Combined Write Enable Mask and Credit Return Field for Chiplet Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packet-based networking systems in chiplet systems require separate credit-return packets, leading to increased network traffic and processing overhead, which affects power consumption and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a combined write enable mask and credit return field in data packets to reduce network traffic and processing cycles by combining these functions into a single field, allowing for efficient byte-level data control and credit management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate credit-return packets are used, then credit management function is achieved, but network traffic and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the credit return field and write enable mask field into a single unified field within the data packet. This merging eliminates the need for separate credit-return packets, reducing network traffic while maintaining both credit management and data writing functions. The combined field uses the same physical transmission resources, thereby decreasing the quantity of network traffic without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified field serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a credit return mechanism and a write enable mask for data packets. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve credit management objectives while also controlling data writing operations, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated packets and lowering overall network traffic.
2Reliability
If separate credit-return packets are used, then credit management is achieved, but processing cycles and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging credit return and write enable mask functions into a single field, the patent reduces the number of processing steps required. Receivers no longer need to separately handle credit-return packets and data packets with write enable masks, thereby reducing processing cycles and overhead while maintaining reliable credit management.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional unified field allows a single processing operation to handle both credit management and data writing control simultaneously. This reduces the total number of processing cycles required compared to handling separate packets, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing credit management reliability.
3Loss of energy
If combined field is used, then network traffic and power consumption are reduced, but field design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges credit return and write enable mask into a single field, which reduces the number of packets transmitted and thereby lowers power consumption. While the field design becomes more complex, the energy savings from reduced transmission and processing activities outweigh the increased design complexity, achieving a favorable trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified field uses parameter encoding to represent both credit return values and write enable mask patterns within the same data structure. By changing the parameter representation to accommodate multiple functions, the system reduces overall network traffic and power consumption while managing field design complexity through systematic encoding schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
A credit return field is used in a credit-based flow control system to indicate that one or more credits are being returned to a sending device from a receiving device. Based on the number of credits available, the sending device determines whether to send device or wait until more credits are returned. A write enable mask allows a wide data field to be used even when a smaller amount of data is to be written. A novel data packet uses a combined write enable mask and credit return field. In one mode, the field contains a write enable mask. In another mode, the field contains credit return data. If the field contains credit return data, a default value (e.g., all ones) is used for the write enable mask. The mode may be selected based on another value in the data packet.