Synthesis of low-power DSP systems using a genetic algorithm

This paper presents a new tool for the synthesis of low-power VLSI designs, specifically, those designs targeting digital signal processing applications. The synthesis tool genetic algorithm for low-power synthesis (GALOPS) uses a genetic algorithm to apply power-reducing transformations to high-level signal-processing designs, producing designs that satisfy power requirements as well as timing and area constraints. GALOPS uses problem-specific genetic operators that are specifically tailored to incorporate VLSI-based digital signal processing design knowledge. A number of signal-processing benchmarks are used to facilitate the analysis of low-power design tools, and to aid in the comparison of results. Results demonstrate that GALOPS achieves significant power reductions in the presented benchmark designs. In addition, GALOPS produces a family of unique solutions for each design, all of which satisfy the multiple design objectives, providing flexibility to the VLSI designer.