ConcurrenC: A new approach towards effective abstraction of C-based SLDLs

Abstract. Embedded system design in general can only be successful if it is based on a suitable Model of Computation (MoC) that can be well represented in an executable System-level Description Language (SLDL) and is supported by a matching set of design tools. While C-based SLDLs, such as SystemC and SpecC, are popular in system-level modeling and validation, current tool flows impose serious restrictions on the synthesizable subset of the supported SLDL. A properly aligned and clean system-level MoC is often neglected or even ignored. In this paper, we motivate the need for a well-defined MoC in embedded system models they can represent, in contrast to the smaller set of models the tools can support. Based on these findings, we then outline a new approach, called ConcurrenC, that defines a true system level of abstraction, aptly fits system modeling requirements, and can be expressed precisely in both SystemC and SpecC. Using the case study of a H.264 video decoder, we demonstrate how the ConcurrenC approach meets the needs and characteristics of a industry size embedded application.

A Configurable TLM of Wireless Sensor Networks for Fast Exploration of System Communication Performance

Abstract. Transaction Level Modeling (TLM) is seen as an efficient Embedded System modeling technique to reduce the simulation time in large and complex designs. This is achieved by abstracting away pin- and cycle- accurate details from communication transactions, which reduces the number of events that need to be simulated. In this paper, we apply TLM principles to communication modeling in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Modeling and simulating wireless communication is critical in exploration and optimization of WSNs as it enables evaluation of system design choices early in the design process. Unlike on-chip bus modeling, wireless communication modeling is broadcastbased and unreliable, which requires distributed medium access arbitration and timeout/retransmission capabilities. We present two TLMs of TDMA and CSMA/CA protocols. Our models are scalable to large networks and flexible in parameters and protocol configuration. Our experiments demonstrate insights to how adjusting protocol parameters in various network configurations affects the overall WSN performance.

A High-Level Programming Paradigm for SystemC

The SystemC language plays an increasingly important role in the system-level design domain, facilitating designers to start with modeling and simulating system components and their interactions in the very early design stages