DMA Controller Adaptive Handshake for Microcontroller Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer methods using direct memory access (DMA) controllers in microcontrollers suffer from increased latency due to the need for a handshake procedure for each memory access, which limits system performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows a controller to adapt data transfer handshake signals based on an access type, enabling dynamic burst adaptation and reducing latency by allowing peripherals to indicate readiness and optimize data transfer without requiring handshake signals for each memory access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handshake procedure is used for each memory access in DMA transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but transfer latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into different access types (single access, burst access, etc.), allowing the system to choose appropriate handshake procedures for each segment. This enables selective application of handshake protocols only where necessary, reducing overall latency while maintaining reliability for critical transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access type selection that adapts handshake signal usage based on peripheral readiness and transfer requirements. The system dynamically switches between different access modes (e.g., from burst to single access) to optimize the balance between reliability and latency for each specific transfer scenario.
2Manufacturing precision
If handshake signals are used for each memory access, then data transfer accuracy is improved, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of handshake procedures to different parts of the data transfer process. Critical data transfers use full handshake protocols for high accuracy, while less critical transfers use simplified procedures, optimizing the balance between accuracy and performance for each specific case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of handshake signal usage based on access type and peripheral state. By adjusting handshake intensity and frequency dynamically, the system maintains data transfer accuracy where needed while improving overall system performance through reduced protocol overhead in appropriate scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the processor waits for data transfer completion, then data transfer control is improved, but processor productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transfer control function from the main processor by implementing autonomous access type determination and handshake management in the DMA controller. This allows the processor to initiate transfers and continue with other operations while the DMA controller independently manages the transfer process, significantly improving processor productivity while maintaining control through periodic status checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the DMA controller to self-manage the data transfer process by autonomously selecting access types and managing handshake signals without continuous processor intervention. The controller monitors peripheral readiness and adjusts transfer parameters independently, providing effective data transfer control while freeing the processor for other productive tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller coupled to a peripheral identifies an access type used by the controller for data transfer. The controller performs operations including: sending information to a peripheral coupled to a controller, the information indicating an access type for which the controller is configured for data transfer; monitoring a communication link with the peripheral for a signal indicating that the peripheral is ready to perform a data transfer according to the access type; and performing, in response to a receipt of the signal through the communication link, the data transfer using data transfer handshake signals that are adapted according to the access type.