Configurable FFT Architecture for Multimode Radix Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FFT systems require multiple dedicated structures for different radix configurations, limiting their ability to perform multi-mode FFT computations efficiently and increasing computational complexity and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A configurable FFT apparatus that dynamically adjusts its interconnect and twiddle factor generators to support both power-of-2 and non-power-of-2 radix configurations, enabling the same structure to perform various FFT stages and reduce computational load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dedicated FFT structures are used for different radix configurations, then computation load is reduced, but device complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal FFT structure that can perform multiple radix configurations (radix-2, radix-3, radix-5, radix-7) using a single hardware architecture. The butterfly operation units are designed to be configurable through control signals, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different computational requirements without needing separate dedicated structures for each radix type.
Solution Approach 2:
The FFT structure employs dynamic configuration capabilities where control signals dynamically adjust the operation mode of butterfly units based on the required radix. The inter-stage and intra-stage twiddle factor generators are dynamically controlled to provide appropriate factors for different radix configurations, enabling the system to adapt its behavior in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If dedicated FFT structures are used for specific radix configurations, then computation efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different radix configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional FFT apparatus where a single structure supports multiple radix configurations (2, 3, 5, and 7) through configurable butterfly operation units. The same hardware resources can be allocated to different radix modes based on computational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated structures while maintaining efficiency for each specific radix type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (radix configuration, twiddle factor selection, butterfly unit activation) based on the required computation mode. Control signals adjust these parameters dynamically, allowing the FFT structure to optimize its performance for the specific radix configuration being used while maintaining the capability to switch to other configurations when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional FFT systems are used, then implementation is simpler, but processing speed and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The FFT computation is segmented into multiple stages with configurable butterfly operation units. Each stage processes a portion of the computational workload, and the segmentation allows for optimized parallel processing. The inter-stage and intra-stage twiddle factor generators are also segmented to provide factors at appropriate computational points, enabling faster processing through structured decomposition of the overall FFT operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures its processing pipeline based on the required radix and computation stage. Control signals enable dynamic activation of specific butterfly units and twiddle factor generators, allowing the system to optimize processing speed for the current computational task while maintaining ease of implementation through a unified configurable architecture rather than multiple fixed structures.
4Reliability
If multiple dedicated FFT structures are implemented, then reliability for specific configurations is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal FFT structure that provides reliable computation for multiple radix configurations using shared hardware resources. The configurable butterfly operation units and twiddle factor generators ensure consistent computational accuracy across different radix modes while consuming power only for the actively used configuration rather than maintaining multiple parallel dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple dedicated FFT structures into a single unified configurable structure. The butterfly operation units, inter-stage twiddle factor generators, and intra-stage twiddle factor generators are combined into shared resources that can be dynamically allocated to different radix configurations. This merging reduces overall power consumption while maintaining computational reliability through proper resource sharing and configuration management.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable fast Fourier transforms (FFT) apparatus to compute radix-2 and non-radix-2 calculations. The configurable FFT apparatus includes a data input, a data output, an interconnect, and a configuration manager. The data input retrieves an input data segment from a memory device. The data output stores processed data to the memory device. The interconnect routes radix FFT signals of multi-type radix configurations from the data input to the data output. The configuration manager dynamically configures the interconnect according to a determination of a current radix configuration.