Methods for power optimization in SOC-based data flow systems

ABSTRACT

Whereas the computing power of DSP or general-purpose processors was sufficient for 3G baseband telecommunication algorithms, stringent timing constraints of 4G wireless telecommunication systems require computing-intensive data-driven architectures. Managing the complexity of these systems within the energy constraints of a mobile terminal is becoming a major challenge for designers. System-level low-power policies have been widely explored for generic software-based systems, but data-flow architectures used for high data-rate telecommunication systems feature heterogeneous components that require specific configurations for power management. In this study, we propose an innovative power optimization scheme tailored to self-synchronized data-flow systems. Our technique, based on the synchronous data-flow modeling approach, takes advantage of the latest low-power techniques available for digital architectures. We illustrate our optimization method on a complete 4G telecommunication baseband modem and show the energy savings expected by this technique considering present and future silicon technologies.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.8 Performance and Reliability
      B.8.2 Performance Analysis and Design Aids

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Signal processing systems
  C.4 PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Modeling techniques

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design

Keywords:
4G base-band modem, Power optimization, data-driven SOC, synchronous data-flow graph