The need for multicore architecturesMulticore architecture driversTraditional sequential software paradigms breakScope of multicore hardware architecturesBasic multicore hardware architecture overviewSpecific multicore architecture characteristicsProcessing architecturesALU processing architecturesLightweight processing architecturesMediumweight processing architecturesHeavyweight processing architecturesCommunication architecturesMemory architecturesApplication specificityApplication-specific platform topologiesIntegration of multicore systems, MPSoCs and sub-systemsProgramming challengesApplication characteristicsMPSoC analysis, debug and verificationShortcomings and solutionsMPSoC parallel programmingParallel software and MPSoCsSummaryReferences