Energy estimation and optimization of embedded VLIW processors based on instruction clustering

Aim of this paper is to propose a methodology for the definition of an instruction-level energy estimation framework for VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) processors. The power modeling methodology is the key issue to define an effective energy-aware software optimisation strategy for stateof-the-art ILP (Instruction Level Parallelism) processors. The methodology is based on an energy model for VLIW processors that exploits instruction clustering to achieve an efficient and fine grained energy estimation. The approach aims at reducing the complexity of the characterization problem for VLIW processors from exponential, with respect to the number of parallel operations in the same very long instruction, to quadratic, with respect to the number of instruction clusters. Furthermore, the paper proposes a spatial scheduling algorithm based on a low-power reordering of the parallel operations within the same long instruction. Experimental results have been carried out on the Lx processor, a ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2002
• Where: DAC
• Authors: Andrea Bona, Mariagiovanna Sami, Donatella Sciuto, Vittorio Zaccaria, Cristina Silvano, Roberto Zafalon
• Keywords: DAC 2002, Design Automation, Long Instruction, Long Instruction Word, VLIW Processors