Simplifying the integration of processing elements in computing systems using a programmable controller

As technology sizes decrease and die area increases, designers are creating increasingly complex computing systems using FPGAs. To reduce design time for new products, the reuse of previously designed intellectual property (IP) cores is essential. However, since no universally accepted interface standards exist for IP cores, there is often a certain amount of redesign necessary before they are incorporated into the new system. Furthermore, the core´s functionality may need updating to support the requirements of the new application. This paper demonstrates how the SIMPPL system model allows designers to rapidly implement on-chip systems comprising multiple computing elements (CEs). Furthermore, using a controller-based interface to manage inter-CE transfers enables users to easily adapt the control sequence of individual CEs to suit the needs of new applications without necessitating the redesign of other elements in the system. Two systems using three different hardware modules adapted to CEs are described to illustrate the power and simplicity of the SIMPPL model. It required a total of six hours to implement both designs on-chip once the individual CEs had been designed.