Traffic Prediction for NoCs using Fuzzy Logic

Proceedings DOI: 10.5445/KSP/1000021732 (https://doi.org/10.5445/KSP/1000021732)Networks on Chip provide faster communication and higher throughput for chip multiprocessor systems than conventional bus systems. Having multiple processing elements on one chip, however, leads to a large number of message transfers in the NoC. The consequence is that more blocking occurs and time and power is wasted with waiting until the congestion is dissolved. With knowledge of future communication patterns, blocking could be avoided. Therefore, in this paper a model is introduced to predict future communication patterns to avoid network congestion. Our model uses a fuzzy based algorithm to predict end-to-end communication. The presented model accurately predictions for up to 10 time intervals for continuous patterns. Communication patterns with non-continuous behaviors, such as fast changes from peak to zero, can also be predicted accurately for the next 1 to 2 time intervals to come. The model is a first step to predict future communication patterns. In addition, some limitations are identified that must be solved in order to improve the model

A generic implementation of a quantified predictor on FPGAs

Predictors are used in many fields of computer architectures to enhance performance. With good estimations of future system behaviour, policies can be developed to improve system performance or reduce power consumption. These policies become more effective if the predictors are implemented in hardware and can provide quantified forecasts and not only binary ones. In this paper, we present and evaluate a generic predictor implemented in VHDL running on an FPGA which produces quantified forecasts. Moreover, a complete scalability analysis is presented which shows that our implementation has a maximum device utilization of less than 5%. Furthermore, we analyse the power consumption of the predictor running on an FPGA. Additionally, we show that this implementation can be clocked by over 210 MHz. Finally, we evaluate a power-saving policy based on our hardware predictor. Based on predicted idle periods, this power-saving policy uses power-saving modes and is able to reduce memory power consumption by 14.3%

A predictor-based power-saving policy for DRAM memories

Reducing power/energy consumption is an important goal for all computer systems, from servers to battery-driven hand-held devices. To achieve this goal, the energy consumption of all system components needs to be reduced. One of the most power-hungry components is the off-chip DRAM, even when it is idle. DRAMs support different power-saving modes, such as self-refresh and power-down, but employing them every time the DRAM is idle, reduces performance due to their power-up latencies. The self-refresh mode offers large power savings, but incurs a long power-up latency. The power-down mode, on the other hand, has a shorter power-up latency, but provides lower power savings. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a novel power-saving policy that combines the best of both power-saving modes in order to achieve significant power reductions with a marginal performance penalty. To accomplish this, we use a history-based predictor to forecast the duration of an idle period and then either employ self-refresh, or power-down, or a combination of both power saving modes. Significant refinements are made to the predictor to maximize the energy savings and minimize the performance penalty. The presented policy is evaluated using several applications from the multimedia domain and the experimental results show that it reduces the total DRAM energy consumption between 68.8% and 79.9% at a negligible performance penalty between 0.3% and 2.2%

NASA follow-on to the Bangladesh Agro-Climatic Environmental Monitoring Project

The NASA responsibility and activities for the follow-on to the original Agro-Climatic Environmental Monitoring Project (ACEMP) which was completed during 1987 is described. Five training sessions which comprise the NASA ACEMP follow-on are: Agrometeorology, Meteorology of Severe Storms Using GEMPAK, Satellite Oceanography, Hydrology, and Meteorology with TOVS. The objective of the follow-on is to train Bangladesh Government staff in the use of satellite data for remote sensing applications. This activity also encourages the scientific connection between NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and The Bangladesh Space and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO)

How CSOs Can Set Up and Sustain an M&E System: An Introduction for Development Practitioners

Most civil society organisations (CSOs) grapple with the difficulty of measuring and demonstrating impact. While many factors account for this, the inability of CSOs to institutionalise and make monitoring and evaluation (M&E) an integral part of the organisational architecture is one of the greatest impediments to track performance and demonstrate results effectively. Nonetheless, the ability to measure and demonstrate impact provides the raison d'etre for continuous donor funding/support and legitimacy of many CSOs in the global south. This assertion finds more credence in the ever-changing global milieu of international development cooperation, where funding partners in the global north are increasingly fixated on better results from their partners (CSOs in the global south) to justify the use of taxpayers' money for aid. In the face of this reality, CSOs may still find it extremely difficult to show the results or impact of their work without a robust system to provide a framework for M&E and learning activities.This paper provides short practical steps to enable CSOs to set up, own their M&E system, and propel them on a path to achieving and measuring change. It shows in the end, with determination, CSOs can adopt and adapt an M&E system that is relevant to its context

“Biopower and Immigration”: A Biopolitical Perspective on Anti-Migration Policies

While several competing theoretical frameworks contribute significantly to the epistemology and debate on anti-migration policies, there are still missing theories in this area. This paper uses Foucault’s concept of biopower to analyze anti-migration strategies. The paper argues that from the logic of biopolitics, anti-migration policies are deployed to protect the biological existence and well-being of populations (legal citizens). This analysis is particularly important considering the unceasing migration from low and middle-income countries to developed nations due to acute socio-economic, political and environmental conditions. The paper will serve as evidence to inform policy decision-making on immigration procedures. Keywords: Immigrants, anti-migration, biopower, biopolitics, government, migratio

“State of Exception”: A Tool for Fighting Terrorism

This paper examines Giorgio Agamben’s work on the state of exception, a top-down approach in which the sovereign suspends the constitutional law and imposes decisions on subjects through exceptional mechanisms. The paper seeks to tease out the analytical merit of the concept in helping to interpret the rise of emergency regimes in the current epoch. The paper analyzes some recent cases in France and the United States involving exceptional policies to elucidate the worthiness of Agamben’s work on exceptionalism. Keywords: state of exception, bare life, sovereign ban, terrorism, governmen