Modelling of a Sequential Low-level Language Program Using Petri Nets

Abstract

Petri nets were devised for use in the modelling of a specific class of problems. Typical situations that can be modelled by Petri nets are synchronization, sequentiality, concurrency and conflict. This paper focuses on a low-level language program representation by means of Petri nets. In particular, Petri net formalisms were explored with emphasis on the application of the methodology in the modelling of a sequential low-level language program using a Motorola MC68000 assembly language program as an example. In the Petri net representation of the sequential low-level language program under consideration, tokens denote the values of immediate data as well as availability of the data. Thus, the developed petri net model shows that Petri net formalism can be conveniently used to represent flows of control and not flows of data.

Keywords: Petri nets, model, low-level language, microprocessor, instructions.