Evaluation framework for NoC in 5G modem chips

Abstract

5G is the next generation of wireless networks. It allows the realization of applications like virtual reality, autonomous vehicles and tactile internet which would make a significant change in our lives in the future. Currently it is in the deployment stage where most work focuses on the design of the wide infrastructure of wireless communication like modems, antennas and base stations that actually supports the new 5G standard. The design of the 5G modem chip in particular would be a challenge because of issues such as the increase in the number of components of the chip and the programmability required in the chip. These issues could be addressed by using an efficient network-on-chip (NoC) that would replace the legacy bus networks used in previous modems. This work introduces an evaluation framework to help in the design of the NoC in 5G modem chips. This is done by modifying Booksim, a cycle-accurate interconnection network simulator, to model a heterogenous system and a traffic workload found in modem chips. Initial results were obtained by using a sample traffic workload evaluated on a heterogeneous concentrated mesh network.