Abstract-Increasing software content in embedded systems and SoCs drives the demand to automatically synthesize software binaries from abstract models. This is especially critical for Hardware dependent Software (HdS) due to the tight coupling.In this paper, we present our approach to automatically synthesize HdS from an abstract system model. We synthesize driver code, interrupt handlers and startup code. We furthermore automatically adjust the application to use RTOS services. We target traditional RTOS-based multi-tasking solutions, as well as a pure interrupt-based implementation (without any RTOS).Our experimental results show the automatic generation of final binary images for six real-life target applications and demonstrate significant productivity gains due to automation. Our HdS synthesis is an enabler for efficient MPSoC development and rapid design space exploration.
Abstract-The quality of the input system model has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the system exploration and synthesis tools. Given a well-structured system model, tools today are effective in generating efficient implementations. However, readily available reference C codes are not conducive for system synthesis as they lack the necessary structure and analyzability needed by the design flow. Usually reference C code is manually converted into a SoC model by applying necessary transformations. The type of transformations depends on the underlying design flow and tools. Proper structural hierarchy is one essential feature needed for architectural exploration. In this paper, we provide automatic C code transformations to encapsulate functions and insert structural hierarchy to create well-structured and analyzable SoC models. Our automatic transformations, combined with interactive application of the designer's knowledge and experience, enable faster creation of structural hierarchy in C models and hence result in significant reduction of the overall design time.
Efficient communication modeling is a critical task in SoC design and exploration. In particular, fast and accurate communication is needed to predict the performance of a system. Recently, Transaction Level Modeling (TLM) is used to speedup communication simulation at the cost of accuracy.This paper proposes a novel modeling technique called Result Oriented Modeling (ROM) which removes the accuracy drawback of TLM. Using ROM, models yield the same speed as their TLM counterparts, yet still are 100% accurate in timing. ROM utilizes the fact that internal states in the communication channel are not observable by the caller. Hence, ROM omits the internal states entirely and optimistically predicts the end result. Retroactively, the outcome is checked and, if necessary, corrective measures are taken to maintain the accuracy of the model.In this paper, we apply ROM to the AMBA AHB bus architecture. Our experimental results show that ROM exhibits the same high simulation performance as traditional TLM, yet it retains the same accuracy as the bus functional model. Thus, the proposed ROM approach eliminates the speed/accuracy tradeoff exhibited by traditional TLM.
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