Engineering the Complex SOC

The first unified hardware/software guide to processor-centric SOC design

Processor-centric approaches enable SOC designers to complete far larger projects in far less time. Engineering the Complex SOCis a comprehensive, example-driven guide to creating designs with configurable, extensible processors. Drawing upon Tensilica's Xtensa architecture and TIE language, Dr. Chris Rowen systematically illuminates the issues, opportunities, and challenges of processor-centric design.

Rowen introduces a radically new design methodology, then covers its essential techniques: processor configuration, extension, hardware/software co-generation, multiple processor partitioning/communication, and more. Coverage includes:



Why extensible processors are necessary: shortcomings of current design methods


Comparing extensible processors to traditional processors and hardwired logic


Extensible processor architecture and mechanisms of processor extensibility


Latency, throughput, coordination of parallel functions, hardware interconnect options, management of design complexity, and other issues


Multiple-processor SOC architecture for embedded systems


Task design from the viewpoints of software andhardware developers


Advanced techniques: implementing complex state machines, task-to-task synchronization, power optimization, and more


Toward a "sea of processors": Long-term trends in SOC design and semiconductor technology



For all architects, hardware engineers, software designers, and SOC program managers involved with complex SOC design; and for all managers investing in SOC designs, platforms, processors, or expertise.

PRENTICE HALL
Professional Technical Reference
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
www.phptr.com