Dynamic Priority Assignment for DMA Request Blocks in MPSoC

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Multiprocessor System on Chip (MPSoC) environments, setting fixed priorities for Direct Memory Access (DMA) request blocks is costly and inefficient due to the need for large temporary buffers, which is not preferable, especially when a large amount of data transfer is required.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamically determining priorities of DMA request blocks based on Data Transfer Amounts (DTAs) or Arrival Times (ATs) of DMA request signals, including a priority pre-processing unit, a counter for tracking priority changes, and a priority determining module that adjusts priorities based on these metrics to prevent starvation and optimize data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed priorities are set for DMA request blocks in MPSoC environment, then data transfer can be controlled, but large temporary buffers are needed which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer controlVSAvoidbuffer capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed priorities to dynamic priority assignment. The priority of DMA request blocks is not predetermined but is assigned based on real-time characteristics including data transfer amount and arrival time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt priority assignments to actual workload conditions, eliminating the need for large buffers while maintaining reliable data transfer control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for priority determination from static fixed values to dynamic parameters such as data transfer amount (DTA) and arrival time (AT). By using these varying parameters, the system can assign priorities that reflect actual transmission needs, thereby reducing the requirement for large temporary buffers while ensuring reliable data transfer management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If fixed priorities are used for DMA request blocks, then simple control is achieved, but data transfer efficiency decreases in MPSoC environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the priority assignment system continuously monitors and adjusts based on real-time data transfer characteristics. The priority determination considers feedback information such as actual data transfer amounts and arrival times, allowing the system to optimize data transfer efficiency while maintaining relatively simple control through automated priority management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the framework for dynamic priority assignment based on DTA and AT parameters before data transfer begins. This preliminary setup enables efficient real-time priority determination without complex control logic during execution, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving data transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If dynamic priority assignment based on DTA is implemented, then data transfer efficiency improves, but priority determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpriority determination logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the priority determination process into distinct components: data transfer amount (DTA) evaluation, arrival time (AT) evaluation, and priority assignment. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of priority determination independently, reducing the overall complexity of the priority determination logic while maintaining high data transfer efficiency through coordinated operation of these segmented functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If large temporary buffers are added to handle priority interruptions, then data transfer reliability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidbuffer capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics to eliminate the need for large fixed buffers by implementing dynamic priority assignment. When a higher priority DMA request arrives, the system dynamically adjusts priorities rather than requiring pre-allocated buffers to store interrupted data. This dynamic approach maintains data transfer reliability by ensuring timely processing of high-priority requests while significantly reducing the required buffer capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8065447B2Method and apparatus for determining priorities in direct memory access device having multiple direct memory access request blocks

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A priority determining method and apparatus can reduce a total waiting time of DMA request blocks by granting priority to each of Direct Memory Access (DMA) request blocks transmitting a DMA request signal, based on Data Transfer Amounts (DTAs) of the DMA request blocks and Arrival Times (ATs) of the DMA request signals, counting the number of priority changes of each of DMA request blocks whose priority is changed in the priority granting process, and if a DMA request signal is received from a new DMA request block, determining priorities of the DMA request blocks based on the counted the number of priority changes.