A presentation of state-of-the-art approaches from an industrial applications perspective, Communication Architectures for Systems-on-Chip shows professionals, researchers, and students how to attack the problem of data communication in the manufacture of So C architectures. With its lucid illustration of current trends and research improving the performance, quality, and reliability of transactions, this is an essential reference for anyone dealing with communication mechanisms for embedded systems, systems-on-chip, and multiprocessor architectures-or trying to overcome existing limitations. Exploring architectures currently implemented in manufactured So Cs-and those being proposed-this book analyzes a wide range of applications, including: Well-established communication buses Less common networks-on-chip Modern technologies that include the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) Optical links used to speed up data transfer and boost both security and quality of service (Qo S) The book’s contributors pay special attention to newer problems, including how to protect transactions of critical on-chip information (personal data, security keys, etc.) from an external attack. They examine mechanisms, revise communication protocols involved, and analyze overall impact on system performance.