A Methodology and Tool Suite for C Compiler Generation from ADL Processor Models
Manuel Hohenauer, Hanno Scharwaechter, Kingshuk Karuri, Oliver Wahlen, Tim Kogel, Rainer Leupers, Gerd Ascheid, H. Meyr, Gunnar Braun, Hans van Someren · 2004
Retargetable C compilers are key tools for efficient architecture exploration for embedded processors. In this paper we describe a novel approach to retargetable compilation based on LISA, an industrial processor modeling language for efficient ASIP design. In order to circumvent the well-known trade-off between flexibility and code quality in retargetable compilation, we propose a user-guided, semiautomatic methodology that in turn builds on a powerful existing C compiler design platform. Our approach allows to include generated C compilers into the ASIP architecture exploration loop at an early stage, thereby allowing for a more efficient design process and avoiding application /architecture mismatches. We present the corresponding methodology and tool suite and provide experimental data for two real-life embedded processors that prove the feasibility of the approach.