Multi-objective Design Space Exploration based on UML

This paper proposes a Design Space Exploration (DSE) framework using UML-based estimation and a multi-objective design exploration mechanism. This framework allows the designer to automatically select the most adequate modeling solution for application, architecture, and mapping, in an integrated and simultaneous way and at a very early design stage. An MDAbased transformation engine implements the mapping by model transformations, allowing the evaluation of possible implementations during a DSE process based on accurate UML-based estimates of the effects of each transformation, without requiring costly hardware synthesis and code generation steps. A design space exploration scenario for the design of a real application has been developed. Experimental results show that the proposed estimation and exploration approach may find a suitable solution regarding the design requirements and constraints in a very short time, with an acceptable accuracy, without relying on costly synthesis-and-simulation cycles.