Task model suitable for dynamic load balancing of real-time applications in NoC-based MPSoCs

Abstract

Modern embedded systems implemented through Multiprocessor System-on-Chip (MPSoCs) benefit themselves from resources that were previously available solely in generalpurpose computers. Currently, these systems are able to provide more features at the cost of an increased design complexity. In this scenario, the applications' behaviour has changed. In the past, the majority of applications showed a static behaviour throughout their entire lifetime. Applications could be divided into tasks and mapped onto processing elements at design time. Currently, the applications' dynamic nature imposes that efficient dynamic load balancing techniques with different task mapping strategies must arise, although a fair static mapping still helps increasing the system overall performance. In this paper we present a task model suitable for dynamic load balancing of real-time applications with special support for Network-on-Chip (NoC)-based MPSoCs that aims to stabilize the system load throughout its lifetime. Results show a reduction in both system stabilization time (mean of 47.62%) and deadline misses (mean of 32.28%) for several benchmarks, compared to classic approaches which employ a centralized migration manager. © 2012 IEEE.