A Burst-Mode Oriented Back-End for the Balsa Synthesis System

T. Chelcea, A. Bardsley, D. A. Edwards, S. M. Nowick

Abstract

This paper introduces several new component clustering techniques for the optimization of asynchronous systems. In particular, novel "Burst-Mode aware" restrictions are imposed to limit the cluster sizes and to ensure synthesizability. A new control specification language, CH, is also introduced which facilitates the manipulation and optimization of handshake circuit components. The new method has been fully integrated into a comprehensive asynchronous synthesis package, Balsa. Experimental results on several substantial design examples, including an 32-bit microprocessor core, indicate significant performance improvements for the optimized circuits.