  Vector architectures lack tools for research. Consider the gem5 simulator,
which is possibly the leading platform for computer-system architecture
research. Unfortunately, gem5 does not have an available distribution that
includes a flexible and customizable vector architecture model. In consequence,
researchers have to develop their own simulation platform to test their ideas,
which consume much research time. However, once the base simulator platform is
developed, another question is the following: Which applications should be
tested to perform the experiments? The lack of Vectorized Benchmark Suites is
another limitation. To face these problems, this work presents a set of tools
for designing and evaluating vector architectures. First, the gem5 simulator
was extended to support the execution of RISC-V Vector instructions by adding a
parameterizable Vector Architecture model for designers to evaluate different
approaches according to the target they pursue. Second, a novel Vectorized
Benchmark Suite is presented: a collection composed of seven data-parallel
applications from different domains that can be classified according to the
modules that are stressed in the vector architecture. Finally, a study of the
Vectorized Benchmark Suite executing on the gem5-based Vector Architecture
model is highlighted. This suite is the first in its category that covers the
different possible usage scenarios that may occur within different vector
architecture designs such as embedded systems, mainly focused on short vectors,
or High-Performance-Computing (HPC), usually designed for large vectors.
