Optimal FPGA module placement with temporal precedence constraints

Abstract

We consider the optimal placement of hardware modules in space and time for FPGA architectures with reconfiguration capabilities, where modules are modeled as three-dimensional boxes in space and time. Using a graph-theoretic characterization of feasible packings, we are able to solve the following problems. (a) Find the minimal execution time of the given problem on an FPGA of fixed size, (b) Find the FPGA of minimal size to accomplish the tasks within a fired time limit. Furthermore, our approach is perfectly suited for the treatment of precedence constraints for the sequence of tasks, which are present in virtually all practical instances. Additional mathematical structures are developed that lead to a powerful framework for completing optimal solutions. The usefulness is illustrated by computational results.