Cluster Serialization Using Local Clocks for Low-Latency Chip Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor chips with hardware clustering face inefficiencies in inter-cluster communication due to excessive overhead and resource waste from commercial serial communication technologies, leading to degraded performance and increased chip area usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for data transmission and reception between clusters in a semiconductor chip using a local clock to relay commands or data sequentially, reducing latency and simplifying communication protocols by minimizing handshaking requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If commercial serial communication technologies (e.g., UART) are used for inter-cluster communication, then communication functionality is provided, but communication speed is too slow and chip area is excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary communication features from commercial protocols, retaining only the essential data transmission functionality. By eliminating features like start/stop bits, parity bits, and complex handshaking protocols that are unnecessary for internal chip communication, the system achieves high-speed transmission with minimal chip area occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the communication protocol specifically for internal chip cluster communication rather than using general-purpose commercial protocols. The communication interface is optimized with simplified signaling and direct clock synchronization tailored to the specific requirements of inter-cluster data transmission within the semiconductor chip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional communication methods and complex communication protocols are used, then communication functionality is enhanced, but resources are wasted and chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential unidirectional data transmission functionality from complex bidirectional communication protocols. By removing unnecessary bidirectional handshaking, error checking, and flow control mechanisms, the system achieves sufficient communication versatility for cluster data relay while dramatically reducing protocol complexity and resource consumption.
3Reliability
If commercial communication protocols are used for inter-cluster communication, then communication is established, but overhead is excessive and performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by using direct clock synchronization between transmitting and receiving clusters. Data transmission occurs continuously without interruption from protocol handshaking or error checking, as the synchronized clocks ensure reliable data capture. This eliminates communication latency while maintaining reliability through clock-based timing alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of transmitting and receiving data for cluster serialization, and more specifically, to a cluster serialization method by transmitting and receiving data between a preceding cluster and a subsequent cluster in a semiconductor chip composed of multiple clusters, wherein each cluster is serially connected such that a process of delivering commands or data from a preceding cluster to subsequent clusters upon completion of its operation is configured to be repeatedly relayed using a local clock employed by each cluster, and thereby ensuring the multiple clusters to be operated in a serially connected configuration.