How to select fitable communication methods in SC？

[Allen yang]

Since there are many methods we can chose to build communication in SC, like TLM, sc_port, sc_signal, sc_fifo. My question is how to select a fitable communication method in our module. For my opinion, I will chose TLM between modules and sc_port, sc_signal, sc_fifo inside the module. Although TLM can also be used inside module. Please shared your opinion with chosing the suitable communication methods.Thanks! 

[David Black]

The general SystemC way of doing things is to use ports, whether builtin, TLM-2, or convenience. Prefer TLM-2 over custom solutions when possible. With respect to the selection of channels, it is highly dependent on what you are modeling. There is no one way that is "the right way". You should prefer higher levels of abstraction in general for several reasons:

1. Easer to understand
2. Higher performance
3. Faster to code

What should you avoid? Low-level communications generally (e.g., sc_signal). Signals are fine for limited applications, but too often I see folks writing RTL with SystemC. RTL should be done with SystemVerilog or VHDL, which are designed for this and have many features to enhance performance.

 

[Allen yang]

Thanks @David Black ，I prefer sc_fifo or TLM-2 to sc_signal.