Bidirectional Ring Interconnects for Faster Multiprocessor Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection networks in multiprocessors face inefficiencies in message passing due to network topology and routing strategies, leading to increased message travel distances and overhead costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a bidirectional ring-based network with clockwise and counterclockwise rings for multiprocessors, allowing simultaneous bidirectional command execution by transmitting warning signals on both rings during the same clock cycle and commands on each ring at different clock cycles, optimizing network utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a unidirectional ring network is used for interconnection, then the network topology is simple to implement, but the command execution time is slow and overhead cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a unidirectional ring network to a bidirectional ring network, adding a second dimension of communication path. This allows commands to travel in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions simultaneously, effectively halving the execution time for commands that need to reach nodes across the ring, while maintaining the fundamental ring topology structure for ease of implementation
2Loss of time
If a bidirectional ring network is used for interconnection, then the command execution time is reduced, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional ring network is segmented into two independent unidirectional rings (clockwise and counterclockwise). Each ring operates independently with its own warning signal mechanism, allowing the complex bidirectional functionality to be built from simpler, well-understood unidirectional components. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by breaking down the bidirectional system into two manageable unidirectional systems
3Productivity
If warning signals are transmitted on both clockwise and counterclockwise rings, then transmission path availability is optimized, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warning signal mechanism operates continuously on both clockwise and counterclockwise rings, maintaining constant awareness of path availability. By keeping both rings actively signaled, the system ensures that commands can always find an available path without interruption, maximizing transmission productivity while the overhead is amortized across continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include processing commands on multiprocessor chip having a plurality of nodes that are interconnected via a clockwise ring network and a counterclockwise ring network. Aspects include receiving a command for execution and based at least in part on a determination that the clockwise ring network and the counterclockwise ring network are both available for transmission, performing a bidirectional execution of the command. The bidirectional execution includes transmitting a first warning signal on the clockwise ring network and a second warning signal on the counterclockwise ring network, transmitting the command on the clockwise ring network a first number of clock cycles after the first warning signal, and transmitting the command on the counterclockwise ring network a second number of clock cycles after the second warning signal.