Bridge Circuit Reorder Buffer for Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In system-on-a-chip (SoC) implementations, communication between functional blocks using different communication protocols poses challenges due to the need for protocol conversion, which can result in inefficient data transfer and require special processing for transactions exceeding predetermined sizes or having specific burst styles.
Innovation Solution
A bridge circuit is introduced, comprising a master unit and a slave unit coupled to different buses employing distinct communication protocols, which encodes, modifies, and converts requests and responses between protocols, including data compaction and reordering to ensure contiguous and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented between different communication protocols, then communication compatibility between functional blocks is improved, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates due to special processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit performs preliminary actions by pre-processing transactions before they are transferred between buses. The master unit anticipates protocol conversion needs and prepares transactions in advance, including padding and reordering operations, to minimize processing delays during actual data transfer and improve overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge circuit acts as an intermediary between buses with different communication protocols. It includes a master unit that receives transactions from one bus, converts them to the target protocol, and transmits to another bus. This intermediary approach enables protocol compatibility while managing conversion overhead systematically
2Quantity of substance
If transactions exceeding predetermined sizes are processed, then data transfer capability is improved, but processing complexity increases due to special handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit segments large transactions into smaller manageable units. When a transaction exceeds the predetermined size threshold, it is divided into multiple smaller transactions that can be processed and transferred more efficiently, reducing the complexity of handling oversized data blocks
3Productivity
If data compaction is performed to optimize bus utilization, then bus efficiency is improved, but processing time increases due to additional modification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit changes data parameters by performing compaction operations that remove redundant or unnecessary data elements. This parameter transformation optimizes the data format for efficient bus transfer, improving utilization while the processing time overhead is managed through systematic modification
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a bridge circuit and system are disclosed that may allow for converting transactions from one communication protocol to another. The bridge circuit may be coupled to a first bus employing a first communication protocol, and a second bus employing a second communication protocol. The bridge circuit may be configured to receive transactions over the first bus and store parameters associated with the received transactions. The bridge circuit may be further configured to modify the received transaction, convert the modified transaction to the second communication protocol, and transmit the converted transaction over the second bus.