Communication Hub Circuit for Modular Vehicle Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for addressing varying computing and data processing needs across vehicles in a vehicle range, such as equipping each vehicle with a single high-performance processor or developing multiple specific SoCs, are undesirable due to oversizing, complexity, and high development costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication concentrator circuit with multiple physical ports and interfaces, configured to manage data streams and implement cache and input/output coherence, is used to create a modular system of microchips that can be rearranged to meet specific vehicle needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single high-performance processor is equipped in each vehicle to meet the highest computing and data processing needs, then the computing performance is improved, but the processor becomes oversized when installed in lower-end vehicles, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the computing resources into multiple independent microchips (processing microchip, graphics microchip, neural network microchip, accelerator microchip) that can be selectively assembled. Each microchip contains specific computing functions, allowing the system to be configured with only the necessary components for each vehicle's requirements, avoiding oversizing while maintaining high performance capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic configuration of computing resources through the communication hub, which can selectively activate and allocate specific microchips based on real-time computing demands. This dynamic allocation allows the same hardware platform to adapt to different computing requirements across vehicle models and usage scenarios, eliminating the need for fixed high-performance processors in all vehicles.
2Power
If multiple specific system-on-chip (SoC) systems are developed for each set of vehicles with similar computing needs, then the computing performance is optimized for each vehicle segment, but the development complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal computing platform where a single communication hub design can work with multiple types of microchips (processing, graphics, neural network, accelerator). This universal architecture eliminates the need to develop separate SoC systems for different vehicle segments, as the same hub can be configured with different microchip combinations to meet various computing requirements across the vehicle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables configuration of computing power parameters by selecting and assembling different microchip types and quantities. Instead of developing multiple fixed SoC designs, the platform allows parameter adjustment through modular microchip selection, where the computing performance can be scaled by changing the combination and number of microchips without redesigning the entire system architecture.
3Power
If a single high-performance processor is used across all vehicles, then the computing needs of high-end vehicles are met, but the processing speed and efficiency decrease for lower-end vehicles due to resource underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting computing resources into separate functional microchips, the system allows each vehicle to be equipped with only the processing capabilities it actually needs. Lower-end vehicles can use simpler microchip combinations for routine tasks, while high-end vehicles can assemble more powerful configurations. This segmentation ensures that processing efficiency is optimized for each vehicle's actual workload, avoiding the overhead and underutilization associated with universal high-performance processors.
4Power
If multiple dedicated SoCs are developed for different vehicle segments, then the computing performance is optimized for each segment, but the scalability and adaptability of the system decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The universal communication hub design with support for multiple microchip types provides high scalability and adaptability. The same hub architecture can accommodate different microchip combinations to serve various vehicle segments, and new microchip types can be added without redesigning the entire system. This universal platform enables easy scaling from basic to advanced computing configurations and allows flexible adaptation to emerging technologies and new vehicle requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present description relates to a communication concentrator circuit comprising: two ports (P1) for exchanging data with another communication concentrator circuit (102); a port (P2) for exchanging data with a computing microchip (106); a port (P3) for exchanging data with an accelerator microchip (108); an interface (ITm) for exchanging data with a memory circuit (110); an interface (ITs, ITe) for exchanging data with a sensor (104); a data processing circuit (PUs); a network on chip (NOC) for transferring data between elements of the communication concentrator circuit.