Automated synthesis of efficient binary decoders for retargetable software toolkits

A binary decoder is a common component of software development tools such as instruction set simulators, disassemblers and debuggers. The efficiency of the decoder can have a significant impact on the efficiency of these software tools. Automated synthesis of efficient binary decoders is therefore necessary for retargetable software tool development frameworks targeting the rapidly growing field of applicationspecific processor design. This paper describes a decoder synthesis algorithm that translates a simple instruction pattern specification into efficient binary decoders in C under given memory constraints. The algorithm constructs a decision tree with carefully chosen decoding primitives and cost models. As demonstrated through two case studies, the synthesized decoders achieve efficiency comparable to hand-coded decoders with ensured correctness. The algorithm has no limitation on the input instruction patterns and it requires only the least amount of knowledge about the instruct...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: DAC
• Authors: Wei Qin, Sharad Malik
• Keywords: DAC 2003, Decoder Synthesis Algorithm, Design Automation, Efficient Binary Decoders, Keywords Binary Decoder