Research on Emulator Based on Dynamic Binary Translation Technology

This paper is an academic research on dynamic binary translation technology and the QEMU emulator. It conducts an in-depth study of dynamic binary translation technology and its application in emulator development, with a particular focus on analyzing QEMU's translation mechanism, optimization strategies, and key technologies. Dynamic binary translation technology is a technique used to achieve software compatibility across different instruction set architectures, primarily addressing the software portability issues between different platforms. This technology not only enables cross-platform software usage but also enhances the interoperability of computer systems, having significant implications for software reuse and processor research innovations. QEMU is an advanced binary translation system that supports dynamic translation from multiple source platforms to multiple target platforms, known as redirected translation. It allows programs to be executed across different hardware architectures, which is especially important for cross-platform emulation. The core technology of QEMU is dynamically translating binary code from the source platform to machine code that can be understood by the target platform, enabling transparent software execution across different hardware. The research team used the QEMU emulator as a research platform to conduct detailed analyses of QEMU's translation mechanisms, optimization strategies, and key technologies, and provided in-depth interpretations of important code sections. Additionally, the study tested CPU performance through simulations and identified key stages limiting CPU emulation performance through phased testing. These research results offer valuable references for subsequent emulator performance optimization efforts. From the perspective of domestic and international research, since the 1980s, efforts have been made to use binary translation to solve software compatibility issues. In 1992, DEC's FX!32 emulator was an early example of dynamic binary translation application. The University of Queensland developed both a static binary translation system (UQBT) and a dynamic binary translation system (UQDBT) in 1999 and subsequent years. QEMU, as an advanced multi-source platform-supported binary translation system, is critical in fulfilling cross-platform emulation needs, with its core technology being dynamic binary translation from multiple sources to multiple targets. Domestic research in the field of binary translation has also made progress, such as the BTASUP system developed by the China Aerospace Computing Technology Research Institute, which implements emulation for the 1750 processor on the PowerPC. These research and development results help enhance software performance and compatibility across different hardware platforms, playing a vital role in advancing computer technology. In conclusion, dynamic binary translation technology is an effective means of achieving software portability and compatibility across different hardware platforms. QEMU, as an important application of this technology, dynamically translates binary programs from different platforms into machine code for execution on the target platform. Research on QEMU not only helps in understanding the implementation mechanisms of binary translation but also provides important insights on optimizing emulator performance and improving the interoperability of computer systems. With continuous technological advancement and expanding application fields, dynamic binary translation technology will play an increasingly important role in future computer science.