HW/SW interfaces design of a VDSL modem using automatic refinement of a virtual architecture specification into a multiprocessor SoC: a case study

International audienceMultiprocessor system-on-chip (SoC) platforms are ideal hardware platforms for implementing nowadays-complex telecommunication, automotive and network applications. Neverthless, the design and verification of such applications requires a high degree of automation because the configuration of all the parameters for the hardware platform and the embedded operating systems is a fastidious and error-prone tack. In this paper, we describe the design of a VDSL modem using an experimental design flow for application-specirfic multiprocessor SoCs. Through this example, we show the challenges faced by designers while configuring operating systems, coding drivers, and designing hardware interfaces for complex multiprocessor SoC platforms. We also present the lessons learned and discuss how future system-level EDA tools may support the deployment of sophisticated circuit architectures