Interface-based design of systems-on-chip using UML-RT

Abstract

While the IC industry tries to harness system-on-chip complexity by reusing intellectual property modules, practical problems abound, reusing within tight hardware constraints is a design journey that may cost more than building from scratch. Platforms using pre-characterized interfaces gained acceptance as a paradigm that increases reuse predictability. In this paper, we present an interface-based approach to SoC design based on contract adorned UML-RT capsules. It is shown that well defined interfaces are the key to define a systematic path towards the implementation of a system-on-chip model. Two sets of capsules that form the vase of two platforms, one for packet based video processing and one for software radio, are built. IP reuse, refinement and profiling are performed within the context of these two platforms.