Language coprocessor to support the interpretation of MODULA-2 programs

Interpretation of intermediate code using general-purpose microprocessors is slow and cumbersome. Typically, the emulated virtual machine is implemented by a software interpreter that executes actions normally performed in hardware. Interpretation has become important, however, especially for the implementation of modern high-level languages. In this paper the configuration of a general-purpose microprocessor assisted by a language co-processor is presented to emulate the virtual modula-2 M-machine designed by Wirth. The related problems, the efficiency and the small incremental hardware complexity are illustrated.