Re: [9fans] Non-stack-based calling conventions

[lucio@proxima.alt.za]

> I've got some time to delve into Fascicle One again and indeed, MMIX
> doesn't have any stack at all. When you need stack, you implement it
> yourself. Anyone knows of other CPU's using this method for stack
> (i.e. no in-built support for stack in memory)? There is stack based
> on registers, though.

Current or obsolete architectures?  The Sperry Univac 1100 Series,
designed by Seymour Craye (sp?  it's been a long time) had no hardware
supported stack, although it had a bit in the 36-bit instruction that
caused the signed upper half of the selected index register to be
added to the lower half.  I don't remember whether it was before or
after applying the index to the base address in the lower 16 bits of
the instruction, it would need to be fixed one way (post-increment, I
think) because it was unlikely to check the sign of the upper half
before deciding.

Bloody marvellous, it was.  Specially as it was the first computer I
ever worked on.  I have extremely fond memories of it.  I can easily
wax nostalgic about it.  Hm, maybe I should look for a simulator for
it, anyone know of one?

++L