Clock Timing Distribution in Replicated Node Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulating and optimizing clock signal timing in high-density processing systems with large, replicated node arrays is challenging due to the complexity and size of the network-on-chip data buses, leading to inaccuracies and increased computational resources in existing electronic design automation tools.
Innovation Solution
A method for simulating clock signal timing in node arrays using a block group timing model, which models timing delays based on a subset of nodes with similar clock distribution circuitry, allowing for reduced computational effort and accurate simulation of clock distribution networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing electronic design automation tools are used to simulate clock signal timing in large node arrays, then timing analysis can be performed, but computational resources and simulation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node array into a representative subset of nodes (e.g., 5 nodes) that captures the essential timing characteristics of the entire array. By analyzing only this segmented portion, the simulation achieves accurate timing analysis for the whole array without requiring full-array simulation, thus reducing computational time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the node array timing model using a small subset of nodes that replicates the timing behavior of the full array. This copied model allows for fast simulation and analysis while maintaining accuracy, avoiding the need to simulate every node in the large original array.
2Measurement precision
If existing electronic design automation tools model the entire node array, then complete timing analysis is achieved, but device complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex node array model into a segmented representative sample of nodes. This segmentation reduces model complexity by focusing only on the essential timing relationships captured in the subset, while still providing accurate timing analysis for the entire array through the timing model's generalizability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a timing model that captures the specific timing characteristics of a local subset of nodes, which then represent the global timing behavior. The local subset is carefully selected to embody the critical timing patterns that govern the entire array, achieving accuracy without full-array complexity.
3Productivity
If a timing model based on a subset of nodes is used, then computational resources are reduced, but timing analysis accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node array into a strategically selected subset that preserves the essential timing characteristics. By carefully choosing which nodes to include in the subset, the model maintains high accuracy in timing analysis while significantly improving simulation efficiency through reduced computational scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal timing model from the subset of nodes that can be applied to represent the entire node array. This multi-functional model serves both the reduced computational resources requirement and the accuracy requirement by capturing general timing patterns that hold across the full array, making the subset analysis universally applicable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for simulating clock timing distribution across a node array (204). An example method includes accessing a timing model of a compute node (206) that the timing model of the compute node (206) represents timing data associated with clock signal propagation between the compute node (206) and four neighboring nodes of the node array (204) that each abut the compute node (206) and simulating, using a computing device, clock signal timing distribution for a majority of the nodes of the node array (204) using the timing model of the compute node (206).