Embedded virtualization for the next generation of cluster-based MPSoCs

Classic MPSoCs tend to be fully implemented using a single communication approach. However, recent efforts have shown a new promising multiprocessor system-on-chip infrastructure: cluster-based or clustered MPSoC. This infrastructure adopts hybrid interconnection schemes where both buses and NoCs are used in a concomitant way. The main idea is to decrease the size and complexity of the NoC by using bus based communication systems at each local port. For example, while in a classic approach a 16 processor NoC might be formed in a 4 × 4 arrangement, in cluster-based MPSoCs a 2 × 2 NoC is employed and each router connected to a local port contains buses that carry 4 processors. Nevertheless, although good results have been reached using this approach, the implementation of wrappers to connect the local router port to the bus can be complex. Therefore, we propose in this work the use of embedded virtualization, another current promising technique, to achieve similar results to cluster based MPSoCs without the need for wrappers besides providing a decreased area usage.