Tuning SoCs using the global dynamic critical path

We propose using a profiling-based technique (dynamic critical path) to guide SoC optimization. Optimizing SoCs composed of many modules involves exploring a large space of possible configurations (exponential in the number of component modules). We present this optimization technique applied to a globally asynchronous locally synchronous (GALS) RTL design. Furthermore, we investigate the loss of precision when abstract versions of hardware modules are used for the critical path computation. Using the critical path provides very fast convergence towards optimal or near-optimal solutions when analyzing large configuration spaces by optimizing the design for composite optimization metrics, such as energy-delay.