Evaluating UML2 modeling of IP-XACT objects for automatic MP-SoC integration onto FPGA

IP-XACT is a standard for describing intellectual property metadata for System-on-Chip (SoC) integration. Recently researchers have proposed visualizing and abstracting IP-XACT objects using structural UML2 model elements and diagrams. Despite the number of proposals at conceptual level, experiences on utilizing this representation in practical SoC development environments are very limited. This paper presents how UML2 models of IP-XACT features can be utilized to efficiently design and implement a multiprocessor SoC prototype on FPGA. The main contribution of this paper is the experimental development of a multiprocessor platform on FPGA using UML2 design capture, IP-XACT compatible components, and design automation tools. In addition, modeling concepts are improved from earlier work for the utilized integration methodology.