Global Ring Interconnect for Low-Cost SoC Sideband Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

System on chip (SoC) communication networks are costly and inefficient for hardware blocks lacking NoC interfaces, necessitating alternative low-cost and high-performance communication solutions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a global ring interconnect (GCR) that couples with local rings in the IC, allowing side-band communication between hardware blocks and a controller, enabling efficient packet routing and error handling without additional configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If NoC interfaces are provided for all hardware blocks, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication infrastructure is segmented into two distinct networks: a high-performance NoC for blocks requiring it, and a simplified ring interconnect for blocks that do not. This segmentation allows each block type to use the appropriate communication mechanism, improving overall system efficiency while reducing complexity for blocks that don't need full NoC capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring interconnect is designed as a universal communication path that can serve multiple functions: carrying control packets between hardware blocks and the PMC, transporting data between blocks without NoC interfaces, and providing a fallback path for NoC traffic. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated interfaces for each block type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If NoC interfaces are provided for all hardware blocks, then communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ring interconnect uses simpler, less expensive switching elements compared to full NoC interfaces. By using this cheaper ring-based approach for blocks that don't require high-performance communication, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while still providing adequate communication capability for those blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If sideband interfaces are used for control communication, then control exclusivity is improved, but intrusion on in-band traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol exclusivityVSAvoidintrusion on in-band traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The communication channels are segmented into control packets and data packets, with control packets transmitted through the ring interconnect and data packets transmitted through the NoC. This segmentation ensures that control communication occurs on a separate path, providing control exclusivity while preventing intrusion on data traffic in the NoC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12627617B2Global system interconnect for an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 XILINX INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein describe an integrated circuit (IC) which includes a global ring that interconnects multiple local rings distributed throughout the IC. In one embodiment, the global ring is connected to the local rings using respective switches. The global ring (and the switches) interconnect the local rings so that a node coupled to one of the local rings can communicate with a node connected to another local ring.