An intermediate format for automatic generation of MPSoC virtual prototypes

The design of multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoC) involves many abstraction levels and executable models, from specification to implementation. The usage of a design representation that remains homogeneous along the design flow is a key element of design automation. Although many standard languages exists, their computer representation is not defined or does not allow model interchange. In this paper, we propose an intermediate format based on a data structure and an API to capture MPSoC designs and automate the generation of executable virtual prototypes. The format is compatible with existing tools and languages, making it an interesting focal point of a heterogeneous tool environment. The format is used to generate the virtual prototype of an MJPEG decoder, showing immediate benefits regarding architecture exploration and validation.