DMA Controller Dedicated Data-Attribute Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems using DMA controllers for data transfer between memory and peripherals require processor intervention for data-attribute information, limiting performance improvements and increasing complexity in synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated data-attribute link between the DMA controller and peripheral allows for the transfer of data-attribute information independently of the processor, enabling sequential data transfers with different attributes without processor involvement, thus simplifying synchronization and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor transfers data-attribute information to the peripheral before each DMA transfer, then the peripheral can handle different data types correctly, but the processor must be interrupted frequently and cannot remain in low-power state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated data-attribute link as an intermediary communication channel between the DMA controller and the peripheral. This link allows data-attribute information to be transferred independently from the processor, enabling the peripheral to receive attribute information directly from the DMA controller during DMA operations without requiring processor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the transfer of data and data-attribute information into independent channels. The data transfer occurs through the DMA controller using the data link, while data-attribute information is transferred separately through the dedicated data-attribute link. This segmentation allows both transfers to occur independently and simultaneously, eliminating the need for processor involvement in attribute information transfer.
2Reliability
If the processor is involved in transferring data-attribute information for each DMA operation, then data attributes are correctly set, but the system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated data-attribute link serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for processor-mediated synchronization. The DMA controller and peripheral can exchange data-attribute information directly through this link, establishing an independent communication path that does not require processor coordination or interrupt handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the DMA controller and peripheral autonomously exchange data-attribute information through the dedicated link without external processor intervention. The peripheral can independently receive and process attribute information from the DMA controller, making the system self-sufficient for attribute management during DMA operations.
3Productivity
If a dedicated data-attribute link is added between DMA controller and peripheral, then processor involvement is reduced and performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data-attribute information transfer function from the processor and creates a dedicated data-attribute link between the DMA controller and peripheral. This extraction removes the bottleneck of processor involvement in attribute transfer while maintaining system manageability by keeping the link structure simple and purpose-specific.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic apparatus (1) has a processor (2); a peripheral (3) having a data interface and a data-attribute interface; a direct memory access (DMA) controller (6; 7) for the peripheral (3); a memory (4); a bus system (5)connecting the processor (2), the DMA controller (6; 7), and the memory (4); a data link (8; 10) between the DMA controller (6; 7) and the peripheral (3); and a data-attribute link (9; 11) between the DMA controller (6; 7) and the peripheral (3), separate from the data link (8; 10). The DMA controller (6; 7) has data-transfer circuitry for transferring data between the memory (4) and the data interface of the peripheral (3) over the data link (8; 10), and for transferring data-attribute information, associated with the data, between the memory (4) and the data-attribute interface of the peripheral (3) over the data-attribute link (9; 11).