Communication Device Data Hubs for Chip Area Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of clients and client data in communication devices leads to deteriorated area efficiency of chips due to increased electrical connections and complexity in multi-layer memory structures, necessitating a method to process large amounts of data while improving chip area efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with data hubs that group clients by physical position and process data, using a data transfer unit connected to the hubs via a control protocol to store burst data in a target memory, reducing electrical connections and enhancing area efficiency by grouping clients and sharing power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of clients and communication functions are increased, then communication capability is improved, but the area efficiency of chips deteriorates due to increased electrical connections and controller size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chip into multiple layers (first layer and second layer) and groups clients into different client groups based on their physical positions. Each client group is served by dedicated data hubs, which segments the monolithic controller structure into distributed processing units. This segmentation reduces the number of electrical connections required between clients and the controller, thereby improving chip area efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle increased communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by organizing clients and data hubs across multiple layers (first layer and second layer) of the chip. Clients are grouped by physical position and assigned to specific layers, with data hubs positioned on corresponding layers. This three-dimensional spatial organization reduces planar connectivity requirements and improves area efficiency while supporting expanded communication capabilities.
2Productivity
If the number of electrical connections between clients and controller is increased, then data processing capability is improved, but the complexity and area of the controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller functionality is segmented into distributed data hubs, each responsible for a specific client group. Each data hub contains local processing logic and memory, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized controller that would require numerous electrical connections to handle all clients. This segmentation maintains high data processing capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Data hubs act as intermediary components between client groups and the central controller. Each data hub locally processes data from its associated clients, performing preliminary processing and buffering operations. This intermediary layer reduces the complexity of direct client-controller connections while maintaining comprehensive data processing capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If more clients are connected to a single power supply, then power distribution is simplified, but power consumption and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented by introducing multiple power supplies, with each power supply dedicated to a specific client group. This segmentation isolates power consumption characteristics of different client groups, preventing power conflicts and improving reliability. While this increases the number of power distribution lines, the modular approach enables independent power management and reduces overall system risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first client group in a first region; a second client group in a second region different from the first region; a first data hub configured to generate first burst data and a first control packet based on first client data received from the first client group; a second data hub configured to generate second burst data and a second control packet based on second client data received from the second client group; and a data transfer unit connected to the first data hub and the second data hub via a control protocol, the data transfer unit configured to, store the first burst data in a target memory based on the first control packet, and store the second burst data in the target memory based on the second control packet.