Synthesis of application-specific memories for power optimization in embedded systems

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to memory power optimization for embedded systems based on the exploitation of data locality. Locations with highest access frequency are mapped onto a small, low-power application-specific memory which is placed close the processor. Although, in principle, a cache may be used to implement such a memory, more efficient solutions may be adopted. We propose an architecture that outperforms (power-wise) different types of cache memories at no penalty in performance. Power savings (averaged over a number of embedded applications running on ARM processors) range from 12% to 68%.