Application - Specific Architecture Framework for High - Performance Low - Power Embedded Computing

For her unfailing love, tender care, and steady support. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Whenever acknowledgments are given, there is a danger of leaving someone out or forgetting something they have done. Many people contributed to the success of this dissertation thesis. While I would like to acknowledge individually each by name, I would inevitably leave out deserving colleagues, friends, and relatives. I apologize in advance for such omissions and convey my sincerest respect and admiration to all who contributed to the extraordinary experiences I have been fortunate to enjoy. I would like to give thanks to those who have been close to me over the years, first in familial relationships, then in professional ones. First and foremost, I thank God – Father, Son and Spirit-for His unconditional love, guidance, sustenance, and strength. He has enabled me to do this work. My family has been a tremendous source of love, encouragement and inspiration. Their support kept me going not only through this thesis work but through my entire life. Chia-Lin Chang, my dear wife, who has also been my best friend and best supporter to me for the years I have spent in Michigan. Chia-Lin, I thank you for bringing me to the grace of God. I also thank you for faithfully staying besides me during the most difficult and confusing time of my life. Without you, this work can never be finished as fast and well. I love you so much! Beyond family support, I am deeply indebted to my advisors Gary Tyson and Trevor Mudge, who have constantly supported me and to my work during these years. iv Gary, your pointed questions and lucid explanations were invaluable help to me while working on my dissertation. You are the constant source of my inspiration, even when things do not seem so inspirable. Your optimism and ability to motivate me have kept me stay on the course during ups and downs are amazing! Gary, you are my advisor, my mentor, and even more, a great friend, who carried me through the dark times when I was in need. Trevor, you are my best advocate both in and out of Michigan for me and for this work. You are my advisor who always stands by me and speaks for my best interests whenever I have a battle to fight. You are the source of the steadiness when everything seems so unsteady. You always seem …