Conversing at Many Layers: Multi-layer System-on-Chip Protocol Conversion

The numerous intellectual property blocks of a system-on-a-chip must be integrated so that they can meet system-specific requirements. However, such integration is not guaranteed due to mismatches between IP protocols. Protocol conversion algorithms can generate converters that can guarantee correct system behaviour, but the implementation of converters on-chip remains an open question. IPs can be modelled at several layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Current protocol conversion algorithms either focus on a single layer or worse, blur the boundaries between these layers. We propose a formal framework that allows generating implementable converters for IP protocols modelled at different OSI layers using any existing converter generation algorithm. We apply the framework to an existing conversion algorithm and discuss how it can be as readily used with other algorithms.