Chiplet Protocol Conversion for Cross-Configuration Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chiplet systems face challenges in communicating between chiplets with different configurations, even when using standard communication protocols, leading to impaired interoperability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable chiplets to convert data using conversion information, allowing them to communicate despite differing protocols, through the use of a conversion device that encodes and decodes data based on received information from partner chiplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chiplets use different protocol types based on their configurations, then each chiplet can be independently designed and optimized, but communication between chiplets with different configurations cannot be performed normally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary component that mediates between chiplets using different protocol types. The converter receives transactions from one protocol type and converts them to another protocol type, enabling communication between chiplets with different configurations without requiring them to use the same native protocol. This resolves the contradiction by allowing configuration independence while maintaining communication reliability through the mediating converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameter of transactions during transmission between chiplets. The protocol converter modifies parameters such as address encoding, control signal sequences, and data formatting to transform transactions from one protocol type to another. This parameter transformation enables compatible communication between chiplets with different configurations, resolving the interoperability issue while preserving design independence.
2Ease of operation
If a standard communication standard like UCIe is used, then chiplet communication should be standardized, but communication still fails when chiplet detailed configurations differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the protocol converter universal by enabling it to handle multiple protocol types. The converter is designed with the capability to receive transactions from various source protocol types and convert them to different destination protocol types based on the configurations of communicating chiplets. This multi-functionality allows the standardized UCIe interface to work with chiplets of different configurations, resolving the contradiction between standardization and configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic protocol conversion capability that adapts to different chiplet configurations in real-time. The protocol converter dynamically selects conversion rules based on the detected configurations of communicating chiplets and adjusts its behavior accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the standardized communication interface to accommodate configuration variations, maintaining both standardization benefits and configuration flexibility.
3Reliability
If protocol conversion is implemented between chiplets, then interoperability improves, but device complexity increases due to conversion devices and information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol conversion function into separate conversion devices that can be independently implemented. Each conversion device handles specific protocol conversion tasks and can be placed at strategic locations in the chiplet interconnect architecture. This segmentation allows the complex conversion functionality to be distributed and managed more effectively, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while maintaining interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration exchange between chiplets before actual data transmission. The conversion devices exchange conversion information and configuration parameters in advance, establishing the necessary conversion rules before transactions begin. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time conversion by pre-configuring the conversion parameters, making the protocol conversion process more efficient and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for communicating between chiplets in a chiplet system. The chiplet system includes a first chiplet and a second chiplet, and the method includes, by the first chiplet, generating a die-to-die interface flit from a first protocol type transaction based on conversion information, by the first chiplet, transmitting the die-to-die interface flit to the second chiplet, and, by the second chiplet, generating a second protocol type transaction from the die-to-die interface flit based on the conversion information.