MoSim: A Modular Simulation Framework for FPGA-based Systolic CNN Accelerators

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/Report › Conference contribution › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Architectural simulators are widely used in computer architecture to explore design spaces and validate ideas before implementation. Recent works such as Scale-Sim extend this approach to convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerators, particularly systolic array-based designs. However, most target ASIC and overlook the unique resource characteristics of FPGA which is now a popular platform for CNN acceleration. To address this gap, we present MoSim, a modular, cycle-accurate simulator tailored for FPGA-based systolic CNN accelerators. MoSim models FPGA-specific resources and reports detailed performance and resource statistics to facilitate design space exploration. Evaluations on representative CNN workloads demonstrate that the simulator effectively captures FPGA-specific effects and guides practical design decisions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationISCAS 2026 - 2026 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages773-777
Number of pages5
ISBN (electronic)979-8-3315-7769-8
ISBN (print)979-8-3315-7770-4
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jun 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesProceedings - IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems
ISSN0271-4310

Conference

TitleIEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems 2026
SubtitleCircuits and Systems for Intelligent Society
Abbreviated titleISCAS 2026
Duration24 - 27 May 2026
Website
LocationShanghai International Convention Center
CityShanghai
CountryChina

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-2571-8441/work/222760616

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Architectural Simulator, FPGA, Systolic Array