Chiplet Link Initialization Using Early Sideband Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chiplet-based implementations face challenges with complex interconnect routing, routing congestion, signal timing specifications, and increased feature complexity, leading to compromised performance and power efficiency in mobile and wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for managing interconnects between chiplets using sideband link training, where a training pattern is transmitted over multiple configurations, and upon successful transmission in a first configuration, transitioning to mainband link training, with the option for sideband link retraining when errors are detected, all within the framework of the Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sideband link training transmits training patterns over all link configurations to ensure reliability, then link initialization reliability is improved, but initialization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting the training pattern only over a first link configuration rather than all possible configurations. When the training pattern is successfully received, the method suspends further training transmissions, performing only the necessary portion of the training process needed to establish reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by designating a first link configuration for training purposes before attempting other configurations. This preliminary designation allows the system to establish communication quickly if the first configuration is suitable, avoiding the need to systematically test all configurations.
2Reliability
If comprehensive link training is performed over multiple configurations, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link training process into distinct phases: transmitting the training pattern over a first configuration, evaluating success, and conditionally proceeding to suspend training or continue with other configurations. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by breaking down the complex multi-configuration training into manageable decision points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior by making the training process adaptive based on real-time evaluation of training pattern transmission success. The system dynamically suspends or continues training based on whether the first configuration proves adequate, transforming a static exhaustive search into a dynamic responsive process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing an interconnection between chiplets includes initiating sideband link training that includes transmitting a training pattern over each of a plurality of link configurations, where each link configuration includes a sideband data line and a sideband clock line. The method further includes suspending the sideband link training before completion of the sideband link training when the training pattern is transmitted over a first sideband link configuration without error, designating a sideband data line and a sideband clock line in the first sideband link configuration as a functional pair, and initiating mainband link training using the functional pair to communicate link state and status information.