A constraint-based design space exploration framework for real-time applications on MPSoCs

Design space exploration (DSE) is a critical step in the design process of real-time multiprocessor systems. Combining a formal base in form of SDF graphs with predictable platforms providing guaranteed QoS, the paper proposes a flexible and extendable DSE framework that can provide performance guarantees for multiple applications implemented on a shared platform. The DSE framework is formulated in a declarative style as interprocess communication-aware constraint programming (CP) model. Apart from mapping and scheduling of application graphs, the model supports design constraints on several cost and performance metrics, as e.g. memory consumption and achievable throughput. Using constraints with different compliance level, the framework introduces support for mixed criticality in the CP model. The potential of the approach is demonstrated by means of experiments using a Sobel filter, a SUSAN filter, a RASTA-PLP application and a JPEG encoder.