NCXplore: A design space exploration framework of temporal encoding for on-chip serial interconnects

Multi-processor systems-on-chip (MPSoC) seek for high performance, scalable and power efficient communication infrastructures. Recent research considers on-chip serial links for communication fabrics as a solution to reduce routing congestion and design complexity. This paper describes a methodology and a tool-chain for design space exploration of temporal encoding schemes, thereafter referred to as NCXplore. NCXplore assists the designer to achieve the best fit as regards both switching activity combined with reduction of crosstalk effects, and performance. A novel class of temporal encoding schemes is also presented to manage switching activity and crosstalk induced delays. NCXplore accepts any encoding technique as a mapping function to investigate crosstalk effects. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.