A Methodology and Tool Suite for C Compiler Generation from ADL Processor Models

Retargetable C compilers are key tools for efficient architecture exploration for embedded processors. In this paper we describe a novel approach to retargetable compilation based on LISA, an industrial processor modeling language for efficient ASIP design. In order to circumvent the well-known trade-off between flexibility and code quality in retargetable compilation, we propose a user-guided, semiautomatic methodology that in turn builds on a powerful existing C compiler design platform. Our approach allows to include generated C compilers into the ASIP architecture exploration loop at an early stage, thereby allowing for a more efficient design process and avoiding application/architecture mismatches. We present the corresponding methodology and tool suite and provide experimental data for two real-life embedded processors that prove the feasibility of the approach.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: DATE
• Authors: Manuel Hohenauer, Hanno Scharwächter, Kingshuk Karuri, Oliver Wahlen, Tim Kogel, Rainer Leupers, Gerd Ascheid, Heinrich Meyr, Gunnar Braun, Hans van Someren
• Keywords: Architecture Exploration, DATE 2004, Efficient Architecture Exploration, Hardware, Retargetable Compilation