A Genetic Algorithm-Based Place-and-Route Compiler For A Run-time Reconfigurable Computing System

Configurable Computing is a technology which attempts to increase computational power by customizing the computational platform to the specific problem at hand. An experimental computing model known as wormhole run-time reconfiguration allows for partial reconfiguration and is highly scalable. In this approach, configuration information and data are grouped together in a computing unit called a stream, which can tunnel through the chip creating a series of interconnected pipelines. The Colt/Stallion project at Virginia Tech implements this computing model into integrated circuits. In order to create applications for this platform, a compiler is needed which can convert a human readable description of an algorithm into the sequences of configuration information understood by the chip itself. This thesis covers two compilers which perform this task. The first compiler, Tier1, requires a programmer to explicitly describe placement and routing inside of the chip. This could be considered equivalent to an assembler for a traditional microprocessor. The second compiler, Tier2, allows the user to express a problem as a dataflow graph. Actual placing and routing of this graph onto the physical hardware is taken care of through the use of a genetic algorithm. A description of the two languages is presented, followed by example applications. In addition, experimental results are included which examine the behavior of the genetic algorithm and how alterations to various genetic operator probabilities affects performance.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Kahne, Brian C.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Athanas, Peter M.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Nunnally, Charles E.
• Armstrong, James R.

• placement
• genetic algorithm
• routing
• configurable computing wormhole
• run-time reconfiguration

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-1629131549741341

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/36521