Impact of parameterization on the design of module generators

Abstract

How parameterization impacts the design of module generators from initial parameter selection and architectural definition, to circuit-level design, characterization, and verification is discussed. In the design process it is desired to maximize the design space of the module to allow for the broadest possible range of applications but within certain constraints. The selection of parameters and their ranges can be crucial in achieving a large design space without major sacrifices to design goals. These parameters define the design space, and have three important aspects: granularity is the increment with which a parameter may change; continuity is a measure of the consistency of the parameterization effort through the entire scope of the parameter; and coupling indicates how a parameter's effort is impacted by changes in other parameters. Speed, power, and area are too tightly coupled to be considered for parameterization. Selection of other parameters should be made based on the impact that they have on the effort required for procedural-level coding, verification, characterization, and maintenance.<>