Specification and synthesis of real-time embedded distributed and parallel multiprocessor-based signal processing systems
Randall S. Janka, Linda M. Wills · 2000
The codesign of embedded real-time signal processing systems is complex.In certain application domains requiring high computational throughput, this complexity is due to the need to employing parallel processing and perhaps using heterogeneous processors.The use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) multiprocessor (MP) hardware and software can reduce codesign complexity.Further complexity reduction can be obtained with emerging synthesis frameworks, which can generate deployable code by leveraging vendor communication and computation libraries.However, these synthesis frameworks are inadequate in providing a sound specification and design methodology (SDM) because they require the designer to first choose the implementation target before specification and design exploration.We have developed a new SDM known as MAGIC that allows the designer to capture the specification in an executable model that can then be used in design exploration to find the optimal COTS MP technology and architecture before committing to that technology.The MAGIC SDM exploits emerging open-standards based VSIPL computation middleware and MPI communication middleware to provide connectivity between specification and design with synthesis frameworks for implementation.This SDM is also shown to be applicable to the system-on-chip (SOC) domain, especially as embodied in a new framework called Virtual Component Co-design from Cadence Design Systems.