Consolidated NoC Interconnect for Agent Communication and Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Network on Chip (NoC) interconnects require multiple separate networks for different functions, leading to inefficiencies and limited space for regular agent-to-agent communication due to manually designed, non-configurable networks for specific tasks.
Innovation Solution
A consolidated NoC interconnect architecture that allows a single NoC to handle both regular agent-to-agent communication and various NoC functions, such as interrupt/exception handling, monitoring, and debugging, by configuring agents and using bridges to packetize and translate messages across different layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate NoC networks are used for different functions, then specific functions (monitoring, debugging, configuration) can be performed, but the space available for regular agent-to-agent communication is limited and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate NoC networks into a single unified NoC infrastructure. The consolidated NoC allows regular agent-to-agent communication and NoC function traffic (monitoring, debugging, configuration) to share the same physical network resources, thereby increasing space efficiency while maintaining all required functionalities through virtualization and traffic isolation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The unified NoC is designed to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. It functions as both a data communication network for agents and a management network for NoC operations (monitoring, debugging, configuration). The system achieves this multi-functionality through protocol differentiation, virtual channels, and intelligent routing that separates different traffic types within the same physical infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate NoC networks are used for different functions, then specific functions can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple NoC networks into one unified infrastructure, the patent reduces the overall device complexity. Instead of maintaining separate physical networks for data communication and NoC functions, the system uses a single network with intelligent traffic management, protocol differentiation, and virtualization mechanisms to handle diverse traffic types, thereby simplifying the network structure while preserving functional capabilities
3Area of stationary object
If a single NoC is used for both data communication and NoC functions, then space efficiency is improved, but traffic isolation and bandwidth optimization become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into different categories (agent-to-agent data communication and NoC function traffic) and uses virtual channels and protocol differentiation to separate these traffic types within the unified NoC. This segmentation allows for targeted bandwidth allocation and optimization strategies for each traffic type, preventing one type from monopolizing network resources while maintaining overall space efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms such as protocol converters, virtual channel managers, and intelligent routing components that mediate between different traffic types in the unified NoC. These intermediaries enable effective traffic isolation and bandwidth optimization by translating, prioritizing, and managing traffic flows to ensure both data communication and NoC functions receive appropriate network resources
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a NoC interconnect that consolidates one or more Network on Chip functions into one Network on Chip. The present disclosure is further directed to a Network on Chip (NoC) interconnect comprising a plurality of first agents, wherein each agent can be configured to communicate with other ones of the plurality of first agents. NoC of the present disclosure can further include a second agent configured to perform a NoC function, and a bridge associated with the second agent, wherein the bridge can be configured to packetize messages from the second agent to the plurality of first agents, and to translate messages from the plurality of first agents to the second agent.