A flexible module library for custom DSP applications in a multiprocessor environment

The module library for the Cathedral-II synthesis environment is discussed. The underlying architectural style of the environment is defined as a hierarchical composition of flexible and parameterizable data paths, microcoded control units, interprocessor communication protocols, and input/output interfaces. A data path is called an execution unit (EXU), which consists of three parts: an input block, an output block, and a core. Only the core varies for the different EXUs. The topology and functionality of an EXU can be influenced by a set of parameters. The module library consists of two parts, a leaf-cell library and a procedure library, to place and interconnect the leaf cells to create functional building blocks that compose one EXU. The EXUs are guaranteed to work at 10 MHz. The described modules have been implemented and tested. The main features of this system are a very powerful parameterization, the technology independence of the CAD tools, and the generation speed of the modules. The current library is specially dedicated towards application-specific IC (ASIC) customized processors, although it can be used for more hardwired architectures, oriented towards higher throughput.<
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