gem5 Architecture Simulator Tutorial @ HPCA 2024

6th gem5 Tutorial
In conjunction with HPCA 2024
Register for the tutorial via HPCA’s registration process: https://hpca-conf.org/2024/.
Early registration deadline: February 2nd.

gem5 is the leading open-source computer  architecture simulator, used in computer system design by academia, industry for research, and in teaching. Co-located at HPCA ’24 in Edinburgh Scotland, gem5 developers from UC Davis will be running a tutorial to educate the computer architecture community on using gem5 and how it can utilized in their own work.

This will be a full-day event and focus on teaching those new to gem5 how to use the latest version, v23.1. This tutorial will assume no prior experience using computer architecture simulators and can be considered a “crash course” in using gem5. The tutorial will focus heavily on new features in gem5, such as the gem5 “suites” and other gem5 standard library features, so will also be suitable for those who have used gem5 before but wish to refresh their skills.

The preliminary schedule for this event includes:

* A short history of gem5.
* Overall (software) architecture of gem5.
* Compiling gem5.
* Using SCons and Kconfig.
* Ruby Protocols, ISAs, and other options.
* Introduction to running a gem5 simulation using prebuilt systems
* First time running gem5 and interpreting the output.
* Building a gem5 simulation using stdlib components.
* Simple example to show select statistical outputs.
* Adding `DEBUG` flags to gem5.
* SE-mode vs simulations: Pros, cons, Limitations and use-cases.
* Building an FS mode simulation in the stdlib.
* Creating your gem5 SimObject.
* Structure of gem5 C++ code.
* Writing a simple SimObject.
* Creating your own component, extending from the stdlib.
* Running simulations using your SimObject/component.
* Creating your own stdlib compoent.
* Creating your own ISA instruction.
* gem5 Resources
* Binaries, kernels, and disk images.
* Workloads and suites.
* Contributing to gem5.

For the most up-to-date information on this event going-forward please visit the gem5 Tutorial event page: https://www.gem5.org/events/hpca-2024