Design Space Exploration using Software Simulators

What it is about

You will learn to perform Design Space Exploration (DSE) with software-based simulators to systematically evaluate architecture decisions for processors and SoCs. In the end you can analyze performance, energy and area (PPA) trade-offs and make informed design decisions before RTL implementation.

What you will be able to do

Perform simulation-based DSE with functional, architectural and physical-aware tools
Analyze performance, power and area trade-offs
Evaluate architecture decisions before RTL implementation

What the module consists of

VorlesungIntroduction of the theoretical concepts of DSE, PPA trade-offs and architectural components
ÜbungPractical application and supervised work with simulators and tools during lectures

Teaching method

Vorlesung mit Folien und Whiteboard-SkizzenDelivery of the theoretical concepts
Betreute ÜbungenApplying the concepts and gaining practical experience with software simulation tools

What you should already know

Grundkenntnisse in Computerarchitektur (Cache, Speicher, Prozessorenkonzepte)recommended
Grundkenntnisse in Programmierung (C/C++/Python)recommended

Assessment

Written examProject work

Written examination (60 minutes). It covers the content of the lectures and the exercises. If you successfully complete at least 75% of the exercises, you receive a bonus to the final grade.

Reading list

Hennessy, Patterson - Computer Architecture - A quantitative Approach
Murali, S.; De Micheli, G. - Networks-on-Chip: Technology and Tools
Weste, N. H. E.; Harris, D. M. - CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective
Binkert, N.; et al. - The gem5 Simulator
Li, S.; et al. - McPAT: An Integrated Power, Area, and Timing Modeling Framework for Multicore and Manycore Architectures
Thoziyoor, S.; et al. - CACTI 5.1
Ajayi, T.; et al. - OpenROAD: Toward a Self-Driving, Open-Source Digital Layout Flow
Sutherland, S.; et al. - Verilog HDL

Dates

LectureDesign Space Exploration using Software Simulators (Heilbronn, CIT433051)2 groups to choose from

AThu14:00–17:00
38.1.19, Seminarraum (1915.01.119)
2× · 05.11.–19.11.
- 05.11.
- 19.11.
BFri09:00–12:00
38.1.19, Seminarraum (1915.01.119)
2× · 06.11.–20.11.
- 06.11.
- 20.11.

From the current semester, not binding. You attend one of several groups; the timetable automatically suggests the one with the fewest clashes.

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