Pipeline mode in C-based direct hardware implementation

Abstract

In this paper a methodology is presented that enables the pipeline function of hardware blocks created by C-based direct hardware design. The method is embedded into the C-based design methodology worked out by the authors earlier. This pipeline enabling method is rather flexible, needs no special efforts. With the help of a simple state-machine-based entity, blocks of different execution times can build up the pipeline, even with data-dependent duration. A data-spreading technique solves data consistency. Pipeline sectioning - chosing the right and balanced granularity versus pipelining overhead - is an optimisation matter. Simulation results prove the correctness of the method.