An abstract model for a low cost SIMD architecture
Pascal Faudemay, L. Winckel · 2002
In this paper we present the abstract model of the Rapid-2 SIMD architecture. Rapid-2 is a low cost additional board for PCs. The abstract model is the basis for the design of a high level language, which is an extension of C. It includes new data types, with appropriate semantics. The L1 language enables co-specification of the board driver code and of Rapid-2 microcode. The L1 compiler was implemented. On a relevant application, the execution time of the microcode produced by the compiler is only 1.4 slower than that of handcoded microcode, while the development time is more than 10 times faster. Compiler improvements are still feasible.