|
A Taxonomy of Performance Assurance Methodologies and its Application in High Performance Computer ArchitecturesKeywords: Taxonomy , high performance microprocessor , performa nce assurance , computer architecture , modeling Abstract: This paper presents a systematic approach to the complex problem of high confidence performanceassurance of high performance architectures based on methods used over several generations of industrialmicroprocessors. A taxonomy is presented for performance assurance through three key stages of a productlife cycle-high level performance, RTL performance,and silicon performance. The proposed taxonomyincludes two components-independent performance assurance space for each stage and a correlationperformance assurance space between stages. It provides a detailed insight into the performance assurancespace in terms of coverage provided taking into account capabilities and limitations of tools andmethodologies used at each stage. An application ofthe taxonomy to cases described in the literatureandto high performance Intel architectures is shown. The proposed work should be of interest to manufacturersof high performance microprocessor/chipset architectures and has not been discussed in the literature.
|