Force-Quit Controller for Reconfigurable Processor Sub-Array Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfigurable processors lack a means to efficiently manage and reset unresponsive sub-arrays of configurable units, leading to challenges in debugging and system management, as existing methods like cold resets or warm resets are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable processor with a force-quit controller in each sub-array allows for a controlled reset by transitioning the master AGCU to a force-quit wait state, broadcasting reset signals, and draining buffers, enabling a graceful reset without re-initializing the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cold reset or warm reset methods are used to reset unresponsive sub-arrays, then the system can recover from errors, but the reset process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable processor is divided into multiple independent sub-arrays, each with its own force-quit controller. This segmentation allows individual sub-arrays to be reset without affecting the entire system, enabling targeted and rapid recovery from errors in specific regions while maintaining operation in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-quit controller is pre-configured with the capability to initiate reset sequences. When an error is detected or a force-quit signal is received, the controller can immediately begin the reset process without requiring external intervention or complex initialization sequences, significantly reducing reset time.
2Reliability
If the entire system is re-initialized to reset unresponsive sub-arrays, then all configurable units are reset, but system performance degrades significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reset capability to the sub-array level rather than system-wide, the force-quit functionality allows errors to be contained and recovered locally. This prevents performance degradation associated with full system re-initialization while maintaining the ability to recover from errors in affected sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset mechanism is applied locally to only the affected sub-array rather than uniformly across the entire system. This localized approach maintains high performance in unaffected regions while providing error recovery where needed, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If traditional reset methods are used, then unresponsive sub-arrays can be reset, but debugging and system management become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The force-quit controller provides feedback mechanisms that enable the host processor to monitor the status of sub-arrays and detect when resets are needed. This feedback loop simplifies debugging by providing visibility into system state and automated detection of unresponsive units, making system management more straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-array's force-quit controller can autonomously initiate reset sequences when errors are detected, without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies system management by automatically handling recovery from common errors, reducing the complexity of debugging and maintenance tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for resetting configurable units in a reconfigurable processor with an array of configurable units and a force-quit controller on an integrated circuit substrate. The array includes multiple sub-arrays of configurable units. The method involves receiving a force-quit command at the force-quit controller and generating force-quit control signals to reset configurable units in a specific sub-array of the plurality of sub-arrays. The specific sub-array contains the force-quit controller. This method enhances the efficiency and reliability of reconfigurable processors by enabling targeted and controlled resets of configurable units within the reconfigurable processor architecture.