Carrierless UWB RF Interconnects for Multi-Core IC Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of cores in integrated circuits leads to a detrimental increase in wiring, which hampers processing power and requires efficient communication methods that do not rely on physical connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of carrierless ultra-wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) signaling for communication among cores and a packet switch, which eliminates the need for conductive interconnects by broadcasting RF signals and utilizing an external optical interface for multiplexing, allowing for high-frequency communication without additional space or special paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of cores increases to provide better processing power, then processing capability is improved, but the amount of interconnect wiring increases at a greater rate causing detrimental effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electrical interconnect wiring with electromagnetic radio frequency signaling. Cores communicate via RF signals through antennas rather than through conductive interconnects, eliminating the need for extensive physical wiring while maintaining communication capability among multiple cores
Solution Approach 2:
The RF signaling system serves multiple functions: it enables communication between cores, provides testing capability, and allows debugging operations. A single communication infrastructure supports both operational data transfer and test/debug functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated test wiring
2Productivity
If traditional physical contact probes are used for testing multiple integrated circuits, then testing can be performed, but the probes physically interfere with each other and require precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact probes with electromagnetic RF signals for testing. The tester communicates with cores under test via wireless RF signaling, eliminating physical contact requirements and the associated interference and positioning problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary medium for testing. Instead of direct physical contact between probes and test structures, RF signals serve as the intermediary that carries test data and commands, allowing non-contact testing through the substrate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables effective testing and debugging of multiple integrated circuits without the limitations of physical contact probes, reduces power consumption, and allows for simultaneous testing of multiple cores, enhancing processing capabilities while minimizing wiring requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first carrierless ultra wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) transceiver for communicating with the processor cores and an external tester using carrierless UWB RF signaling
Implementation Method 2
The packet switch communicates outside the integrated circuit using optical signaling
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit has a group of cores that communicate with a packet switch using carrierless ultra wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) signaling. The packet switch communicates outside the integrated circuit using optical signaling. The carrierless UWB provides for high frequency communication and processing without requiring additional space for interconnects. No special paths are necessary because the signals used by the cores for communicating with the packet switch are RF signals therefore they can be broadcast by the packet switch and be received by a plurality of cores. No conductor line or waveguide is required. Because the signals are carrierless, they can be transmitted with low power. With multiple cores providing information to the switch, the total information being received may exceed the capacity of the RF bandwidth so an external optical interface is provided to multiplex information provided via carrierless UWB RF signals by a plurality of cores.