Communication Bus Mask Compression Using Data-Enable Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication buses in computer systems face inefficiencies when transferring data payloads with fewer than the maximum number of data words, as existing methods require additional conductive traces for mask values, increasing die area and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An encoding circuit creates a compressed data payload by shifting enabled data words and incorporating a mask value, allowing the control signal to be sent in parallel with the data payload using existing conductive traces, reducing the need for additional traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mask values are transferred using existing conductive traces, then the number of additional traces is reduced, but data transfer efficiency decreases when fewer than maximum data words are enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The data payload is segmented into enabled and non-enabled data words. The encoding circuit identifies and separates these segments, transferring only the enabled data words along with a compact control signal indicating which positions are enabled. This segmentation allows efficient use of existing conductive traces while maintaining data transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask value is transformed from a traditional parallel transfer format into a compressed control signal format. By changing the representation parameter of the mask value (from full parallel words to compressed indication), the system reduces the number of conductive traces needed while preserving the ability to indicate enabled data word positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional conductive traces are added for mask values, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask value information is extracted from the traditional parallel data transfer path and represented separately through a compressed control signal. This extraction allows the system to maintain full data transfer capability for enabled words while eliminating the need for additional conductive traces that would consume power.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing conductive traces are made multi-functional by using them to carry both data payload and control signal information. This universality eliminates the need for dedicated additional traces for mask values, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability for different data transfer scenarios.
3Loss of information
If additional conductive traces are added for mask values, then mask value transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask value information is shifted from a parallel dimension (multiple conductive traces) to a serial/compressed dimension (control signal). This dimensional change allows complete mask value transfer information to be conveyed through fewer traces, reducing device complexity while preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a decoding circuit, and a communication bus that is configured to transfer a particular data payload and a control signal that indicates whether the particular data payload includes a mask value. The mask value is indicative of enabled and non-enabled data words in the particular data payload. The decoding circuit is configured to receive, from an encoding circuit via the communication bus, the particular data payload and the control signal. In response to a determination that the control signal indicates that the particular data payload does not include the mask value, the decoding circuit is configured to use a default value for the mask value, and to create an uncompressed data payload from the particular data payload using the default value, wherein the default value causes the decoding circuit to maintain positions of data words between the particular data payload and the uncompressed data payload.