Dynamic Serial-Lane Access for Multi-User Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emulation systems suffer from underutilization and difficulty in debugging due to statically tied target connections, which render the emulator system unavailable when domains are busy or unavailable, leading to inefficient workload distribution and complex problem localization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user emulation system with SERDES interconnects allows dynamic access to unused pins and domains, enabling simultaneous emulation and testing across multiple designs, with a system manager module controlling domain access and performing maintenance without disrupting ongoing routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If target connections are statically tied to specific domains, then domain stability and simplicity are improved, but system utilization and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic domain assignment where target connections are no longer statically tied to specific domains but can be dynamically assigned and reassigned. The system manager can allocate domains to different users and designs based on availability and workload, transforming the static domain-target relationship into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes domains universal by allowing any domain to serve multiple purposes and multiple users. Instead of dedicating specific domains to specific targets, any available domain can be assigned to any user's design, making the domain pool a universal resource that can be flexibly allocated to maximize system utilization.
2Ease of operation
If domains are dedicated to specific users, then user isolation and debugging simplicity are improved, but system productivity and resource sharing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a control plane (system manager) and data plane (domains), allowing centralized management of domain allocation while maintaining independent domain operation. This segmentation enables the system to track which domains are assigned to which users, maintaining debugging simplicity through centralized control while enabling productivity gains through efficient resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the system manager continuously monitors domain availability and user needs, dynamically adjusting domain assignments. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to changing conditions, allocating domains to idle users when domains become available, thereby maintaining high productivity while preserving debugging capabilities through centralized tracking.
3Reliability
If the emulator system shuts down domains when unavailable, then system reliability is improved, but system availability and user productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where idle domains automatically become available for assignment to other users without requiring system shutdown or manual intervention. The system manager automatically detects available domains and assigns them to waiting users, allowing the system to maintain reliability through proper resource management while continuously maximizing productivity through automatic domain reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include herein are directed towards a system and method for circuit emulation. Embodiments may include one or more domains of system components, each respective domain comprising one or more processors of the emulation system. Each respective processor may be configured to execute one or more processing jobs according to an instruction set executed by the respective processor. Embodiments may include a system manager module configured to control an emulation associated with a first domain and identify at least one unused pin associated with the first domain. The system manager module may be configured to allow access to the at least one unused pin for a second domain during the emulation of the first design.