Configurable Crossbar Switching Network for Master-Slave Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hardware systems with fixed routing schemes for master-slave communication are inflexible and inefficient, leading to suboptimal performance when application requirements change, as they cannot adjust to varying traffic patterns and concurrency needs without increasing hardware size and latency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible routing scheme using a configurable crossbar switching network with additional address bits to direct master requests to multiple intermediate points, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of routing paths without altering hardware, enabling optimal performance across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed routing scheme is used in conventional hardware systems, then the system structure is simple and hardware size is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to changing application requirements and traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing by making the first crossbar switching network reconfigurable, allowing it to change its switching fabric configuration based on traffic patterns and application requirements. This enables the system to adapt to different master-slave communication needs without changing the physical hardware structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameters by introducing multiple possible paths between masters and slaves through the reconfigurable first crossbar switching network. By dynamically adjusting which paths are active based on traffic conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring multiple fixed hardware routing structures, thus avoiding increased hardware complexity.
2Productivity
If extra hardware is added to allow parallel accesses for unknown traffic requirements, then the system can handle more concurrent requests, but the hardware size doubles and speed limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable first crossbar switching network dynamically adjusts its capacity allocation based on actual traffic demands. When high concurrency is needed, the fabric can be reconfigured to provide multiple parallel paths. This eliminates the need to provision for maximum possible concurrency in all conditions, allowing the hardware size to match actual needs rather than worst-case scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The first crossbar switching network is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a simple pass-through when traffic is light, or be reconfigured to provide complex multi-path routing when concurrency demands are high. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple dedicated hardware paths for different traffic scenarios.
3Reliability
If multiple stages of arbitration are used in fixed routing, then routing decisions can be made based on priority, but requests experience increased latency due to passing through multiple arbitration units
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable first crossbar switching network can dynamically adjust the number of arbitration stages based on traffic conditions. When low latency is critical, the fabric can be configured to reduce the number of arbitration hops. When priority-based routing is more important, it can be configured to maintain multiple arbitration stages. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing function into the reconfigurable first crossbar switching network and the fixed second crossbar switching network. The first network handles the dynamic priority-based arbitration and path selection, while the second network provides fixed fast routing. This segmentation allows priority-based routing to be implemented where needed while minimizing latency in the overall path.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a flexible routing scheme between masters and slaves in complex digital systems. The routing scheme is optimized for maximum versatility and configurability using switched resources in the form of configurable crossbar switches.