Optimization Models for Three On-Chip Network Problems.

We model three on-chip network design problems—memory controller placement, resource allocation in heterogeneous on-chip networks, and their combination—as mathematical optimization problems. We model the first two problems as mixed integer linear programs. We model the third problem as a mixed integer nonlinear program, which we then linearize exactly. Sophisticated optimization algorithms enable solutions to be obtained much more efficiently. Detailed simulations using synthetic traffic and benchmark applications validate that our designs provide better performance than solutions proposed previously. Our work provides further evidence toward suitability of optimization models in searching/pruning architectural design space.