Modeling Power Dynamics for an Embedded DSP Processor Core

Abstract

A new model for dynamic current analysis and simulation is presented for power and energy analysis of a complex VLIW DSP processor core, targeting secure wireless communications. Unlike other research, an instruction level RC based model, whose input parameters can be extracted from the DSP core's assembly level program, is introduced for power simulation. Experimental results utilizing several benchmark cryptographic applications show that the model can accurately simulate power variation of a program. For the first time results are verified with real power traces of a DSP processor core in a VLSI chip running cryptographic applications with an average error in energy estimation of 7%. This research is important for analyzing the impact of software on power and the design of embedded cryptographic VLSI systems that are safe from power attacks.