support rendered during the research and development of this report. Without his patience, understanding and encouragement, I cannot stick to and dip into my project. He has also constantly helped me to proof read all my papers and reports as well as updating me on the latest technological advances relating to the areas of my work. Many thanks also Professor T. Srikanthan for providing me a very good and harmonic research environment and advanced facilities at the Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems (CHiPES). I would also like to extend my thankful to the staff of CHiPES, especially Ms Boh-Nah Kiat Joo and Mr Chua Chiew Song, they kindly assisted me in many aspects, and provided me with all the convenience I need. Lastly but not the least to my husband, Zheng Xuebin for his understanding and encouragement during my research studies here in NTU.