Fast and efficient voltage scheduling by evolutionary slack distribution

Abstract

To minimize energy consumption by voltage scaling in design of heterogeneous real-time embedded systems, it is necessary to perfom two distinct tasks: task scheduling (TS) and voltage selection (VS). Techniques propased to date either are fast hut yield inetlicient results, or output efficient solutions after many slow iterations. As a core problem to solve in the inner Iwp of a system-level optimization cycle, it is critical that the algorithm he fast while producing high quality results. This paper presents a new technique called EvolutioMry Relative Slack Distribution Voltage Scheduling (ERSD-VS) that achieves both speed and etrciency. It addresses priority adjustment and slack distribution issues with low cost heuristics. Experimental results from running publicly available testhenches show up to 42% energy saving compared to a published technique called EVEN-VS. It also shows up to 70 times speed improvement compared to an efficient technique called EE-GLSA.