Heterogeneous co-simulation of networked embedded systems

Networked embedded systems pose several challenges in the modeling, simulation, and design domains. The presence of the network, in particular makes an already critical task such as HW/SW co-simulation even more complex, since a three-way (HW/SW/network) co-simulation and co-design capability is required. Modeling of networks and their interaction with hardware and software is thus key for an effective design methodology at early stages of the design flow. In this work, we present a HW/SW/network co-simulation and co-design methodology, based on the integration of heterogeneous simulation environments such as SystemC and NS (Network Simulator). This methodology has been successfully applied to the design of a system-on-chip performing the fast path of IPv4 routing, allowing to explore different HW/SW allocation for different network configurations.