertise from hardware architecture to operating systems and computer graphics.

The history of computing is another area that actively supports the development of emulators of historically significant hardware (mostly computers and game consoles). As a result, there is at least one emulator of almost every significant system. This activity contributes, in the first place, to the preservation and dissemination of significant hardware and software technologies. The project's objective is to design and implement an emulator of the CPS/1 computer – one of the earliest commercially available microprocessor-powered computers. York University Computer Museum is in the possession of CPS-1's design blueprints and other technical documentation. The completed project would be a significant contribution to the preservation of unique Canadian computer technologies.

Background information: The CPS/1 computer was designed and built by a Canadian company Microsystems International Ltd. between 1972 and 73. The computer was built around the first Canadian microprocessor–the MF7114–one of world's earliest microprocessors. Although none of the CPS/1 computers have survived, technical information about the CPS/1 has been preserved. This makes the design and implementation of an emulator possible. More information on http://www.cse.yorku.ca/museum/collections/MIL/MIL.htm