ABSTRACT

The TLM concept and methodology are attainable through an implementation founded on the appropriate system level modeling language. Among the abundant choices of system level languages, we have adopted SystemC as our modeling vector at the transactional level for SoCs. This chapter pulls together our development work to date as a concise illustration of the TLM modeling techniques with a particular focus on SoC communication.

KEY WORDS

modeling environment; system level modeling language; SystemC; modeling API; layered approach; core TLM interface; TLM protocol; TLM IP; transaction; initiator; target; interconnect.

1. INTRODUCTION

After discussing extensively the concept and the methodology of TLM in Chapter 2, the current chapter will deliberate on the techniques employed to support modeling of communications based on the TLM methodology. The modeling of IP behavior at abstraction levels defined in Chapter 2 is not in the scope of this chapter.

Following our research based upon SystemC 2.0, a good understanding of the TLM abstract level was acquired as explained in Chapter 2. Underpinned by this comprehension, we succeeded to develop our own TLM interface [1]. Our development results, demonstrating a good level of maturity, were contributed to the OSCI TLM Working Group, as a significant part for the first OSCI TLM standard [2] delivered together with SystemC 2.1. This chapter discusses the TLM modeling techniques that we have been developing, including our most recent development work in line with the official OSCI TLM standard.

To begin with, the modeling...