Address Bus Remapping for Expanded Address Space Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing address translation units struggle to efficiently translate addresses between different domains, especially when the target domain is larger, leading to limitations in address space expansion.

Innovation Solution

The method involves remapping an address bus by replacing its bit lines with attribute bit lines from an attribute bus, and then using an address translation unit (ATU) to translate the updated address information into a translated address bus, which is further remapped to restore the original bit lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the address translation unit directly translates addresses from a smaller domain to a larger domain, then the translation function is simple, but the address space expansion capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress space expansion capabilityVSAvoidaddress translation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The address translation process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, a remapping unit transforms the original address bus into a remapped address bus by substituting specific bit lines; second, the address translation unit performs the actual address translation on the remapped bus. This segmentation allows the system to achieve address space expansion while keeping each individual unit relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remapping operation is performed as a preliminary action before the main address translation process. By pre-processing the address bus to substitute bit lines according to a remapping table, the system prepares the address in a format that enables subsequent translation to a larger address space, thereby achieving expansion capability without complicating the core translation unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the address translation unit is modified to support expanded address domains, then the address space expansion capability is improved, but the original translation functionality may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress domain flexibilityVSAvoidoriginal translation function
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The remapped address bus serves as an intermediary between the original address bus and the address translation unit. This intermediate structure allows the translation unit to operate on a modified address format without directly altering its internal architecture, thereby maintaining the reliability of its original translation function while enabling support for expanded address domains through the remapping layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the address transformation function into two independent components: the remapping unit that handles domain adaptation and the translation unit that maintains its original translation capabilities. This segmentation ensures that modifications for address space expansion do not interfere with the reliability of the original translation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If bit lines are replaced in the address bus to enable remapping, then the address translation efficiency is improved, but the bus structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress translation efficiencyVSAvoidbus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus structure incorporates dynamic remapping capability where bit lines can be selectively substituted based on the translation requirements. The remapping table stores configuration information that dynamically determines which bit lines to replace, allowing the system to adapt the bus structure to different translation scenarios without requiring a permanently complex physical layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the address bus by substituting specific bit lines according to a remapping table. This parameter transformation enables efficient address translation by preparing the address in an optimal format before translation, while the actual physical bus structure remains manageable through systematic bit line substitution rather than complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12332820B2Method and apparatus for performing address translations using a remapping process
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 NXP BV
  • US12332820B2 patent drawing
  • US12332820B2 patent drawing
  • US12332820B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, remapping a first address bus into a first remapped address bus by replacing bit lines of the first address bus with attribute bit lines, the first remapped address bus supplying updated address information, connecting the first address remapped bus to an address translation unit (ATU), the ATU configured to translate the updated address information into translated address information supplied to a second address bus, and remapping the second address bus into a second remapped address bus by replacing a portion of the second address bus with the bit lines of the first address bus that were replaced by the attribute bit lines, the second remapped address bus changing the translated address information into updated translated address information.