Bidirectional Die-to-Die Link Parking for Low-Power Shared Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing die-to-die (D2D) communication systems face challenges in achieving high data rate bidirectional communication while being power efficient, particularly in advanced packaging technologies where separate dies are integrated into multi-die systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing bidirectional bus communication with clock gating and echo cancellation techniques to minimize power usage, where interfaces go to a low power state by parking transmit and clock drivers at the same voltage level during idle periods, and using simplified echo cancellation to improve performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional communication is enabled using shared routes, then bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling bidirectional communication only during active phases and transitioning to idle states during pauses. The system alternates between phases where both directions can communicate simultaneously (doubling bandwidth) and phases where communication is paused and drivers are parked, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining high bandwidth capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication system adjustable between different operational states. The bidirectional route can dynamically switch between active bidirectional mode (for high bandwidth) and idle/parked mode (for low power consumption). The transmit drivers can be dynamically parked at voltage levels during idle periods, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If transmit drivers are kept active for bidirectional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by maintaining transmit driver activity only during active communication phases and parking them during idle phases. This ensures communication reliability is maintained when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during periods when no communication is required, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the voltage level at which transmit drivers operate. During active communication, drivers operate at full voltage for reliable signal transmission. During idle periods, drivers are parked at reduced voltage levels (ground or supply level), changing the operational parameter to minimize power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly resume full functionality when communication is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for bidirectional communication between a first die and a second die using a shared route are described. The method includes, during a first phase of operation, allowing bidirectional communication between the first die and the second die using the shared route. The method further includes, during a second phase of operation: (1) pausing bidirectional communication between the first die and the second die using the shared route, (2) parking the first transmit driver by coupling an input terminal of the first transmit driver to a voltage level, and (3) parking the second transmit driver by coupling an input terminal of the second transmit driver to the same voltage level, where the voltage level is one of a voltage supply level or a ground level. Additional systems and methods for clock gating of signals that make the bidirectional communication even more efficient are also described.