A model for system-level timed analysis and profiling

Fast evaluation of functional and timing properties is becoming a key factor to enable cost-effective exploration of mixed hw/sw design alternatives for embedded applications. The goal of this paper is to present a modeling strategy to specify functionality and timing properties of uncommitted mixed hw/sw systems. In addition, the paper proposes a simulation algorithm able to perform fast high-level simulation of the system by taking into account the initial hw vs. sw allocation of system modules. The related CAD simulation environment allows the designer to access profiling information which can be useful to remodel the system to meet the functional/timing goals as well as to drive the following hw vs sw partioning activity. Experimental data obtained by reengineering an industrial design are also included in the paper