Interface-based design of systems-on-chip using UML-RT

While the IC industry tries to harness System-on-Chip complexity by reusing Intellectual Property modules, practical problems abound. Reusing within tight hardware constraints is a design journey that may cost more than building from scratch. Platforms using pre-characterized interfaces gained acceptance as a paradigm that increases reuse predictability. In this paper, we present an interface-based approach to SoC design based on contract adorned UML-RT capsules. It is shown that well-defined interfaces are the key to define a systematic path towards the implementation of a System-on-Chip model. Two sets of capsules that form the base of two platforms, one for packet-based video processing and one for Software Radio, are built. IP reuse, refinement and profiling are performed within the context of these two platforms.