A method to derive application-specific embedded processing cores

Abstract

The concept of system-on-a-chip is becoming increasingly popular for the integration of complex systems. New types of processor cores are now available that enable the designer to customize their processors for the target applications. These soft cores are not tightly coupled with the target application, and this leads to processing cores sub-optimal for their specific applications. This paper proposes a method to derive applicationspecific embedded processors from soft processor cores. The derivation process involves an analysis of the resources of the processing core used by the target application. Then a series of optimizations based on the analysis results are performed on an optimizable model of the processor core. We present the tool used to perform the analysis of the resources used by an application, and results from a real-world case. Then, various optimization methods are described.

Leveraging reconfigurability in the hardware/software codesign process

“…The recent advent of soft processor cores for FPGAs simplifies the customization of processor cores as application-specific embedded processors by reducing the design time and removing the need for processor-specific emulators [Hebert et al 2000]. In this case, the designers use reconfigurable technology for prototyping.…”