A Classification and Evaluation Framework for NoC Mapping Strategies

Abstract

Network on Chip (NoC) is a new communication medium used for systems-on-chip (SoCs). In an SoC, the placement of the communicating elements across the network has an impact on system performance. Such a placing is called the MAPPING phase in networks on chip design process. Many approaches dealing with the mapping phase have been proposed but selecting the best technique for a given NoC remains a challenging problem. This paper attempts to provide an answer to this issue. It motivates and presents a definition and a classification according to some criteria: (i) the algorithms used for solving the mapping problem, (ii) the moment in which the mapping is executed, (iii) the impact of combining mapping with other phases during NoC design and (iv) the target architecture.