Deterministic Netlist Transformation Through Topological Hashing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor parallel computing systems, ensuring deterministic assignment of new unique indices for circuit design components in netlists is challenging, leading to non-deterministic results and performance penalties due to processor synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system that assigns identifiers to components of a netlist using a topological order-based hash computation, ensuring deterministic indexing by generating identifiers based on component properties and connections, and handling strongly connected components to maintain consistency across multiple processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processor synchronization is used to ensure deterministic indexing, then deterministic results are achieved, but performance penalty increases and scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hash function as an intermediary mechanism that transforms component properties and connection information into deterministic identifiers. This hash-based approach acts as a mediator between the need for deterministic indexing and the desire for parallel processing performance, eliminating the need for processor synchronization while ensuring consistent identifier assignment across multiple processors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by using hash values derived from component properties and connection topologies instead of sequential counters. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain deterministic indexing without relying on synchronized state management, thereby improving scalability and performance in parallel environments
2Reliability
If processor synchronization is used to ensure deterministic indexing, then deterministic results are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hash function serves as a simplified intermediary that replaces complex synchronization mechanisms. Instead of implementing intricate inter-processor communication and state management protocols, the system uses a deterministic hash computation that inherently ensures consistent identifier assignment without requiring complex coordination between processors
3Productivity
If parallel processing is used to handle large netlists, then processing speed increases, but deterministic identifier assignment becomes non-deterministic
Solution Approach 1:
The hash function acts as a deterministic intermediary that ensures consistent identifier assignment across parallel processing operations. Each processor independently computes hash values based on component properties and connection information, guaranteeing that the same component always receives the same identifier regardless of which processor handles it or in what order processing occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical synchronization system with a computational hash-based approach. Instead of using inter-processor communication and state management mechanisms to ensure deterministic behavior, the system substitutes these with a mathematical hash function that inherently provides deterministic results through its computational properties
Data Source
AI summary
A system obtains deterministic results of netlist transformation in a multi-processor parallel computing system. The system receives a netlist. The system determines a set of components representing components with assigned identifiers. The system determines identifiers for remaining components. The system visits a component of the remaining components of the netlist in a topological order starting from the set of components. The system assigns a new identifier to the visited component. The new identifier is generated based on properties of the visited component and a connection of the visited component with at least one component of the set of components. Once the component is assigned an identifier, the system adds the component to the set of components. The system repeats these steps to assign an identifier to remaining components that are not included in the set.