Die-to-die connection interface and connection method

Abstract

To provide a high-speed connection interface suitable for die-to-die connection technology and a connection method of the line.SOLUTION: A controller is used to connect each receiving line to any one of a plurality of first usage lines, and monitors each first usage line, and when a first usage line is monitored to be an unhealthy line, the controller switches the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the plurality of first backup lines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection interface and a method for connecting lines thereof, and more particularly to a high-speed connection interface and a method for connecting lines thereof suitable for a die-to-die (D2D) connection technology. [Background technology]

[0002] With the rapid advancement of high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, die-to-die (D2D), which can package a large circuit with multiple small modules to form a multi-chip module, has become one of the key technologies in semiconductor chip packaging. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Generally, high-speed transmission is performed between two dies through the connection line of the bridge substrate. And, usually, when the transmission system operates for a certain period of time, problems such as transmission attenuation may occur in the connection line of the bridge substrate, which may affect the transmission quality. Furthermore, if the connection line of the bridge substrate is damaged, high-speed transmission between the two dies may not be able to be performed and may need to be interrupted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In view of such problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, one aspect of the present invention is a connection interface used for die-to-die, comprising a plurality of first usage lines, a plurality of first backup lines, a plurality of receiving lines, and a controller, wherein the controller is used to connect each of the receiving lines to any one of the plurality of first usage lines, and monitors each of the first usage lines, and when the first usage line is monitored to be an unhealthy line, the controller switches the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the plurality of first backup lines. In the above aspect, when the controller receives input data via the first used line or the first backup line, it may execute a repair program for the unhealthy line based on test data in the input data, and determine whether the healthiness of the unhealthy line after executing the repair program is greater than a default value, and when it is determined that the healthiness is greater than the default value, the controller may switch the unhealthy line to the first backup line.

[0005] In addition, in the above aspect, the power supply system may include a plurality of second usage lines, a plurality of second backup lines, and a plurality of output lines, each of which may be connected to any one of the plurality of second usage lines and any one of the plurality of second backup lines.

[0006] In addition, in the above aspect, the system may include a plurality of second usage lines, a plurality of second backup lines, and a plurality of output lines, each of which is connected to any one of the plurality of second usage lines and corresponds to at least one of the second backup lines, and when the controller receives an output switching request from another connection interface, the controller may connect the output line corresponding to the output switching request to any one of the corresponding at least one of the second backup lines, generate an input replacement command based on the second backup line to which the output line is connected, and output the input replacement command to the other connection interface.

[0007] In addition, in the above aspect, when the first used line is monitored to be the unhealthy line, the controller may generate an output switching request based on the unhealthy line and output the output switching request to another connection interface, and when an input replacement command is received from the other connection interface, the controller may switch the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to the first backup line corresponding to the input replacement command.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of connecting lines used in die-to-die, comprising: connecting a plurality of receiving lines of a connection interface to a plurality of first usage lines of the connection interface; connecting each of the receiving lines to any one of the plurality of first usage lines; monitoring each of the first usage lines; and, when the first usage line is monitored to be an unhealthy line, switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the plurality of first backup lines of the connection interface.

[0009] In the above aspect, when input data is received via the first used line or the first backup line, the input data may include test data, and the test data may execute a repair program on the unhealthy line, and determine whether the health level of the unhealthy line after executing the repair program is greater than a default value, and if the health level is greater than the default value, the unhealthy line may be switched to the first backup line.

[0010] In addition, in the above aspect, a plurality of output lines of the connection interface may be connected to a plurality of second usage lines and a plurality of second backup lines of the connection interface, and each of the output lines may be connected to any one of the plurality of second usage lines and any one of the plurality of second backup lines.

[0011] In addition, in the above aspect, a plurality of output lines of the connection interface may be connected to a plurality of second usage lines of the connection interface, each of the output lines may be connected to any one of the plurality of second usage lines, and each of the output lines may correspond to at least one of the plurality of second backup lines, and when an output switching request is received from another connection interface, the output line corresponding to the output switching request may be connected to any one of the corresponding at least one of the second backup lines, an input permutation command may be generated based on the second backup line to which the output line is connected, and the input permutation command may be output to the other connection interface.

[0012] In addition, in the above aspect, the step of switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the multiple first backup lines of the connection interface may include generating an output switching request based on the unhealthy line, outputting the output switching request to another connection interface, and, when an input replacement command is received from the other connection interface, switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to the first backup line corresponding to the input replacement command. Effect of the Invention

[0013] As described above, any embodiment of the connection interface used for die-to-die and the connection method of the line can monitor the quality of data transmission of the first use line connected to each receiving line. Then, when it is detected that the first use line is an unhealthy line (has an abnormality), the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line is reconnected to the first backup line. This allows data to be transferred from the first use line with poor data transmission conditions to the first backup line with good data transmission conditions, thereby improving the quality of data transmission. Furthermore, by monitoring the data transmission conditions of each first use line, the processing module of the connection interface can find a connection line that is likely to be damaged in the bridge substrate in advance and use the backup line for transmission using other connection lines, so that data transmission between the two dies is not interrupted due to damage to the connection line, and high-speed transmission between the two dies is maintained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a transmission system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a transmission system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of a line connection method of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sampling clock and training material. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sampling clock and training material. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sampling clock and training material. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sampling clock and training material. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a transmission system. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a transmission system. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a transmission system. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for line connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The detailed features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following embodiments, which will enable anyone skilled in the art to understand and implement the technical contents of the present invention. According to the contents described in the specification, patent application scope, and drawings of this application, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the objectives and advantages related to the present invention.

[0016] In order to make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more comprehensible, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "comprising" is used to indicate the presence of certain technical features, values, method steps, operational processes, components and / or combinations of components, but does not exclude the possibility that more technical features, values, method steps, operational processes, components and combinations of components may be added.

[0018] The following description will be given with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a transmission system of the present invention. The transmission system 1 includes at least two dies (hereinafter referred to as die 100 and die 200, respectively), and the die 100 and the die 200 are connected to each other.

[0019] The die 100 includes at least one connection interface 110 (hereinafter, given as an example, but the number is not limited) and a system circuit 120, and the system circuit 120 is connected to the connection interface 110. The die 200 includes at least one connection interface 210 (hereinafter, given as an example, but the number is not limited) and a system circuit 220, and the system circuit 220 is connected to the connection interface 210.

[0020] In this embodiment, the transmission system 1 further includes a bridge substrate 300. The die 100 and the die 200 are disposed on the bridge substrate 300, and the die 100 is coupled to the die 200 via the bridge substrate 300. Specifically, the bridge substrate 300 includes a plurality of connection lines L1 to LZ, where “Z” is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0021] Both the connection interface 110 of the die 100 and the connection interface 210 of the die 200 adopt a connection technology related to die-to-die (D2D) (sometimes also referred to as die-to-die).

[0022] The connection lines L1 to LZ of the bridge substrate 300 are connected between the connection interface 110 and the connection interface 210, and the system circuit 120 of the die 100 and the system circuit 220 of the die 200 can communicate with each other via the connection interface 110, the connection interface 210 and the connection lines L1 to LZ of the bridge substrate 300.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a transmission system of the present invention. The description will be made with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In this embodiment, a connection interface 110 includes a plurality of first use lines 1A1-1AX, a plurality of first backup lines 1B1-1BY, a plurality of receiving lines 1R1-1RX, and a controller 111.

[0024] The connection interface 210 includes a plurality of second in-use lines 2A1-2AX, a plurality of second backup lines 2B1-2BY, a plurality of output lines 2T1-2TX, and a controller 211. Here, X and Y are each a positive integer greater than 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the connection interface 110 further includes a plurality of signal contacts 1D1-1DZ, and the connection interface 210 further includes a plurality of signal contacts 2D1-2DZ. Here, "Z" is a positive integer greater than 1, and "Z" is the sum of "X" and "Y". In addition, the controller 111 may include a connection control module 1111 and a processing module 1112, and the controller 211 may include a connection control module 2111 and a processing module 2112.

[0026] In this embodiment, in the connection interface 110, the multiple receiving lines 1R1-1RX are coupled between the connection control module 1111 of the controller 111 and the system circuit 120. The multiple first use lines 1A1-1AX and the multiple first backup lines 1B1-1BY are connected between the connection control module 1111 of the controller 111 and the multiple signal contacts 1D1-1DZ.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 is connected to the connection control module 1111 and the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX. In this embodiment, in the connection interface 210, a plurality of output lines 2T1 to 2TX are coupled between the connection control module 2111 of the controller 211 and the system circuit 220.

[0028] The plurality of second use lines 2A1-2AX and the plurality of second backup lines 2B1-2BY are connected between a connection control module 2111 and the plurality of signal contacts 2D1-2DZ of the controller 211. Furthermore, the processing module 2112 of the controller 211 is connected to the connection control module 2111.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first available lines 1A1-1AX and the first backup lines 1B1-1BY of the connection interface 110 are connected to the signal contacts 1D1-1DZ in a one-to-one relationship. The second available lines 2A1-2AX and the second backup lines 2B1-2BY of the connection interface 210 are connected to the signal contacts 2D1-2DZ in a one-to-one relationship.

[0030] The connection lines L1 to LZ of the bridge substrate 300 are also connected between the signal contacts 1D1 to 1DZ of the connection interface 110 and the signal contacts 2D1 to 2DZ of the connection interface 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0031] In this embodiment, in an initial state, the controller 111 of the connection interface 110 can configure all the lines coupled to the signal contacts 1D1-1DZ such that the first used line is separated by the first backup line.

[0032] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the line connected to signal contact 1D1 is configured as the first available line 1A1, the line connected to signal contact 1D2 is configured as the first backup line 1B1, the line connected to signal contact 1D3 is configured as the first available line 1A2, and so on.

[0033] Correspondingly, the controller 211 of the connection interface 210 also configures all the lines connected to the signal contacts 2D1-2DZ such that the second use line is separated by a second backup line. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the line connected to the signal contact 2D1 is configured as the second use line 2A1, the line connected to the signal contact 2D2 is configured as the second backup line 2B1, the line connected to the signal contact 2D3 is arranged as the second use line 2A2, and so on in this order.

[0034] Thus, the first available line 1A1 of the connection interface 210 is connected to the second available line 2A1 of the connection interface 210 via the connection line L1, the first backup line 1B1 of the connection interface 210 is connected to the second backup line 2B1 of the connection interface 210 via the connection line L2, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] In other embodiments, the controller 111 of the connection interface 110 can configure all lines connected to the signal contacts 1D1-1DZ to be separated by a back line every two lines in use. Similarly, the controller 211 of the connection interface 210 can configure all lines coupled to the signal contacts 2D1-2DZ to be separated by a back line every two lines in use.

[0036] For example, the controller 111 configures the line connected to signal contact 1D1 as the first usage line 1A1, the line connected to signal contact 1D2 as the first usage line 1A2, the line connected to signal contact 1D3 as the first backup line 1B1, etc.

[0037] Similarly, the controller 211 configures the line connected to signal contact 2D1 as a second available line 2A1, the line connected to signal contact 2D2 as a second available line 2A2, the line connected to signal contact 2D3 as a second backup line 2B1, and so on in a similar manner.

[0038] For this reason, the first usage line 1A1 of the connection interface 210 is connected to the second usage line 2A1 of the connection interface 210 via the connection line L1, the first usage line 1A2 of the connection interface 210 is connected to the second usage line 2A2 of the connection interface 210 via the connection line L2, the first backup line 1B1 of the connection interface 210 is connected to the second backup line 2B1 of the connection interface 210 via the connection line L3, and so on.

[0039] Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. 3. Here, FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the line connection method of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the connection interface 110 and / or the connection interface 210 can realize (execute) the line connection method of any embodiment. In addition to FIG. 3, the description using the flow chart of FIG. 3 will be supplemented with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 as necessary. Here, FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 are all schematic diagrams of sampling clocks and training materials.

[0040] In this embodiment, before the formal transmission, the controller 111 may perform calibration training for each of the first use lines 1A1 to 1AX and the first backup lines 1B1 to 1BY (step S10). As a result, the rising edge and / or the falling edge of the sampling clock CLK can be aligned (positioned) with the center position of each data.

[0041] Specifically, as an example, when calibration training is performed on the first used line 1A1 using the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK, training material (training data) E1 of a known data pattern can be transmitted on the first used line 1A1, for example, "010", and in this case, as shown in Figure 4, the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK hits the data "1" of the training material E1.

[0042] First, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 can set the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 to the left and right of the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK, respectively, and then adjust the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 to the boundary of the current data "1", as shown in FIG.

[0043] Here, the processing module 1112 can determine whether the data sampled at the left indicator G1 has been adjusted to the left boundary of data "1" based on whether the data sampled at the left indicator G1 is "0", and also determine whether the data sampled at the right indicator G2 has been adjusted to the right boundary of data "1" based on whether the data sampled at the right indicator G2 is "0".

[0044] Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the processing module 1112 can adjust the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK based on the distance between the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 so that the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK can hit (position) the center of the data "1".

[0045] The remaining calibration training of the first used lines 1A2-1AX and the first backup lines 1B1-1BY can be performed by referring to the calibration training of the first used line 1A1, and will not be repeated here. Similarly, before the official transmission, the controller 211 can also perform calibration training for each of the second used lines 2A1-2AX and the second backup lines 2B1-2BY. As a result, the rising edge and / or the falling edge of the sampling clock CLK can be aligned (positioned) with the center position of each data.

[0046] Here, the calibration training for the second lines in use 2A1 to 2AX and the second backup lines 2B1 to 2BY is not repeated here since the above description is useful.

[0047] In this embodiment, in the initial state, each of the receiving lines 1R1-1RX of the connection interface 110 corresponds to one of the first available lines 1A1-1AX. For example, receiving line 1R1 corresponds to the first available line 1A1, receiving line 1R2 corresponds to the first available line 1A2, receiving line 1R3 corresponds to the first available line 1A3, and so on.

[0048] Furthermore, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 connects the receiving lines 1R1-1RX to the corresponding first available lines 1A1-1AX in a one-to-one relationship via the connection control module 1111 (step S20). Similarly, each of the output lines 2T1-2TX of the connection interface 210 corresponds to one of the second available lines 2A1-2AX.

[0049] For example, the output line 2T1 may correspond to the second available line 2A1, the output line 2T2 may correspond to the second available line 2A2, and the output line 2T3 may correspond to the second available line 2A3. Furthermore, the processing module 2112 of the controller 211 causes the connection control module 2111 to connect the output lines 2T1-2TX to the corresponding second available lines 2A1-2AX in a one-to-one relationship.

[0050] In this embodiment, when transmission is started, the system circuit 220 of the die 200 in Fig. 1 can generate a plurality of output data TO shown in Fig. 2 and output them through the output lines 2T1-2TX and the second usage lines 2A1-2AX. Here, the plurality of output data TO output by the die 200 can be transmitted to the die 100 through the connection lines L1-LZ connected to the second usage lines 2A1-2AX in the bridge substrate 300 (Fig. 1).

[0051] Furthermore, the multiple output data TO transmitted to the die 100 via the connection lines L1 to LZ coupled to the second usage lines 2A1 to 2AX are sequentially transmitted to the system circuit 120 via the first usage lines 1A1 to 1AX and the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX.

[0052] In this embodiment, after transmission, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 in the die 100 monitors the data transmission status on each of the first used lines 1A1-1AX (step S30) and determines whether the line is unhealthy (i.e., a lane with an abnormality and a poor data transfer condition) depending on the data transmission status of each first used line 1A1-1AX that is used first.

[0053] In this embodiment, at this point, the first used lines 1A1 to 1AX are connected to the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX, so that the processing module 1112 can monitor (monitor) the data transmission status of each of the first used lines 1A1 to 1AX by monitoring the data transmission status of each of the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processing module 1112 can monitor all the first lines of use 1A1 to 1AX in a synchronous manner. In another embodiment, the processing module 1112 can also monitor all the first lines of use 1A1 to 1AX in a sequential manner in a predetermined order.

[0055] In this embodiment, when monitoring the first line of use 1A1 as an example, the processing module 1112 can monitor the status of data transmission of the first line of use 1A1 through a monitoring window W1 shown in Fig. 7. Here, the monitoring window W1 can be obtained by the above-mentioned calibration training.

[0056] Specifically, in the previous calibration training, the processing module 1112 adjusts the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK to hit (position) the center position of the data "1", and then can center the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK. The boundaries of the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 are aligned with the data "1" respectively to obtain the data eye.

[0057] Then, the processing module 1112 adjusts the positions of the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 based on the data eye near the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK, as shown in FIG. 7, to set the width of the monitoring window W1.

[0058] For example, if the data eye acquired in the previous calibration training is 100 picoseconds (ps), the processing module 1112 can adjust the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 to be 20 picoseconds away from the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK (i.e., 1 / 4 data eye), and the width of the monitoring window W1 is 40 picoseconds (i.e., the distance between the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2).

[0059] When making intermediate measurements, the processing module 1112 can use the left indicator G1, the sampling clock CLK, and the right indicator G2 to sample data on the first used line 1A1, respectively.

[0060] Then, based on whether the data sampled by the left indicator G1 is the same as the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK, the data transmission status of the first used line 1A1 is similarly determined based on whether the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK is the same as the data sampled by the right indicator G2.

[0061] Specifically, the processing module 1112 uses an exclusive-OR gate (XOR gate) to determine whether the data sampled by the left indicator G1 is the same as the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK, and uses another exclusive-OR gate to determine whether the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK is the same as the data sampled by the right indicator G2.

[0062] If the outputs of the two exclusive-OR gates are both logical "0", it indicates that the data transmission state of the first use line 1A1 is good. If the output of either exclusive-OR gate is logical "1", it means that there is a data offset or narrowing in the data transmission state on the first use line 1A1. Then, the processing module 1112 determines that the first use line 1A1 is an unhealthy line.

[0063] Here, when it is determined whether the data sampled by the left indicator G1 and the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs a logical value of "0." Then, when it is determined whether the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK and the data sampled by the right indicator G2 are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs a logical value of "1," indicating that a data transfer has occurred.

[0064] When it is determined whether the data sampled by the left indicator G1 and the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs a logical value of "1." Then, when it is determined whether the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK and the data sampled by the right indicator G2 are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs a logical value of "0," indicating that the data has been shifted backward.

[0065] Then, when it is determined whether the data sampled by the left indicator G1 and the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs the logical value "1", and when it is determined whether the data sampled by the sampling clock CLK and the data sampled by the right indicator G2 are the same, the exclusive OR gate outputs the logical value "1", indicating that the data has been narrowed down.

[0066] At this time, the data transmission state of each of the first used lines 1A1 to 1AX also represents the data transmission state of the connection lines L1 to LZ connected to each of the first used lines 1A1 to 1AX.

[0067] Therefore, if a first usage line, for example, the first usage line 1A1, is determined to be an unhealthy line, it means that the connection line L1 connected to the first usage line 1A1 is also an unhealthy line. In other words, problems such as transmission loss and damage to the connection line L1 may occur. The monitoring method for the other first usage lines 1A2 to 1AX can be used as a reference, so it will not be repeated here.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the processing module 1112 of the connection interface 110 detects that the first used line, for example, the first used line 1A1, is an abnormal line (i.e., a line with a poor data transmission state), it sets the first used line 1A1 as an unhealthy line (abnormal line) (for example, but not limited to, sets the state of the first used line 1A1 as an unhealthy line in a table showing the state of each line), and causes the connection control module 1111 to connect the first used line 1A1 to the unhealthy line. It connects the receiving line of the unhealthy line (the receiving line 1R1 connected to the first used line 1A1) to any one of the first backup lines 1B1 to 1BY (step S40).

[0069] This allows data (e.g., output data TO and input data described later) to be transferred from the first used line 1A1, which has a poor data transmission condition, to the first backup line, which has a good data transmission condition (i.e., this allows the output data TO of the die 200 and input data described later to be transferred to the die 100 from the original connection line L1, which has a poor data transmission condition, to the connection line connected to the first backup line, which has a good transmission condition), thereby improving the quality of the data.

[0070] In addition, since the data transmission status of the first used line is monitored, a connection line that is likely to be damaged can be found early, and since other connection lines and the first backup line are used for transmission, high-speed transmission of the transmission system 1 can be maintained so that data transmission between the die 100 and the die 200 is not interrupted due to damage to the connection line. Note that in this embodiment, the transmission speed can be at least 12 Gbps.

[0071] In this embodiment, each of the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX of the connection interface 110 may correspond to at least one dedicated first backup line. And, the first backup lines corresponding to the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX are different from each other.

[0072] Taking each receiving line corresponding to a first backup line as an example, for example, receiving line 1R1 corresponds to the first backup line 1B1, receiving line 1R2 corresponds to the first backup line 1B2, receiving line 1R3 corresponds to the first backup line 1B3, and so on.

[0073] Similarly, each of the output lines 2T1 to 2TX of the connection interface 210 may correspond to at least one dedicated second backup line. Also, the second backup lines corresponding to each of the output lines 2T1 to 2TX are different from each other.

[0074] Taking each output line corresponding to a second backup line as an example, for example, output line 2T1 corresponds to the second backup line 2B1, output line 2T2 corresponds to the second backup line 2B2, output line 2T3 corresponds to the second backup line 2B3, and so on.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connection control module 2111 of the connection interface 210 can directly connect each of the output lines 2T1 to 2TX to a corresponding second used line and at least one dedicated second backup line.

[0076] Taking each output line corresponding to a dedicated second backup line as an example, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the output line 2T1 can be connected to the second use line 2A1 and the second backup line 2B1, the output line 2T2 can be connected to the second use line 2A2 and the second backup line 2B2, the output line 2T3 corresponds to the second backup line 2B3, and so on. Note that Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a transmission system.

[0077] In other words, on each output line of the connection interface 210, there are two transmission lines for the output data TO, one of which is a second use line connected to the output line, and is transmitted to the first use line connected to the connection interface 110 via a connection line connected to the bridge substrate 300.

[0078] The other is connected to the second backup line through the output line, and transmitted to the first backup line connected to the connection interface 110 through a connection line connected in the bridge substrate 300. In other words, each first use line of the connection interface 110 and its dedicated first backup line receive the output data TO output through the same output line of the connection interface 210.

[0079] Moreover, the connection control module 1111 in the connection interface 110 may include a plurality of multiplexers M1 to MX, each of which corresponds to one of the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX.

[0080] Here, each multiplexer is connected between a corresponding receive line, a first active line corresponding to the receive line, and a first backup line.

[0081] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, two input terminals of a multiplexer M1 are connected to a first use line 1A1 and a first backup line 1B1, respectively, and an output terminal of the multiplexer M1 is connected to a receiving line 1R1.

[0082] The two input terminals of the multiplexer M2 are respectively connected to the first active line 1A2 and the first backup line 1B2, the output terminal of the multiplexer M2 is connected to the receive line 1R2, and so on.

[0083] Here, in the initial state, the processing module 1112 causes the multiplexers M1 to MX to connect the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX to the first lines in use 1A1 to 1AX.

[0084] Furthermore, in step S40 of the flowchart of FIG. 3, the processing module 1112 of FIG. 8 causes the multiplexer connected to the unhealthy line to reconnect the receiving line to the corresponding first backup line.

[0085] Taking the unhealthy line as the first used line 1A3 as an example, the processing module 1112 causes the multiplexer M3 to switch the connection in step S40. The receiving line 1R3 is changed from the connection to the first used line 1A3 to the connection to the first backup line 1B3.

[0086] This allows the receiving line 1R3 of the connection interface 110 to receive the output data TO output from the output line 2T3 of the connection interface 210 from the first backup line 1B3 via the connection line L6.

[0087] 9, in this embodiment, each of the receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX corresponds to one of the first lines in use 1A1 to 1AX in the connection interface 110. The receiving lines 1R1 to 1RX can be divided into a plurality of receiving line groups G11 to G1M.

[0088] Here, each of the receiving line groups G11 to G1M includes at least two receiving lines, and each of the receiving line groups G11 to G1M corresponds to at least one first backup line.

[0089] In other words, at least one first backup line corresponding to the same receive line group is shared by the receive lines in the receive line group.

[0090] On the other hand, in the connection interface 210, each of the output lines 2T1 to 2TX corresponds to one of the second use lines 2A1 to 2AX, and the output lines 2T1 to 2TX can be divided into a plurality of output line groups G21 to G2M.

[0091] Here, each of the output line groups G21 to G2M includes at least two output lines, and each of the output line groups G21 to G2M can correspond to at least one second backup line. In other words, at least one second backup line corresponding to the same output line group is shared by the output lines in the output line group.

[0092] Furthermore, each of the receive line groups G11-G1M can correspond to one of the output line groups G21-G2M, where the number of receive lines included in each receive line group is the same as the number of output lines included in the corresponding output line group, and the number of first backup lines corresponding to each receive line group is the same as the number of second backup lines corresponding to the corresponding output line group.

[0093] Each of the receiving line groups G11 to G1M has three receiving lines and corresponds to two first backup lines, and as an example, if each of the output line groups G21 to G2M has three output lines and corresponds to two second backup lines, then, as an example, the receiving line group G11 has receiving lines 1R1, 1R2, and 1R3 and corresponds to the first backup lines 1B1 and 1B2.

[0094] Receive line group G12 may include receive lines 1R4, 1R5, 1R6 and correspond to first backup lines 1B3, 1B4, etc. Similarly, output line group G21 may include output lines 2T1, 2T2, 2T3 and correspond to second backup lines 2B1, 2B2, output line group G22 may include output lines 2T4, 2T5, 2T6 and correspond to second backup lines 2B3, 2B4, and so on.

[0095] The following description will be given with reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a transmission system. In this embodiment, the connection interface 110 includes four receiving lines 1R1-1R4, four first use lines 1A1-1A4, and four first backup lines 1B1-1B4. The connection interface 210 includes, as an example for explanation, four output lines 2T1-2T4, four second use lines 2A1-2A4, and four second backup lines 2B1-2B4.

[0096] In the connection interface 110, the receiving line group G11 includes receiving lines 1R1 and 1R2 and corresponds to the first backup lines 1B1 and 1B2. The receiving line group G12 may include receiving lines 1R3 and 1R4 and corresponds to the first backup lines 1B3 and 1B4. Furthermore, the connection control module 1111 may include four 3-to-1 multiplexers M31 to M34.

[0097] Here, the input side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M31 is connected to the first available line 1A1 and the first backup lines 1B1 and 1B2. The output side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M31 is connected to the receiving line 1R1. The input side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M32 is connected to the first available line 1A2 and the first backup lines 1B1 and 1B2, and the output side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M32 is connected to the receiving line 1R2.

[0098] The input side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M33 is connected to the first use line 1A3 and the first backup lines 1B3 and 1B4. The output side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M31 is connected to the receiving line 1R3. The input side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M34 is connected to the first use line 1A4 and the first backup lines 1B3, 1B4 and 1B4. The output side of the 3-to-1 multiplexer M34 is connected to the receiving line 1R4.

[0099] In the connection interface 210, the output line group G21 includes output lines 2T1 and 2T2 and corresponds to the second backup lines 2B1 and 2B2, and the output line group G22 includes output lines 2T3 and 2T4 and corresponds to the second backup lines 2B3 and 2B4.

[0100] Here, the connection control module 2111 directly connects the output line 2T1 to the second usage line 2A1, directly connects the output line 2T2 to the second usage line 2A2, directly connects the output line 2T3 to the second usage line 2A3, and directly connects the output line 2T4 to the second usage line 2A4.

[0101] Furthermore, the connection control module 2111 may include four 2-to-1 multiplexers M21-M24. Here, the input sides of the 2-to-1 multiplexers M21 and M22 are both connected to the output lines 2T1 and 2T2. The output side of the 2-to-1 multiplexer M21 is connected to the second backup line 2B1, and the output side of the 2-to-1 multiplexer M22 is connected to the second backup line 2B2.

[0102] The input sides of the 2-to-1 multiplexers M23 and M24 are connected to the output lines 2T3 and 2T4, the output side of the 2-to-1 multiplexer M23 is connected to a second backup line 2B3, and the output side of the 2-to-1 multiplexer M24 is connected to a second backup line 2B4.

[0103] In the initial state, in the connection interface 110, the processing module 1112 causes the 3-to-1 multiplexer M31 to connect the receiving line 1R1 to the first available line 1A1. As a result, the 3-to-1 multiplexer M32 connects the receiving line 1R2 to the first available line 1A2. The 3-to-1 multiplexer M33 connects the receiving line 1R3 to the first available line 1A3, and the 3-to-1 multiplexer M34 connects the receiving line 1R4 to the first available line 1A4.

[0104] In this way, the output data TO on the output line 2T1 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R1 via the second usage line 2A1, the connection line L1, and the first usage line 1A1. The output data TO on the output line 2T2 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R2 via the second usage line 2A2, the connection line L3, and the first usage line 1A2.

[0105] In this way, the output data TO on the output line 2T1 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R1 via the second active line 2A1, the connecting line L1, and the first active line 1A1.

[0106] The output data TO on the output line 2T2 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R2 via the second active line 2A2, the connecting line L3, and the first active line 1A2.

[0107] The output data TO on the output line 2T3 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R3 via the second usage line 2A3, the connection line L5, and the first usage line 1A3, and the output data TO on the output line 2T4 of the connection interface 210 is sequentially transmitted to the receiving line 1R4 via the second usage line 2A4, the connection line L7, and the first usage line 1A4.

[0108] Thereafter, when the processing module 1112 of the connection interface 110 detects that the first used line 1A1 is an unhealthy line (an abnormal line), the processing module 1112 generates an output switching request H1 based on the first used line 1A1, and the output switching request H1 is sent to the connection interface 210 via a communication line LT1 connected between the connection interface 110 and the connection interface 210 in the bridge substrate 300.

[0109] After receiving the output switching request H1, the processing module 2112 of the connection interface 210 knows that the output path of the output line 2T1 should be changed according to the output switching request H1, and therefore the processing module 2112 selects the 2-to-1 multiplexer M21 to connect the output line 2T1 to the second backup line 2B1, or selects the 2-to-1 multiplexer M22 to connect the output line 2T1 to the second backup line 2B2.

[0110] Here, the processing module 2112 can make a selection based on a preset arbitration setting (for example, but not limited to, implemented via an arbitrator). When the processing module 2112 selects to have the 2-to-1 multiplexer M22 connect the output line 2T1 to the second backup line 2B2, the processing module 2112 generates an input permutation command H2 based on the second backup line 2B2, and the input permutation command H2 is sent to the connection interface 110 via the communication line LT1 in the bridge substrate 300.

[0111] Here, the processing module 2112 may make a selection based on a pre-configured arbitration setting (eg, but not limited to, implemented via an arbiter).

[0112] When the processing module 2112 selects to have the 2-to-1 multiplexer M22 connect the output line 2T1 to the second backup line 2B2, the processing module 2112 generates an input permutation command H2 based on the second backup line 2B2, and the input permutation command H2 is transmitted to the connection interface 110 via the communication line LT1 in the bridge substrate 300.

[0113] After receiving the input permutation command H2, the processing module 1112 of the connection interface 110 can know that the output data TO of the output line 2T1 is sent instead via the second backup line 2B2 and the connection line L4. Therefore, the processing module 1112 makes the 3-to-1 multiplexer M31 connect the first backup line 1B1 to the receiving line 1R1 instead. The switching of the connection method of the receiving lines 1R2 to 1R4 (link switching) can be referred to the link switching of the receiving line 1R1 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] 1 to 11. Here, FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a line connection method. In this embodiment, in the connection interface 210, the processing module 2112 of the controller 211 can first receive complex output data TO from the system circuit 220 via output lines 2T1 to 2TX, and based on at least one of the output lines, for example, the output data TO on the output line 2T1 is combined with test data to generate input data.

[0115] Then, the processing module 2112 passes through the second use line 2A1 connected to the output line 2T1 and / or the connection line connected to the second backup line, and the input data is sent to the first use line 1A1 or the first backup line connected to the receiving line 1R1 at the connection interface 110. Here, the test data can be used to repair the unhealthy line (abnormal line).

[0116] In this embodiment, the processing module 2112 can generate at least one required test data by a pattern generator, and insert each test data so as to be mixed into the output data TO to form the input data. For example, the test data is inserted into the output data TO every 1 nanosecond (ns).

[0117] Thus, in the connection interface 110, after the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 receives input data via the receiving line 1R1, when the test data portion is read, a repair program is executed for all lines set as unhealthy lines based on the test data (step S50).

[0118] After the repair program is executed, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 judges whether the degree of health of the unhealthy line after the execution of the repair program is greater than the default value (step S60). If the processing module 1112 judges that the degree of health is greater than the default value, it means that the execution of the repair program is successful, and at this time, the processing module 1112 can change the unhealthy line to the first backup line (step S70).

[0119] Conversely, if it is determined that the degree of health is equal to or lower than the default value, it means that the repair has failed. At this time, the processing module 1112 can change the unhealthy line (abnormal lane) to a damaged lane (step S80). Here, when a line is set as a damaged lane, the processing module 1112 will not execute a repair program for that lane in the future.

[0120] Specifically, when a repair program is executed to address an unhealthy line, for example using the first used line 1A1 as an example, the processing module 1112 of the controller 111 first readjusts the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 to the boundary of, for example, data "1" according to the test data of a known data pattern, for example "010".

[0121] Then, the processing module 1112 adjusts based on the distance between the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 so that the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK can hit (position) the center position of the data "1". The recovery procedure here is almost the same as the calibration training described above. That is, executing a repair program for an unhealthy line (abnormal line) is equivalent to re-executing the calibration training for the unhealthy line.

[0122] Next, the processing module 1112 adjusts the boundaries of the left indicator G1 and the right indicator G2 to data "1" near the rising edge of the sampling clock CLK to obtain the current data eye. After that, the processing module 1112 compares the current data eye with a preset value such as 1 / 2 of the original data eye (i.e., the original data eye of the test data).

[0123] If the current data eye is greater than 1 / 2 of the original data eye, the processing module 1112 can change the first used line 1A1 from an unhealthy line to a healthy line, so that the first used line 1A1 can be used as a backup line. For example, in the line status table, the status value corresponding to the first used line 1A1 is changed from the second value to the first value, where the first value represents a healthy line and the second value represents an unhealthy line (abnormal line).

[0124] Then, if the current data eye is less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the original data eye, the processing module 1112 can change the first used line 1A1 to a damaged lane. For example, the first used line 1A1 is registered in the damaged lane table.

[0125] In this embodiment, the connection interface 110 may be referred to as a receiving interface, and the connection interface 210 may be referred to as a sending interface.

[0126] In this embodiment, the die 100 may further include a connection interface 210 in addition to the connection interface 110. In contrast, the die 200 may further include a connection interface 110 in addition to the connection interface 210. Furthermore, the connection interface 210 of the die 100 may be connected to the connection interface 110 of the die 200 through another set of connection lines L1-LZ of the bridge substrate 300 for communication.

[0127] In other words, each die may have a receiving interface and a transmitting interface, and the receiving interface of one die may be connected to the transmitting interface of another die through a set of connecting lines L1-LZ.

[0128] In other embodiments, die 100 may integrate processing module 1112 of connection interface 110 and processing module 2112 of connection interface 210 into a single processing module.

[0129] In other embodiments, processing module 1112 and / or processing module 2112 may be implemented as, for example, an embedded controller (EC), a system on a chip (SoC), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller (MCU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other suitable electronic component.

[0130] As described above, the connection interface and the connection method used for die-to-die applicable to any embodiment can transmit data to each of the first use lines 1A1-1AX connected to the receiving lines 1R1-1RX, and monitor the transmission state. If the first use line is detected to be an unhealthy line (abnormal line), the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line is changed to be connected to one of the first backup lines 1B1-1BY.

[0131] In this way, data can be redirected from the first used line, which has a poor data transmission state, to the first backup line, which has a good data transmission state, thereby improving the quality of data transmission.

[0132] In addition, by monitoring the data transmission status of the first used line, based on this, the processing module 1112 can preliminarily find out which connection lines are likely to be damaged in the bridge substrate 300, and use other connection lines and the first backup line for transmission, so that the data transmission between the die 100 and the die 200 is not interrupted due to damage to the connection lines, and the high-speed transmission of the transmission system 1 can be maintained.

[0133] Although the technical contents of the present application have been described above together with the preferred embodiments, these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and even if a person skilled in the art makes any changes or modifications within the scope of the present invention, the technical scope is included. In addition, the scope of protection of the present invention is interpreted based on the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Transmission System 100, 200 Dies 110, 210 connection interface 111 Controller 1111 Linkage Control Module 1112 Processing Module 120, 220 System circuit 211 Controller 2111 Linkage Control Module 2112 Processing Module 300 Bridge Board 1A1-1AX First line used 1B1-1BY 1st backup line 1R1-1RX receiving line 2A1-2AX Second line 2B1-2BY Second backup line 2T1-2TX output line CLK Sampling clock 1D1-1DZ Signal Contact 2D1-2DZ signal contact E1 Training Materials G1 Left Indicator G11-G1M Receive Line Group G21-G2M Output Line Group G2 Right Indicator H1 Output Exchange Request H2 Input Substitution Instruction L1-LZ connection line LT1 Communication Line M1-MX Multiplexer M21-M24 2 to 1 multiplexer M31-M34 3 to 1 multiplexer TO Output Data W1 Monitoring Window S10-S80 Step

Claims

1. A connection interface for use in die-to-die connection, the connection interface including a plurality of first use lines, a plurality of first backup lines, a plurality of receiving lines, and a controller, The controller is used to connect each of the receiving lines to one of the first use lines, and monitors each of the first use lines; A connection interface used for die-to-die, characterized in that when the first used line is monitored to be an unhealthy line, the controller switches the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the plurality of first backup lines.

2. When the controller receives input data via the first active line or the first backup line, Executing a repair program for the unhealthy line based on the test data in the input data, and determining whether the health level of the unhealthy line after executing the repair program is greater than a default value; 2. The connection interface used for die-to-die as claimed in claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the degree of health is greater than the default value, the controller switches the unhealthy line to the first backup line.

3. a plurality of second use lines, a plurality of second backup lines, and a plurality of output lines; 2. The connection interface used in die-to-die as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the output lines is connected to any one of a plurality of the second use lines and any one of a plurality of the second backup lines.

4. a plurality of second use lines, a plurality of second backup lines, and a plurality of output lines; Each of the output lines is connected to one of the plurality of second use lines, and each of the output lines corresponds to at least one of the second backup lines; When the controller receives an output exchange request from another connection interface, connecting the output line corresponding to the output switching request to any one of the at least one corresponding second backup line; The connection interface used for die-to-die according to claim 1, further comprising: generating an input replacement command based on the second backup line to which the output line is connected; and outputting the input replacement command to the other connection interface.

5. When the first used line is monitored as being the unhealthy line, When the controller generates an output replacement request based on the unhealthy line and outputs the output replacement request to another connection interface, and receives an input replacement command from the other connection interface, 2. The connection interface used for die-to-die according to claim 1, further comprising: switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to the first backup line corresponding to the input replacement command.

6. Connecting a plurality of receiving lines of a connection interface to a plurality of first use lines of the connection interface, and connecting each of the receiving lines to any one of the plurality of first use lines; monitoring each of the first use lines; A method for connecting lines used in die-to-die, characterized in that when the first used line is monitored to be an unhealthy line, the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line is switched to any one of a plurality of first backup lines of the connection interface.

7. when receiving input data via the first use line or the first backup line, the input data includes test data; the test data is used to implement a repair program for the unhealthy line; Determine whether the degree of health of the unhealthy line after the repair program is executed is greater than a default value; 7. The method for connecting lines used in die-to-die connection according to claim 6, further comprising the step of switching the unhealthy line to the first backup line when the degree of health is greater than the default value.

8. Connecting a plurality of output lines of the connection interface to a plurality of second use lines and a plurality of second backup lines of the connection interface; 7. The method for connecting lines used in die-to-die as claimed in claim 6, further comprising connecting each of the output lines to any one of a plurality of the second use lines and any one of a plurality of the second backup lines.

9. Connecting a plurality of output lines of the connection interface to a plurality of second use lines of the connection interface; Each of the output lines is connected to one of the plurality of second use lines, and each of the output lines corresponds to at least one of the plurality of second backup lines; When receiving an output switching request from another connection interface, connect the output line corresponding to the output switching request to any one of the at least one corresponding second backup line; generating an input permutation instruction based on the second backup line to which the output line is connected; 7. The method for connecting lines used in die-to-die connection according to claim 6, further comprising the step of outputting the input replacement command to the other connection interface.

10. The step of switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to any one of the first backup lines of the connection interface includes: generating an output switch request based on the unhealthy line; Outputting the output exchange request to another connection interface; 7. The method for connecting lines used in die-to-die according to claim 6, further comprising the step of switching the receiving line connected to the unhealthy line to the first backup line corresponding to the input replacement command when an input replacement command is received from the other connection interface.

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