Power variations of multi-port routers in an application-specific NoC design : A case study

In this research, we analyze the power variations present in a router having varied number of ports, in a Networks- on-Chip. The work is divided into two sections, projecting the merits and shortcomings of a multi-port router from the aspect of power consumption. First, we evaluate the power variations present during the transfers between various port pairs in a multi-port router. The power gains achieved through careful port selection during the mapping phase of the NoC design are shown. Secondly, through exhaustive experimentation, we discuss the IR-drop related issues that arise when using large multi-port routers.