Sparrow: A Teaching CPU Simulator Based on Windows with Graphical User Interface

Software simulation and emulation have become an important means of teaching complex systems, especially with the emergence and rise of concepts like the metaverse. CPU simulators, historically important tools for computer architecture research, have begun to be introduced into computer-related courses. Although most CPU simulators are used primarily in graduate courses related to computer system architecture, their application in undergraduate courses has been limited due to the complexity of the simulated CPU structure, the high experimentation threshold of Linux systems, and the high difficulty of experimentation associated with command line interfaces. In response to these issues, this study proposes and designs a signal-level, control logic customizable, multi-cycle combinational logic CPU simulator with a graphical user interface feature that runs on the Windows system. The simulator demonstrates good usability and instructional capabilities, making it suitable for teaching in undergraduate computer architecture related courses.