Loupe

A Network on Chip Visualization Tool

Installation

• Requirements:
  • For Source Code Installation:
    • Python 3.4.4
    • PyQt4
  • For Packaged Installations:
    • No prequisites!
• Process:
  • For Source Code:
    • Download the source code using a github clone
    • Execute py driver.py in the source directory
  • For Packaged Code:
    • Download the package appropriate to the operating system
    • Run the package

General Work Flow:

1. Generate a trace file using GARNET
2. Clone a gem5 simulator
3. Navigate to gem5/src/mem/ruby/network/garnet2.0
4. hg init
5. cd .hg
6. Create a hgrc' file using vim or another editor - Example: vim hgrc`
7. Insert the following lines in the hgrc configuration file - [extensions] - hgext.mq= - hgext.extdiff= - hgext.patchbomb= - [ui] - username = First Last < email@address >
8. Copy the Loupe Patch File to the gem5/src/mem/ruby/network/garnet2.0 directory
9. hg import loupe.patch
10. Rebuild gem5
11. Running a simulation will create a LoupeTraceFile.csv
12. Start Loupe
13. File -> Load Trace
14. Begin visualizing mesh networks!

Features:

Loupe:

• Animation Features

  • Adjust the inverval + start/stop the animation

• Go To Cycle

  • Instead of manually clicking next cycle, go to a cycle!

• Buffer Information

  • View the flit characteristics in each VC 

• Core Picture Shows:

  • Directional Input Buffers
  • Core Input Buffer
  • Input and Ouptut Links

• Loupe also supports any 2-ary n-cube mesh


Known Bugs:

1. State is not maintained on any pevious cycle or go-to-cycle transition

• This means that in order to get a 100% accurate state, next cycle button must be used