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DFC++ Processing Framework Concept

A Novel Framework Approach for Flexible Signal Processing on Embedded Systems

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Abstract

Development of modern Software Defined Radio (SDR) based communication systems can be accelerated significantly by the use of processing frameworks. The evolution of SDR and the involved departure from digital representations of classical radio architecture towards more abstract software systems raises new requirements of increased flexibility and versatility. The proposed Data Flow Control for C++ (DFC++) processing framework concept addresses those requirements by employing modern programming techniques and flow control mechanisms to allow for variable data rates, dynamic paths, and flexible component designs. Another important trend is the integration of various embedded platforms in the software radio domain. The rapidly increasing performance and efficiency of embedded processors enables the deployment of SDR systems in more space and power constrained environments. Therefore covering a heterogeneous hardware selection becomes increasingly important for processing frameworks. By relying exclusively on C++ and minimizing external dependencies, DFC++ is specifically aiming for excellent portability and adaptability to support a wide range of current and future software radio projects while maintaining high performance and ease of use. This paper introduces the key aspects of the DFC++ concept and implementation with focus on the reference pointer based data transport mechanisms responsible for the propagation of user data between different processing components.

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Acknowledgments

This contribution was supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology as a part of the Bavarian project “Leistungszentrum Elektronik-systeme (LZE)”. http://www.leistungszentrum-elektroniksysteme.de.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Am Wolfsmantel 33, 91058, Erlangen, Germany

    Dominik Soller, Thomas Jaumann & Gerd Kilian

  2. Lehrstuhl für Informationstechnik mit dem Schwerpunkt Kommunikationselektronik, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Am Wolfsmantel 33, 91058, Erlangen, Germany

    Jörg Robert & Albert Heuberger

Authors
  1. Dominik Soller
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  2. Thomas Jaumann
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  3. Gerd Kilian
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  4. Jörg Robert
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  5. Albert Heuberger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dominik Soller.

Additional information

This is an extended version of the paper “DFC++ - A Novel Framework Approach for Flexible Signal Processing on Embedded Systems” presented at WInnComm Europe 2015 Conference.

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Soller, D., Jaumann, T., Kilian, G. et al. DFC++ Processing Framework Concept. J Sign Process Syst 89, 181–190 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11265-016-1174-x

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