VHDL-based performance modeling: an application of the PMW tool suite to an image classification system

In a simulation-based design process developed for the Rapid Prototyping of Application-Specific Signal Processors program (RASSP), an abstract VHDL performance model forms a virtual prototype of a full DSP system that is timing- and data-faithful. Full-system models provide early design verification by simulating application software and hardware in an integrated co-design development. This paper describes the process of applying Omniview's PMW tool suite to the design of an image-classification system. The Performance Modeling Workbench (PMW) tool suite lets engineers create high-fidelity performance models of multiprocessor systems. The design process uses performance models for trade-off analyses among designs with different hardware/software architectures. The tool helps designers determine if the candidate design could satisfy performance requirements, identify bottlenecks and over-design, and optimize system performance.