Layout-driven memory synthesis for embedded systems-on-chip

Luca Benini, Luca Macchiarulo, Alberto Macii, Massimo Poncino

Abstract: Memory-processor integration offers new opportunities for reducing, the energy of a system. In the case of embedded systems, where memory access patterns can typically be profiled at design time, one solution consists of mapping the most frequently accessed addresses onto the on-chip SRAM to guarantee power and performance efficiency. In this work, we propose an algorithm for the automatic partitioning of on-chip SRAMs into multiple banks. Starting from the dynamic execution profile of an embedded application running on a given processor core, we synthesize a multi-banked SRAM architecture optimally fitted to the execution profile. The algorithm computes an optimal solution to the problem under realistic assumptions on the power cost metrics, and with constraints on the number of memory banks. The partitioning algorithm is integrated with the physical design phase into a complete flow that allows the back annotation of layout information to drive the partitioning process. Results, collected on a set of embedded applications for the ARM processor, have shown average energy savings around 34%.