Extending the SIMPPL SoC architectural framework to support application-specific architectures on multi-FPGA platforms

Abstract

Process technology has reduced in size such that it is possible to implement complete application-specific architectures as systems-on-chip (SoCs) using both application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). However, the reconfigurable nature of an FPGA results in lower logic density, such that large, complex applications require multi-FPGA implementation platforms. Although designing SoCs is challenging, SoC models such as systems integrating modules with predefined physical links (SIMPPL) exist to facilitate the design process. SIMPPL leverages defined physical interfaces and communication protocols to enable rapid system-level integration for application-specific architectures. This paper presents a ldquoSIMPPL repeaterrdquo that enables the SIMPPL SoC architectural framework to be used for systems spanning multiple FPGAs. The SIMPPL repeater abstracts inter-chip communication, allowing designers to treat a multi-FPGA platform as a single large reconfigurable fabric and focus on their application-specific architecture.