A framework for rapid system-level exploration, synthesis, and programming of multimedia MP-SoCs

In this paper, we present the Daedalus framework, which allows for traversing the path from sequential application specification to a working MP-SoC prototype in FPGA technology with the (parallelized) application mapped onto it in only a matter of hours. During this traversal, which offers a high degree of automation, guidance is provided by Daedalus´ integrated system-level design space exploration environment. We show that Daedalus offers remarkable potentials for quickly experimenting with different MP-SoC architectures and exploring system-level design options during the very early stages of design. Using a case study with a Motion-JPEG encoder application, we illustrate Daedalus´ design steps and demonstrate its efficiency.