Application of decision-making method for architecture selection of ADSL modem

This paper presents a method for assisting the decision-making of the technologies and architectures of system chips. The method combines functional complexity analyses, reuse of intellectunl property blocks, technology forecasts and functionality-architecture mappings into unifom measure of architecture quality. This figure of quality can be used in rapid comparison of architecture alternatives, without the need of detailed design or specification. The method has been applied to ADSL modem architectures for the comparison of feasibilities. The best architectures found were similar to commercially available ADSL chip sets. The method extends traditional complexity analyses by taking into account improvements in technologies and tools. It reduces the risks involved in strategic decisions at early stages of design, when the essential product characteristics are determined.