QoS support in embedded networks and NoC

Abstract

Quality of service (QoS) requirements such as priorities, packet delivery and packet delivery time are important and critical for embedded networks and networkson-chip (NoC) [1]. We consider mechanisms for QoS support in the SpaceFibre, SpaceWire and GigaSpaceWire protocols, possibility of using them in embedded networks and NoC. In the article we analyze approaches for QoS provision, their feasibility and value of QoS in SpaceWire/GigaSpaceWire and in SpaceFibre networks. Networks with different topologies and traffic pattern are used to study and to evaluate the performance. Various traffic types such as the data packets, streaming data, commands will be transmitted in networks. Data delivery characteristics for SpaceFibre and SpaceWire/GigaSpaceWire networks are analyzed and compared. Also we compare characteristics that are achievable in NoC, which are based on QoS mechanisms of SpaceFibre, SpaceWire and GigaSpaceWire. Hardware costs are one of the main constraints for embedded networks and NoC. Therefore we compare hardware costs of basic SpaceFibre, SpaceWire and GigaSpaceWire routers.