Dual-Ring Bus Architecture for Processing Unit Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing apparatuses face issues with increased transfer path lengths and bus traffic due to the connection of processing units in a ring shape using a single ring bus, leading to inefficiencies in data transfer and potential interference between units.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual-ring bus architecture where each processing unit is connected in a ring shape using a first ring bus for internal data transfer and a second ring bus for inter-unit data transfer, preventing data flow between units and reducing bus traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If processing units are connected in a ring shape using a single ring bus, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the transfer path length increases and bus traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidtransfer path length
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single ring bus is segmented into two separate ring buses (first ring bus and second ring bus). Each processing unit connects to both rings, creating two independent data transfer paths. This segmentation allows data to travel through shorter paths by choosing the appropriate ring, thereby reducing the transfer path length while maintaining the simplified ring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a one-dimensional single ring bus to a two-dimensional dual-ring structure. Processing units are positioned at intersections of both rings, enabling data transfer in multiple directions (along either ring). This dimensional expansion provides shorter transfer paths without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If processing units are connected in a ring shape using a single ring bus, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but bus traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidbus traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the single ring bus into two separate ring buses, the system segments the data traffic into two independent channels. This reduces the quantity of traffic on each individual bus, preventing congestion and improving overall data transfer efficiency while maintaining the simplified ring topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-ring configuration adds a second dimension to data transfer paths, allowing traffic to be distributed across two separate buses. This dimensional expansion reduces the burden on each individual bus, decreasing overall bus traffic volume and improving system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If processing units are connected in a ring shape using a single ring bus, then the connection structure is simplified, but data transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single ring bus is divided into two separate ring buses, creating segmented data transfer paths. This segmentation enables parallel data transfer operations and reduces contention for bus resources, thereby improving data transfer efficiency while preserving the simplicity of the ring connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system evolves from a one-dimensional single ring to a two-dimensional dual-ring architecture. This dimensional change provides multiple data transfer routes between processing units, allowing selection of optimal paths and enabling parallel transfers, thus enhancing productivity without complicating the fundamental ring connection approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3073378B1Processing apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP
  • EP3073378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073378B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073378B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plurality of transfer modules (402-0 to 402-M) that transfer data between processing units are provided so as to respectively correspond to a plurality of processing units (401-0 to 401-M). First ring buses (403-0 to 403-M) connect, for each of the processing units (401-0 to 401-M), subunits within a corresponding processing unit and the transfer module corresponding to the processing unit so that they form a ring shape. The plurality of transfer modules (402-0 to 402-M) are connected so that they form a ring shape by a second ring bus (404).