Dynamic Bidirectional Access Ports for SoC Core Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In System on Chip (SoC) designs, internal cores become inaccessible for debugging and replacement once integrated, as their input/output interfaces are no longer visible externally, making it difficult to diagnose and replace faulty cores without additional data paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic multi-purpose external access points connected to the I/O interfaces of internal cores through bidirectional access ports, which can be dynamically configured as input or output interfaces, enabling external access and replacement of failed cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cores are integrated within the SOC to function as internal functional cores, then the SOC achieves compact integration and improved productivity, but the I/O interfaces of the cores become inaccessible for debugging and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bidirectional access ports as intermediary elements that connect to the I/O interfaces of internal cores through inter-chip connection links. These access ports serve as mediators that allow external debugging and replacement operations without disrupting the integrated functionality of the cores within the SOC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an additional dimensional access path by implementing external access points that connect to internal core I/O interfaces through bidirectional ports. This adds a new dimension of accessibility without altering the original integrated structure of the cores within the SOC.
2Device complexity
If I/O interfaces of internal cores are made inaccessible to reduce device complexity, then the SOC structure becomes simpler, but debugging and core replacement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access functionality by introducing separate bidirectional access ports that are distinct from the core I/O interfaces. This segmentation allows the core structure to remain simple while providing dedicated access mechanisms for debugging and replacement operations.
3Ease of operation
If additional access points are added to enable external access to internal cores, then debugging and replacement become easier, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional access ports are designed to serve multiple functions: they enable external access to internal core I/O interfaces for debugging, allow replacement of failed cores with external cores, and maintain the normal inter-chip communication functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated access infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The access ports are configured to dynamically switch between different operational modes, including normal inter-chip communication and external access modes. This dynamic configuration allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring permanent additional structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit device comprises multiple cores each comprising one or more separate input and output interfaces, the multiple cores integrated within the integrated circuit device to function as a single computer system. Internal inter-chip connection links are disposed on the integrated circuit device for connecting one or more cores with at least one other core via the one or more separate input and output interfaces. One or more bidirectional access ports are communicatively connected in each path of the inter-chip connection links to enable a separate external access point to each of the one or more separate input and output interfaces of the cores, wherein each of the one or more bidirectional access ports is dynamically selectable as each of an external input interface of the integrated circuit device and an external output interface of the integrated circuit device.