Data Mapping Nodes for Flexible NoC Node Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit design, particularly for network on chip (NoC) devices, existing technologies face challenges in reusing data handling nodes across different circuit configurations and locations due to the need for customizing routing data fields, which limits flexibility and efficiency in reconfiguring or repurposing these nodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating an integrated circuit layout with data mapping nodes that detect differences in routing data fields and map initial values to mapped values, allowing data packets to be routed using a selected second routing, thereby enabling the reuse of data handling nodes across various configurations and locations without requiring bespoke customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data handling nodes are customized for different circuit configurations and locations, then routing functionality is optimized for specific applications, but device complexity and reconfiguration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements data mapping nodes that can handle multiple routing configurations through a unified mapping mechanism. Instead of creating custom routing logic for each configuration, the system uses a universal data mapping approach where mapping data stored in the mapping node translates between different routing data field formats, allowing a single node design to serve multiple circuit configurations and locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of routing data by introducing mapping data that transforms routing field values between different configurations. The data mapping node modifies the interpretation of routing data fields through stored mapping relationships, allowing the same physical node to adapt to different circuit topologies by changing its internal mapping parameters rather than its structural configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If data mapping nodes are added to enable flexible reuse, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data mapping nodes as intermediary elements between the transaction source node and the routing network. These mapping nodes act as mediators that translate routing data fields from one format to another, enabling flexible node reuse without requiring changes to the underlying routing infrastructure or transaction nodes. The mapping node absorbs the complexity of adaptation, leaving other components simple and reusable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mapping data that essentially creates a virtual copy or translation layer of routing information. Instead of physically replicating or customizing routing logic for each configuration, the system stores mapping relationships that copy and transform routing data fields, allowing the same physical hardware to emulate different routing behaviors through data transformation rather than structural duplication
3Manufacturing precision
If custom routing data fields are used for each configuration, then routing precision is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing mapping data in the data mapping nodes during circuit design or initialization. The mapping relationships between different routing configurations are established in advance, so that during operation, nodes can be reconfigured simply by loading or switching to pre-computed mapping data rather than performing complex real-time calculations or physical reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises generating, using a computer, an integrated circuit layout including a plurality of data handling nodes interconnected by routing circuitry defining data packet routes between the plurality of data handling nodes; for a transaction source node configured to generate data packets associated with a data handling translation between that transaction source node and a transaction target node and having one or more routing data fields controlling routing of the data packet, detecting, using the computer, a difference between a first routing controlled by the one or more routing data fields and a selected second routing provided by the integrated circuit layout; and providing, using the computer, one or more data mapping nodes in the integrated circuit layout to map an initial value of one or more of the routing data fields of a data packet generated by the transaction source node to a mapped data value, so that the mapped data value controls routing of the data packet using the selected second routing.