Trace driven modelling and performance evaluation of tightly coupled multiprocessor systems

The development and comparison of two trace-driven simulation models for microsystems with tightly coupled, shared-bus multiprocessors is presented. One model monitors the complete activities of processors, private caches, global bus, and main memory, while the other first abstracts local bus activities of processors, and then takes care of the multiprocessing interaction. The second model provides a means to move more quickly within the design space, while the first model can be used to select a final optimized design. Examples are presented to illustrate how these simulation models can help a complex choice among architectures, system configurations, and chip parameters for the design of an optimized microsystem.