On embedding a microarchitectural design language within Haskell

Abstract

Based on our experience with modelling and verifying microarchitectural designs within Haskell, this paper examines our use of Haskell as host for an embedded language. In particular, we highlight our use of Haskell's lazy lists, type classes, lazy state monad, and unsafe Perform I0, and point to several areas where Haskell could be improved in the future. We end with an example of a benefit gained by bringing the functional perspective to microarchitectural modelling.