Title :
A framework for fast hardware-software co-simulation
Author :
Hoffmann, Andreas ; Kogel, Tim ; Meyr, Heinrich
Author_Institution :
Integrated Signal Process. Syst., Tech. Hochschule Aachen, Germany
Abstract :
We present a new hardware-software co-simulation framework enabling fast prototyping in system-on-chip designs. On the software side, the machine description language LISA allows the generation of bit-true models of programmable architectures on various levels-from instruction-set to phase accuracy. Based on these models, a complete tool-suite consisting of fast compiled processor simulator assembler, linker HLL-compiler as well as co-simulation interface can be generated automatically. On the hardware side, the SystemC simulation class library is employed and enhanced with our generic co-simulation interface that enables the coupling of hardware and software models specified at various levels of abstraction. Besides that, a hardware modeling strategy using abstract macro-cycle based C++ processes to increase hardware modeling efficiency and simulation speed is presented
Keywords :
C++ language; digital signal processing chips; embedded systems; hardware-software codesign; instruction sets; integrated circuit design; microcontrollers; program compilers; simulation languages; software prototyping; LISA machine description language; SystemC simulation class library; abstract macrocycle based C++ processes; bit-true models; co-simulation framework; co-simulation interface; complete tool-suite; fast compiled processor simulator assembler; fast hardware-software co-simulation; fast prototyping; hardware modeling efficiency; hardware modeling strategy; instruction-set; linker HLL-compiler; phase accuracy; programmable architectures; simulation speed; system-on-chip designs; virtual prototype; Assembly; Computer architecture; Hardware; Process design; Signal processing; Software design; Software prototyping; System testing; Virtual prototyping; World Wide Web;
Conference_Titel :
Design, Automation and Test in Europe, 2001. Conference and Exhibition 2001. Proceedings
Conference_Location :
Munich
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-0993-2
DOI :
10.1109/DATE.2001.915114