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DRRA Extension System

The DRRA-2 is a template system. Each fabric instance is assembled from components in a library according to an architecture description. The DRRA-2 provides an extension system to allow users to add new components to the component library. The extension system is a simple way to add new components to the component library without rebuilding the complete compilation toolchain.

Important Concepts

Extension Type

The DRRA template system is divided into 4 types of hierarchical components: fabric, cells, controllers, and resources. The extension system allows users to add new components (cells, controllers, as well as resources) to the component library.

Extension Package

To make an extension and add it to the component library, the user needs to create an extension package, which is just a folder containing the extension files, and place it inside the hierarchy of the component library. The library then need to be compiled again to include the new extension.

Component Package Structure

The component package is a folder that contains the component files. The component package is placed in the hierarchy of the component library. It contains the following files:

  • arch.json: The architectural description file of the component. This file is the foundation of the component.
  • isa.json: The ISA description file of the component. This only applies to controllers and resources.
  • rtl.sv: The template of RTL description file of the component.
  • timing_model: The directory that contains the source code to generate the executable file that can compute the timing model from the input instructions. This is used by instruction scheduler and instruction-level simulator.
  • behavioral_model: The directory contains the source code that will be compiled into the instruction-level simulator of the fabric instance.
  • CMakeLists.txt: The CMake file which directs the compilation and installation of the component package.