Research algorithms for constructing controllers using the systems on a chip

Introduction (Motivation)

The rapid development of modern digital technology significantly expands the range of its application. Virtually all the equipment, which originally was designed as analog becomes completely digital. Due to the pace of development of modern digital technology, more and more responsibilities are assigned specifically to microcomputers or microcontrollers. A striking example of this development, are the system-board computers are used in automotive engineering. Initially the car was designed only as a means of movement and did not contain any electronics. But with further advances in technology vehicles are becoming more comfortable and safe, which is provided by airborne means of verification. Provide a modern car with no on-board computer is very difficult.

That research and development of such systems is dedicated to my final work.

Aims and objectives

Object of study is the final work in design technology onboard controller based on reconfigurable systems.

The main purpose of master's thesis is to research and develop onboard controller using a reconfigurable system on chip. As the main database design using FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Array) or a PLD (programmable logic integrated circuits). FPGA - an electronic component used to create digital integrated circuits. Unlike conventional digital circuits, the logic of the FPGA is not defined in the manufacture and design is defined by programming. Programmers used for programming and debugging environment, allowing to set the desired structure of digital devices in the form of schematic diagrams or in a special hardware description languages: Verilog, VHDL, AHDL, etc.

Main tasks:

• analysis of the principles of reconfigurable systems on a chip;
• research, development and description of a model reconfigurable system on chip for the onboard controller;
• research and testing of systems using VHDL.

The main content

System on Chip (SoC) - integrates a variety of on-chip functional blocks that form the finished product for offline use in electronic equipment. In the English literature called System-on-a-Chip, SoC. The structure of a typical SoC is shown in Figure 1. Depending on the purpose of SoC can operate as digital signals and analog, analog to digital, and radio band frequencies. Typically, these chips are used in portable and embedded systems.

Figure 1 - Structure of a typical system-on-chip

The main digital block is usually a processor that performs software processing of digital data. Specialized processing units provide the hardware to perform the functions specific to the system. It may be, for example, blocks of digital signal processing (DSP), analog circuits, transformers and other data streams device. Different types of memory (SRAM, DRAM, ROM, EEPROM, Flash) can be part of SoC or connect to it as external units. Timers, ADC and DAC, PWM and other digital devices can be integrated into the SoC as a peripheral device. Interface with external devices is provided by the parallel and serial ports, various bus and communication controllers and other interface units, including analog (amplifiers, converters). Units can be connected using bus proprietary or conventional design, eg, AMBA in the chips, ARM. If the chip is composed of direct memory access controller (DMA), then with it you can enter data at high speed from external devices directly into the memory chip, bypassing the processor core

If you put all the necessary circuitry on a single semiconductor crystal cannot be applied scheme of several crystals placed in a single package (System in a package, SiP). SoC design is considered more advantageous as it allows increasing the percentage of devices used in manufacturing, and simplifying the design of the case.

Modern microelectronics provides the following options for SoC:

• in the form of a custom microchip (ASIC);
• FPGA high integration .

Both options have their own implementation of the advantages and disadvantages, which are useful to evaluate in comparison with the traditional method of mounting systems for printed circuit board separate circuits-on-board systems.

When designing a microcontroller apart from functional libraries used by hard-functional units (IP units) - processors, timers, ADC, various interface unit (UART, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, etc.). These IP blocks from the upper level of functional libraries used by designers and manufacturers of microcontrollers.

When implemented as an SoC ASIC using traditional methods of designing ASIC using hardware-based hard-function blocks integrated into the structure of microchip and synthesized IP blocks, which the manufacturer translates into the body by using their own libraries of functional elements. Using CAD tools, a set of necessary IP units and modern technology can be implemented as ASIC, most electronic devices are currently mounted on printed circuit boards. Thus, there is the possibility of replacing systems on-board systems on a chip. The alternative - the development of the board or the implementation is functionally similar to SoC in the form of ASIC.

The advantages of the system–on-a-board:

• use well-proven serial components;
• simpler process of testing and debugging;
• the possibility of replacing defective components;
• low cost of producing prototypes and small series.

The advantages of systems-on-a-chip:

• the possibility of obtaining higher technical performance (performance, power consumption, weight and size characteristics);
• lower cost for large scale production [2].

The most promising direction currently is the methodology of microchip design such as "system on a chip" using the platform of the principle of organization based on embedded microprocessor cores and libraries, IP-blocks.

Microprocessors are the main consumers of the industry of household appliances, instrumentation, telecommunications and primarily due to mass production.

Basic requirements for a modern system on chip multi-purpose, you should consider when designing SoC:

• performance of the main processor core (100-400 Mips);
• opportunity in one SoC to use multiple processor cores;
• the flexibility to add various components in the system of SoC or exclude unnecessary components (to save space on the plate and reduce the cost of chip production);
• source code and circuit design constraints SoC should allow transfer to another topological library to a possible rapid transition to an alternative plant manufacturer of silicon wafers;
• transparency and openness of the circuitry of SoC, the mandatory use of standardized interfaces, AMBA or Withbond for connectivity components (IP-blocks) from other manufacturers, including the use of purchased components [3].

An alternative way of implementing systems on a chip is highly integrated technology FPGA, containing millions of equivalent logic gates. Advantages of the SoC-based FPGA:

• low development costs and the creation of prototypes;
• the possibility of multiple correction project;
• use well-proven serial products;
• a simpler process of testing and debugging (the ability to implement and debug "piecemeal").

Thus, the SoC on an FPGA are practically the same advantages as the systems on board, but differ in the best technical characteristics - lower power consumption, smaller and lighter. At the same time on such parameters as performance and power consumption of SoC on an FPGA SoC yield realized in the form of ASIC [4].

The functioning of the software is no less important than hardware. Development is usually carried out in parallel. The hardware part is going from standard-established units, to build the software part is used ready-made drivers. Apply automation tools and integrated development of CAD software shell.

In order to ensure proper operation of established combinations of blocks, the drivers and software loaded into the emulator hardware (a chip with programmable circuits, FPGA). Also want to specify the location of units and to develop interconnect connection. Before putting into production hardware is being tested for validity using a language Verilog and VHDL. Up to 70% of the total effort expended to develop it at this point.

System on a chip consumes less power, cost less and work more reliably than chipsets with the same functionality. Fewer housing simplifies installation. Nevertheless, the creation of one very large and complex system on a chip can be more expensive process than a series of small, due to the complexity of development and debugging, and reducing the percentage of product yield.

Conclusions

After analyzing the above, it should be noted that the systems on a chip, implemented based on FPGA, are competitive and will gradually be used more frequently than the system board, thus replacing them. The implementation of microprocessors and microcontrollers in this SoC will be carried out using a variety of options for processing difficult-functional units. Under the options of using the SF units means: self-development, the use of public resources or the purchase of blocks of chip manufacturers.

One of the most urgent tasks is to develop and manufacture their own microprocessors and systems-on-chip solutions for various problems. That is the greatest economic benefit will bring a product (a microprocessor system on a chip), which will be suited to the widest range of tasks.

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Important note

This master's work has not completed yet. Final Completion: November 2011. Full text of the work and materials on the subject can be obtained from the author or his supervisor after the specified date.