Implementação de uma rede intra-chip com topologia malha bidimensional e tridimensional

Abstract

Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) are the current paradigm used in the implementation of embedded systems. The computational power of these platforms enables the simultaneous execution of multiple applications with distinct requirements. In this scenario the use of Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) as the communication infrastructure is already a reality in both academic research and industrial projects. NoC are typically seen as an alternative for bus communication, offering as main advantages the scalability and the support of parallel communication. Many studies have been conducted over the past decade in the NoC field, showing the ability and potential that this communication infrastructure can ensure to SoCs. Following the recent introduction of 3D and 2.5D integrated circuit paradigm, several studies have pointed to three-dimensional topology NoCs as a great solution for SoCs that require hundreds of processing cores. Motivated by the lack of an open source NoC which natively supports the three-dimensional mesh topology and is easily accessible to students and developers, this project seeks to offer the Arke NoC: a stable NoC which enables both two-dimensional and three-dimensional mesh topologies, with many configurable features, yet still easy to understand and independent of frameworks to generate different instances. The Hermes NoC was the main object of study in relationto the operation of a NoC and starting point for the implementation of the NoC Arke. Both NoCs have many features in common. Since the time of its creation, Arke has sought to overcome the model in which it was shaped: aspects related to ease of use, readability of code, area occupied by the circuit, power dissipation and routing time are points where the Arke has proven to be more efficient.