ECE 734 VLSI Array Structures For Digital Signal Processing

Course Project Description

The course project for this course can be an individual project or a group project. For group project, one grade will be assigned to all group members. At most two students enrolled during this semester can form a group. The group project is expected to accomplish twice at much work as an individual project and will be graded as such.

Types of the Project

Project types can be (a) theory/algorithm development type or (b) implementation type. Only in the most rare case, a survey type project proposal will be granted permission.

Theory/algorithm type projects -- Project focus on a specific design methodology or design theory as well as mapping algorithms to various architecture platforms. Some possible examples are:

• Mapping algorithms with multiple nested loops onto a shared systolic array
• Periodic scheduling and assignment of iterative DSP algorithms (e.g. IIR filters, adaptive filters) to a multi-processor distributed computing system.
• Implementation of JPEG 2000 component algorithms (DWT, arithmetic coding) or other multimedia signal processing algorithm using MMX instruction extensions using algorithm mapping approach, and compare the result with existing implementations. This requires a detailed analysis of the MMX instructure architecture and how the algorithm transformation/mapping techniques are used to generate the code.
• Implementation of multimedia signal processing algorithm in programmable dsp chips (TI TMS 32060) using the algorithm transformation techniques and compare to existing implementations. It is requried to discuss the VLIW instructure architecture and demonstrate how algorithm transformation/mappling techniques are being used to genreate the code.
• Implementation of DSP algorithms on FPGA using the algorithm transformation and mapping approach.

Implementation type project -- The amount of work to be performed must match the size of the project team, and efforts will have to be justified. Implementation type project can be software, hardware implementation. You are contrained to available tools at CAE and MMSP lab (3332 EH).

• Platform-specific algorithm transformation and mapping tools. In particular, generate optimal code for H.264 algorithm or other multimedia standard algorithm (or their components) using
  1. PLX sub-word parallel ISA (new 2006);
  2. Intel SIMD ISA; or
  3. Texas Instrument DSPs
  and analyze the performance of the resulting code.
• An algorithm transformation tool that can transform a nested loop DSP algorithm written in, say C or Matlab source code into a dependence graph representation that incorporate single-assignment transformation, variable localization transformation.
• An algorithm transformation tool that combines look-ahead transformation, loop-unfolding, loop-retiming to implement single input, single output FIR and IIR digital filters at specified sampling (throughput) rate.
• ASIC implementation of certain DSP algorithm using Mentor Graphics tools. This option should be reserved for those who are experienced in IC desgin. To be relavent to this course, you must show how the algorithm transform and mapping techniques are applied to derive the architecture at differnet levels of abstractions. Detailed, clock by clock functional simulation is required, and final chip layout must be included in the final project report.

A list of papers that may stimulate project topic ideas are given. This list will be updated and enhanced over time.

Procedure

Proposal: The purposes of writing a project proposals are: (i) to determine the topic, (ii) to show that preliminary study of the subject materials have been done, (iii) to assess the likelihood of success of the project, (iv) to give the plan to carry out the project. You should submit a two to five pages proposal to the instructor for approval of the project. A face to face discussion lasting 5-10 minutes between the instructor and the team is required. This discussion should take place during one of the office hours of the instructor. At the end of this discussion, the instructor will either approve the proposal and assign a grade, or reject the proposal and let the team know the reason. In the latter case, the team must come up with an revised proposal or an alternate new proposal before a deadline specified in the course outline. Preliminary discussion with the TA and the instructor can also be held in advance during their office hours. However, the opinion expressed by the teaching staff during these preliminary discussions are only suggestions. The team members are responsible to use their best judgement to prepare the proposal for approval.

• title of the project
• team members,
• project highlight -- explain what you want to do in this project,
• Motivation -- explain the significance of the proposed project and the relevance of the project to this course
• Prior art -- listing at least three previous works (papers, books, etc.) that reported work most closely related to the current project. Briefly review their approaches, advantages and shortcomings.
• Approach -- outline proposed approaches. Including preliminary analytical result, or implementation prototype as appropriate, a schedule of tasks to be performed, etc.
• expected results -- what can be promised in the final project report that is not part of the proposal.
• Task planning -- among team members, specify who will do what and when.

Report: A type-written, hardcopy project report, as well as an electronic version (including source code, design files developed) are to be submitted at the end of the semester. The length of the report is not restricted. However, the report must be include the following sections:

• Introduction: Motivation and backgrounds.
• Main body of report. Depending on types of project, this part may include method used, approaches taken, problem description, etc.
• Conclusion and discussion: Highlight your achievement in this project and things may be done in the future.

Presentation: At the last week of the semester, project presentation will take place. a power point presentation will be given in class and later posted on-line.

List of Fall 2000 Projects

List of Fall 2002 Projects