Data Bus Valid Encoding Using DBI Signal Corruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuits, existing data transfer techniques face challenges in minimizing noise generation and error probability while determining valid data from noise, particularly in architectures with distributed chips, where conventional methods require additional resources for valid signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A circuit is designed with an encoding circuit to limit bit transitions between consecutive data transmissions and a valid circuit to selectively corrupt signals, using DBI techniques to indicate valid or invalid data without additional resources, employing logic and XOR circuits to generate and combine signals for encoding and corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data bits are inverted to reduce bit transitions and noise generation, then noise generation and error probability are reduced, but it becomes difficult to determine whether signals constitute valid data or merely noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valid signal with the data bits by XORing the valid signal into the least significant bit (LSB) position of the data bus. This merging allows the valid signal to be transmitted along with the data without requiring separate dedicated signal lines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus is made multi-functional by using one of its signal lines (the LSB position) to carry both data information and valid signal information simultaneously. This universal usage of the data bus eliminates the need for additional dedicated valid signal lines, reducing overall device complexity while preserving the ability to determine valid data.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated valid signal line is added to indicate valid data, then valid data determination is facilitated, but device complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a dedicated valid signal line, the patent merges the valid signal with the existing data bus by XORing it into the LSB position. This approach facilitates valid data determination while avoiding the increase in device complexity that would result from adding separate signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus is used for multiple purposes: transmitting both data bits and the valid signal simultaneously through the same physical medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated valid signal lines, thereby maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels while improving ease of valid data determination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If AC DBI mode is used to limit bit transitions to half the data bus width, then noise generation is minimized, but the encoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding circuit performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the number of bit transitions required and determining the appropriate inversion strategy before actual data transmission. This allows the system to minimize noise generation through AC DBI while managing encoding complexity through systematic pre-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the inversion parameter (whether to invert data bits) based on the calculated bit transition requirements. By adjusting this parameter according to the specific data pattern and transition count, the system minimizes noise generation while keeping the encoding circuit complexity manageable through parameter-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit including an encoding circuit and a valid circuit. The encoding circuit is configured to encode data to be transmitted as signals on a data bus to satisfy a requirement that limits a number of bit transitions between consecutive transmissions. The valid circuit is configured to selectively corrupt the signals not to satisfy the requirement that limits the number of bit transitions between the consecutive transmissions to indicate whether the signals to be transmitted on the data bus constitute valid data or invalid data.