Current systems-on-chip execute applications that demand extensive parallel processing. Networks-on-chip (NoC) provide a structured way of realizing interconnections on silicon, and obviate the limitations of bus-based solutions. NoCs can have regular or ad hoc topologies, and functional validation is essential to assess their correctness and performance. In this paper, we present a flexible emulation environment implemented on an FPGA that is suitable to explore, evaluate and compare a wide range of NoC solutions with a very limited effort. Our experimental results show a speed-up of four orders of magnitude with respect to cycle-accurate HDL simulation, while retaining cycle accuracy. With our emulation framework, designers can explore and optimize a range of solutions, as well as characterize quickly performance figures.
Titolo: | A Novel Approach for Network on Chip Emulation |
Autore/i: | N. Genko; D. Atienza; G. De Micheli; BENINI, LUCA; J. Mendias; R. Hermida; F. Catthoor |
Autore/i Unibo: | |
Anno: | 2005 |
Titolo del libro: | IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) |
Pagina iniziale: | 2365 |
Pagina finale: | 2368 |
Abstract: | Current systems-on-chip execute applications that demand extensive parallel processing. Networks-on-chip (NoC) provide a structured way of realizing interconnections on silicon, and obviate the limitations of bus-based solutions. NoCs can have regular or ad hoc topologies, and functional validation is essential to assess their correctness and performance. In this paper, we present a flexible emulation environment implemented on an FPGA that is suitable to explore, evaluate and compare a wide range of NoC solutions with a very limited effort. Our experimental results show a speed-up of four orders of magnitude with respect to cycle-accurate HDL simulation, while retaining cycle accuracy. With our emulation framework, designers can explore and optimize a range of solutions, as well as characterize quickly performance figures. |
Data prodotto definitivo in UGOV: | 17-ott-2005 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 4.01 Contributo in Atti di convegno |