A virtual platform for multiprocessor real-time embedded systems

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a virtual platform for the development and test of application software, low-level software, and hardware components for an MPSoC (Multiprocessor System-on-Chip) platform, where components are interconnected by a network-on-chip (NoC). The environment is aimed at the development of multithread real-time embedded applications in Java language. Communication and task management services are provided that are able to deal with real-time restrictions, following the RTSJ standard. SystemC models are used to describe processors and network connections that have equivalent descriptions in VHDL. Performance and power / energy evaluation are made possible, helping to shorten cycles for embedded system development, integration, and test.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Real-time and embedded systems

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Performance

Keywords:
embedded applications, energy efficiency, network on chip, real-time systems