Fractal-Tree Network-on-Chip Communication Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-on-chip technologies face challenges in efficiently supporting broadcast and multicast communication among multiple cores on a chip, with grid-type structures experiencing complexity in control and annular structures having longer delays.
Innovation Solution
A fractal-tree communication structure and method for network-on-chip, featuring a central node, leaf nodes, and forwarder modules, where leaf nodes are grouped and connected in a self-similar fractal pattern to maximize sharing of forwarder modules, reducing complexity and delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a grid-type network-on-chip structure is used, then data transmission between adjacent tiles is direct, but control complexity for broadcast and multicast increases and delay numbers become non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into hierarchical levels with a root node and multiple tree nodes, each managing specific subsets of leaf nodes. This segmentation reduces control complexity by dividing the broadcast/multicast management into manageable segments, where each tree node only needs to manage its subordinate leaf nodes rather than the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional grid structure to a hierarchical tree structure with multiple levels. This dimensional change introduces a vertical hierarchy that enables uniform delay through layered propagation, where data travels through defined levels from root to leaves, standardizing the transmission path length and delay characteristics.
2Device complexity
If an annular network-on-chip structure is used, then all tiles are connected to a ring, but broadcast and multicast delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular structure is segmented into hierarchical tree levels with a root node at the center and tree nodes branching outward to leaf nodes. This segmentation creates multiple parallel transmission paths from the root to different leaf nodes, reducing broadcast delay by eliminating the need for data to traverse the entire ring circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the single-dimensional ring topology into a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure with levels. This dimensional expansion allows data to reach leaf nodes through shorter vertical paths rather than traversing the entire circular perimeter, significantly reducing propagation delay while maintaining structural organization.
3Reliability
If more forwarder modules are used to ensure individual communication connection, then communication reliability improves, but the number of modules and occupied area increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each tree node is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it forwards data from parent nodes to child nodes, manages broadcast distribution to its subordinate leaf nodes, and handles multicast routing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each function, reducing the total number of modules while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of data forwarding, broadcast distribution, and multicast routing into a single integrated tree node component. By combining these functions into one modular unit, the system achieves reliable communication through functional integration rather than through multiple separate modules, thereby reducing the quantity of components and occupied area.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication structure comprises: a central node that is a communication data center of a network-on-chip and used for broadcasting or multicasting communication data to a plurality of leaf nodes; a plurality of leaf nodes that are communication data nodes of the network-on-chip and used for transmitting the communication data to the central node; and forwarder modules for connecting the central node with the plurality of leaf nodes and forwarding the communication data, wherein the plurality of leaf nodes are divided into N groups, each group having the same number of leaf nodes, the central node is individually in communication connection with each group of leaf nodes by means of the forwarder modules, the communication structure is a fractal-tree structure, the communication structure constituted by each group of leaf nodes has self-similarity, and the forwarder modules comprises a central forwarder module, leaf forwarder modules, and intermediate forwarder modules.