HIFI: A Design Method for Implementing Signal Processing Algorithms on VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Processor Arrays

摘要

A design method, called HIFI, that makes it possible to systematically implement a large class of signal processing algorithms on systolic and wavefront arrays is defined. The model underlying the definition of the design method is a combination of a process oriented model and an applicative, function oriented model. The result is a model that combines a high level of abstraction with powerful decomposition mechanisms. The model is used to define the HIFI design method, which allows both top-down and bottom-up design styles. The HIFI design-method is based on two different design steps: refinement, which makes it possible to define the decomposition of a function with a dependence graph; and partitioning, used to project a dependence graph on a so-called signal flow graph, which allows a more efficient implementation, of the function defined by the dependence graph. The design method is illustrated by an algorithm for the solution of a system of linear equations, and the transitive closure algorithm.