Large grain data-flow graph restructuring for EMSP signal processing benchmarks on the ECOS workstation system

Abstract

This thesis documents a procedure for implementing the Revolving Cylinder scheduling algorithm for parallel programs on the ECOS Workstation System (EWS), designed specifically by AT&T for simulation of the Enhanced Modular Signal Processor (EMSP) currently in use by the United States Navy. The Revolving Cylinder (RC) algorithm provides a methodology for forcing First Come First Served (FCFS) schedulers to follow a more systematic utilization of available resources. The methods of implementation used take advantage of the Graphical Editor (gred) to insert additional data dependencies into the program structure. The thesis utilizes applications written in Signal Processing Graph Notation (SPGN), viz., a simple correlator function and the active subroutine of the U.S. Navy Sonobuoy benchmark. Results for standard FCFS scheduling and RC modified scheduling are presented for both. Special attention is paid throughout the thesis to enhancement of manufacturer supplied documentation with regard to implementation of the non-standard RC structures. Impact of the algorithm on throughput and latency is discussed, as well as performance determination using the tools provided with the ECOS Workstation System