Compressed Fuse Array for Microprocessor Configuration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
As device complexity increases, especially with multi-core processors, the need for configuration data storage on a single die becomes a challenge due to real estate and power constraints, as traditional fuse arrays require more space and power to store the necessary configuration data for each core.
Innovation Solution
The use of compressed configuration data in a fuse array, where data is compressed within a virtual array and then decompressed upon power-up/reset, allowing for efficient storage and initialization of multi-core devices with reduced real estate and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional fuse arrays are used to store configuration data for each core, then configuration data can be stored, but die area and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuse arrays are merged into a single shared fuse array that serves all cores. The configuration data for multiple cores is compressed and stored together in one array, eliminating the need for separate fuse arrays for each core and reducing overall die area.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data for multiple cores is nested within a single compressed data structure in the shared fuse array. The compressed configuration data contains nested information for multiple cores in a hierarchical manner, allowing efficient storage and retrieval.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional fuse arrays are used to store configuration data for each core, then configuration data can be stored, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuse arrays are merged into a single shared fuse array that serves all cores. The configuration data for multiple cores is compressed and stored together in one array, eliminating the need for separate fuse arrays for each core and reducing overall die area.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared fuse array is designed to serve multiple functions - storing configuration data for all cores simultaneously. This multi-functional array reduces the total number of fuse arrays needed and lowers overall power consumption compared to having dedicated arrays for each core.
3Area of stationary object
If fuse array size is reduced to save die area, then less space is used, but the amount of configuration data that can be stored decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data compression technique changes the parameter of data density in the fuse array. By compressing the configuration data, more information is packed into fewer bits, allowing the same or greater storage capacity in a reduced physical area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing raw configuration data directly in the fuse array, a compressed representation (copy) of the data is stored. This compressed copy contains the same essential information but occupies less space, enabling reduced die area while maintaining full configuration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is contemplated for storing and providing configuration data to a microprocessor. The apparatus has a core, disposed on a die, and a fuse array, disposed on the die and coupled to the core, where the fuse array comprises a plurality of semiconductor fuses programmed with compressed configuration data for the core, where the compressed configuration data is generated by compression of data within a virtual fuse array that corresponds to the core, and where the core accesses and decompresses the compressed configuration data upon power-up/reset, for initialization of elements within the core.