VHDL token-based performance modeling for 2D and 3D infrared search and track processing

This study develops and evaluates a new VHDL-based performance modeling capability for multiprocessor systems.* The framework for this methodology involved modeling the following system aspects: processor characterization, task modeling, network characterization, and data set size. Initially, all aspects are specified at an abstract) level, and eventually become specified at a detailed level through the process of verification and refinement of design assumptions. Processor characterization involves modeling the processor's speed, instruction set, and memory hierarchy. Task modeling is concerned with the execution time and instruction mix of software tasks within the system. Network characterization models bus protocols, topology, and bandwidths. Data set size refers to how much data is represented by the tokens used in the models. In this study, we applied and evaluated this methodology using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) infrared search and track (IRST) algorithms. Two different candidate processors were investigated: IBM PowerPC 604 and Texas Instruments TMS320C80. For the 2D IRST algorithm, the abstract and detailed performance modeling results were obtained far both processors using partitioned data and pipelined algorithmic approaches. For the 3D IRST algorithm, abstract performance models for pipelined and parallelized implementations on the PowerPC were developed. These models examined the feasibility of the implementations, the potential risk areas, and laid the groundwork for detailed performance modeling.