JP2010181942A - System and method for providing information on estimation of replacement from pld/cpld to microcomputer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply provide information as an index when replacing a hardware configuration by a software configuration. <P>SOLUTION: A system includes: a hardware information input means 2 for inputting information related to a hardware element; a conversion database 3 comprising information about the hardware element in association with information about a component of a microprocessor; a software configuration part estimation means 4 for estimating the configuration of a microprocessor having a throughput equivalent to a hardware configuration part based on the conversion database 3; and an estimation information generation means 5 for generating estimation information based on information input by the hardware information input means 2 and information generated by the software configuration part estimation means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an information providing system for replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer that provides estimation information as an index for replacing a hardware configuration with a software configuration in an electronic device that performs predetermined information processing. And a method.

  In an electronic device that performs predetermined information processing, a hardware configuration such as PLD (Programmable Logic Device) / CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is changed to a software configuration using a microprocessor that operates under program control. Can be replaced. By performing such replacement from hardware to software, it is possible to perform complex control or easily change processing contents if the control is on the order of milliseconds. In recent years, microprocessors with good cost performance have become widespread, so that replacement with software is effective in reducing costs.

  Several prior arts have been disclosed for such replacement techniques. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for programming a product-sum logic circuit unit of an integrated circuit simply by giving a sequence control description written in a programmable controller language such as a ladder language or SFC. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration that allows a hierarchical synthesis unit to be read into a logic synthesis tool by inputting a connector for hierarchical connection to each level of a circuit diagram created for an FPGA. Yes. Patent Document 3 stores a large number of combinations of designed partial circuits and corresponding PLD actual circuits in a database, divides the designed logic circuit into partial circuits, and assigns the PLD actual circuits corresponding to the partial circuits. Thus, a configuration for converting the entire logic circuit into an actual circuit is disclosed. In Patent Document 4, the required execution time is calculated in advance for each operation and for each processor, and the required circuit scale is calculated for each operation and for each technology. A configuration for calculating the required execution time and the required circuit scale for the entire apparatus by applying the required execution time or the required circuit scale of the corresponding technology is disclosed. Patent Document 5 generates an intermediate code from a logical system description program in which the entire logical system is described in a program language, and is executed by the processor from the intermediate code while referring to a dedicated hardware performance table and a performance table for each instruction of the processor. A configuration for generating an instruction sequence and calculating a performance estimate value is disclosed.

JP 2003-50609 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-320451 JP-A-2-291080 JP 2005-242569 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-290858

  A device designer or the like needs information for making various judgments in terms of function, cost, and the like when performing the above replacement work. However, depending on the prior art described above, it requires a lot of labor and facilities such as managing a complicated database and inputting various setting conditions, and designers can easily obtain the above information. I couldn't.

  The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems serves as an index for replacing a hardware component composed of hardware elements including a logic circuit with a software component composed of a microprocessor operating according to a program. An information providing system for providing estimate information, wherein hardware information input means for inputting information relating to the hardware element, information relating to the hardware element, and information relating to a component of the microprocessor are associated with each other. Based on the conversion database, based on the conversion database, software component assumption means that assumes the configuration of the microprocessor having processing capability equivalent to the hardware component, information input by the hardware information input means, And the assumed component of the software component Based on the generated information by, those comprising the estimate information generation means for generating the estimate information.

  According to the present invention, when a user inputs information related to the hardware configuration unit by means of a computer keyboard or the like, a configuration (specification) of a microprocessor to be newly installed is automatically assumed. Estimate information regarding the processor or the like is provided to the user through a computer display or the like. As a result, the user can easily obtain estimation information that is an effective index for the replacement work.

  In addition, the present invention provides estimation information that serves as an index when replacing a hardware component configured by hardware elements including a logic circuit with a software component configured including a microprocessor that operates according to a program. An information providing method, comprising: referring to a conversion database in which information relating to the hardware element, information relating to the hardware element, and information relating to a component of the microprocessor are associated with each other; The estimation information based on the step of assuming the configuration of the microprocessor having processing capability equivalent to a hardware configuration unit, the information on the input hardware configuration unit, and the information on the assumed software configuration unit Generating.

  The effect by this method is the same as that by the said system.

  According to the present invention, effective information serving as an index for replacing a hardware configuration such as PLD / CPLD with a software configuration using a microprocessor is simply provided to a device designer or the like. It becomes possible to do.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the information provision system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in the information provision system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the flow of a process by a microprocessor. It is a figure which shows the difference in the process in a logic circuit and software processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a conversion table. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to a NOT circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to an AND circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to OR circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to a XOR circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to a D-FF circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to an INPUT circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which shows the example of the program which performs the process equivalent to an OUTPUT circuit, the size of this program, and the number of clocks. It is a figure which illustrates the specification of the assumed microprocessor. It is a figure which illustrates the effective reference information at the time of substitution.

Embodiment 1
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. This information providing system 1 provides estimated information that serves as an index when replacing a hardware component configured by hardware elements including a logic circuit with a software component configured including a microprocessor that operates according to a program. It is to provide. The microprocessor referred to here includes not only the CPU but also those in which peripheral circuits such as input / output and memory are packaged in the same package. The information providing system 1 includes hardware information input means 2, a conversion database 3, software component assumption means 4, and estimate information generation means 5.

  The hardware information input unit 2 is used to input information related to the hardware elements. The hardware information input unit 2 accepts an operation by a user of the system 1 and accumulates information related to the target hardware elements. Examples of hardware elements include various logic circuits such as a NOT circuit, an AND circuit, an OR circuit, and an FF (Flip Flop) circuit.

  The conversion database 3 stores information obtained by associating information on hardware elements with information on constituent elements of the microprocessor constituting the software constituent unit.

  Based on the conversion database 3, the software configuration unit assumption unit 4 assumes a configuration of a microprocessor having a processing capability corresponding to a hardware configuration unit. That is, the software component assumption unit 4 performs processing of the hardware component installed before the replacement based on the information input by the hardware information input unit 2 and the information stored in the conversion database 3. The capability is converted into the processing capability required for the microprocessor mounted after the replacement, and a specific configuration of the microprocessor is proposed based on the conversion result.

  The estimate information generation means 5 generates the estimate information based on the information input to the hardware information input means 2 and the information generated by the software component assumption means 4.

  The above configuration is realized by using a computer having a central processing unit (CPU, etc.), a storage device (RAM, ROM, etc.), an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and an output device (display, printer, etc.). Is done. For example, this can be realized by installing application software that gives the functions of the means 2 to 5 to a general-purpose computer. Further, the present invention can also be realized in a state where a server managed by the provider of the system 1 and a user terminal used by the user are connected via a communication network and information can be transmitted and received between them. In such a state, for example, when the user operates the user terminal and inputs information regarding the hardware element to be replaced, this information is transmitted to the server via the communication network. The server has the conversion database 3 in its own storage device, executes the above-described processing of the software component assumption means 4 based on the information transmitted from the user terminal and the information of the conversion database 3, and further estimates information Is generated. Thereby, estimate information can be provided from a server to a user terminal via a communication network. In addition, this invention is not limited to these structures, A various infrastructure change is accept | permitted.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in the information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment. First, hardware information is input by the user (S11). The information input here includes the manufacturer name / product name (Company A / B) of PLD / CPLD, the number of NOT circuits (C1), the number of AND circuits (C2), the number of OR circuits (C3), and the number of FF circuits. The number (D), the number of input terminals (E), the number of output terminals (F), and the like. The processing function unit on the host side that has received the hardware information performs processing for converting the hardware configuration into the software configuration (S12). Specifically, the processing content (number of gates and number of FFs) of the input PLD / CPLD is referred to the information stored in the conversion database 3 so that the total processing time and the memory capacity (number of bytes) of the microprocessor. ), Converted to the number of terminals. Based on the converted information, the specifications of the microprocessor, that is, the processing performance (time), the program size ROM capacity, the number of I / O pins, and the like are assumed (S13). Further, the processing function unit on the host side selects an actual (or manufactured) microprocessor based on the information thus assumed (S14), and estimates the cost of using this microprocessor (S15). ), The VE (Value Engineering) effect at that time is calculated (S16), and these results are provided to the user. Then, the user receives the estimate information in which these pieces of information are collected (S17).

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the flow of processing by the microprocessor. As shown in the figure, in the microprocessor, an input processing unit 21 for capturing data, a logic processing unit 22 that performs processing equivalent to a logic circuit as a hardware configuration unit such as AND, OR, and FF by software processing, An output processing unit 23 that outputs the processed result is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating processing differences between the logic circuit and the software processing. In the logic circuit, since all logic is executed in parallel, the performance can be defined only by the maximum value of the path. That is, when all the elements constituting the logic circuit have the same delay time, the maximum processing time MAX (hard) of the logic circuit is obtained by considering only the circuit path indicated by A in FIG. Can do. That is, MAX (hard) = AND1 + XOR1 + AND2. On the other hand, in a microprocessor (Neumann type), since instructions are executed sequentially, the processing time is the sum of the maximum processing times for all functional units composed of input terminals, AND-OR, output terminals, and the like. . That is, it is necessary to consider all circuit paths indicated by B in FIG. 4, and the maximum processing time MAX (soft) when executed by the program software is MAX (soft) = AND1 + XOR1 + AND2 + OR1 + OR2.

  As described above, the processing by the microprocessor is different from the logic circuit capable of simultaneous parallel processing, and it is necessary to sequentially process one instruction. However, the disadvantage can be minimized by dividing the input processing unit 21 and the logic processing unit 22. That is, the input processing unit 21 converts the input signal from bit processing to byte processing, the logic processing unit 22 performs software processing equivalent to the logic circuit, and the output processing unit 23 converts byte processing to bit processing. And then output.

  In the present invention, the processing time and ROM capacity for each functional unit of the logic circuit are calculated in advance based on the conversion method from the logic circuit to the software processing as described above, and a conversion table is created. This conversion table is information stored in the conversion database 3.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion table. In this conversion table, the number of bytes and the processing time are set for each processing content (functional unit). In the column of processing contents (functional unit), the types of logic circuits such as NOT circuit and AND circuit are described. The number of bytes indicates the size of a program that performs processing equivalent to each functional unit. The setting of the number of bytes will be described later. In the processing time column, the time required for processing of each functional unit is described, and the minimum value and the maximum value are described, respectively.

  6 to 12 are diagrams showing examples of programs for performing processing equivalent to various logic circuits (functional units), the size of the programs, and the number of clocks. In each figure, the left half of the table indicates instructions in assembler language, the numerical value in the middle byte number column in the right half indicates the program size of each instruction, and the numerical value in the CLK number column is necessary for the CPU processing of each instruction. The number of clocks is shown. Taking the NOT circuit shown in FIG. 6 as an example, the total program size is 10 bytes, the minimum number of clocks is 16 μs, and the maximum value is 22 μs. These numerical values are reflected in the number of bytes and the processing time of the conversion table shown in FIG. 5 described above (the processing time in this conversion table is an example when operating at 8 MHz).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an assumed microprocessor specification. The specifications of the microprocessor are generated based on the conversion table shown in FIG. 5 and the hardware information input by the hardware information input means 2. In FIG. 13, the processing content (functional unit) column describes the hardware elements input by the user, and the required specification column describes the number of these functional units. The basic processing time indicates the time required for processing by one of the functional units, and is determined from the minimum value or the maximum value in the processing time column in the conversion table (see FIG. 5). The total processing time is a numerical value obtained by multiplying the number described in the required specification by the basic processing time. The number of unit bytes indicates the size of a program that performs processing equivalent to each functional unit, and is determined by a numerical value described in the number of bytes column in the conversion table (see FIG. 5). The total number of bytes is a value obtained by multiplying the number described in the required specification by the number of unit bytes. The required number of terminals is a numerical value determined by the number of input terminals, the number of output terminals, and the types of other functional units. The total processing time is a numerical value obtained by adding up the total processing time, and can be regarded as indicating the performance of the microprocessor. The required ROM capacity is a numerical value obtained by adding up the total number of bytes, and indicates the memory capacity required to store the program. As described above, the number of terminals of the microprocessor, the total processing time, and the memory capacity required when the hardware configuration unit is replaced with the software configuration unit are assumed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating effective reference information at the time of replacement. In this information, a hardware information column 31 and a software information column 32 are provided so that both information can be compared. Both columns 31 and 32 are provided with columns of PLD / CPLD to be replaced or the manufacturer name, device name, and unit price of the microprocessor assumed (proposed) as described above. Furthermore, a production plan column (production number / month, lifetime month), a total cost column, and a total cost reduction column at the time of replacement are provided. With these fields, the user can accurately determine whether or not to perform replacement with software, what kind of device should be selected, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information provision system 2 Hardware information input means 3 Conversion database 4 Software structure part assumption means 5 Estimate information generation means S11 Input of hardware information S12 Process which converts hardware structure into software structure S13 of microprocessor Use selection information S14 Microprocessor selection S15 Replacement estimation S16 VE effect calculation S17 Acceptance information acceptance 21 Input processing unit 22 Logic processing unit 23 Output processing unit 31 Hardware information column 32 Software information column

Claims (12)

A microcomputer from PLD / CPLD that provides estimation information that serves as an index when replacing a hardware component composed of hardware elements including a logic circuit with a software component composed of a microprocessor that operates according to a program An information providing system for replacement quotation,
Hardware information input means for inputting information relating to the hardware elements;
A conversion database in which information on the hardware elements and information on the components of the microprocessor are associated;
Based on the conversion database, software configuration section assumption means that assumes the configuration of the microprocessor having processing capability equivalent to the hardware configuration section;
Based on information input by the hardware information input means and information generated by the software component assumption means, estimate information generation means for generating the estimate information;
An information provision system for replacement estimate from PLD / CPLD to microcomputer. In the conversion database, for each functional unit of the hardware element, the size of a program that performs processing equivalent to the processing is set.
An information providing system for replacing the PLD / CPLD according to claim 1 with a microcomputer. The software component assumption means assumes a memory capacity of the microprocessor based on the size of the program.
An information providing system for replacing the PLD / CPLD according to claim 2 with a microcomputer. The conversion database is configured by setting a processing time required for the processing for each functional unit of the hardware element.
The information provision system of the replacement estimate from PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer as described in any one of Claims 1-3. The software component assumption means assumes a total processing time of the microprocessor based on the processing time.
5. An information providing system for replacing the PLD / CPLD according to claim 4 with a microcomputer. The software component assumption means assumes the number of terminals of the microprocessor based on the conversion database.
The information provision system of the replacement estimate from PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer as described in any one of Claims 1-5. A microcomputer from PLD / CPLD that provides estimation information that serves as an index when replacing a hardware component composed of hardware elements including a logic circuit with a software component composed of a microprocessor that operates according to a program A method of providing replacement quotation information,
Inputting information about the hardware element;
Assuming a configuration of the microprocessor having a processing capability corresponding to the hardware configuration unit with reference to a conversion database in which information on the hardware component and information on a component of the microprocessor are associated with each other; and ,
Generating the estimate information based on the input information on the hardware configuration unit and the information on the assumed software configuration unit;
Information providing method for replacement estimate from PLD / CPLD to microcomputer In the conversion database, for each functional unit of the hardware element, the size of a program that performs processing equivalent to the processing is set.
8. A method for providing information on replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer according to claim 7. Assuming a memory capacity of the microprocessor based on the size of the program;
A method for providing information on replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer according to claim 8. The conversion database is configured by setting a processing time required for the processing for each functional unit of the hardware element.
10. A method for providing information on replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer according to any one of claims 7 to 9. Assuming a total processing time of the microprocessor based on the processing time;
An information providing method for replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer according to claim 10. Assuming the number of terminals of the microprocessor based on the conversion database;
An information providing method for replacement estimation from a PLD / CPLD to a microcomputer according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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