A multi-level arbitration and topology free streaming network for chip multiprocessor

Predictable computing is common in embedded signal processing, which has communication characteristics of data independent memory access and long streaming data transfer. This paper presents a streaming network-on-chip (NoC) StreamNet for chip multiprocessor (CMP) platform targeting predictable signal processing. The network is based on circuit-switch and uses a two-level arbitration scheme. The first level uses fast hardware arbitration, and the second level is programmable software arbitration. Its communication protocol is designed to support free choice of network topology. Associated with its scheduling tool, the network can achieve high communication efficiency and improve parallel computing performance. This NoC architecture is used to design the Ring network in the ePUMA1 multiprocessor DSP. The evaluation by the multi-user signal processing application at the LTE base-station shows the low parallel computing overhead on the ePUMA multiprocessor platform.