Hierarchical IC Interface Bridging for Mixed Signal Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) systems face challenges in quickly connecting and adapting compatible functional blocks due to the need for matching interfaces or cumbersome redesigns, particularly when dealing with pipelined operations, data width mismatches, or clock domain differences, which restricts the flexibility and efficiency of system-level prototyping.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an auto-bridging architecture with phases blocks that convert user signal domains to a common signal domain, enabling automatic resolution of interface differences and facilitating the connection of disparate blocks, allowing for flexible and efficient system-level design by using automated synthesis tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If block interfaces are explicitly designed to match known standards, then compatibility between blocks is improved, but device complexity and redesign effort increase when legacy designs are upgraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auto-bridging architecture that acts as an intermediary between user blocks with different interfaces. The bridging component automatically resolves interface differences through phases blocks that convert signal domains, eliminating the need for explicit interface matching or cumbersome redesign while maintaining compatibility between disparate blocks
2Reliability
If a thorough state machine description is used to capture interface behavior, then completeness of interface specification is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome descriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface description into a hierarchical structure with a behavioral layer capturing essential interface behavior and lower layers handling detailed implementation. This segmentation allows complete interface specification without requiring cumbersome full state machine descriptions, as the hierarchical model captures necessary behavior at appropriate levels of abstraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to interface description by introducing multiple layers (behavioral, coding/timing, signal). This dimensional change allows interface behavior to be specified completely while avoiding the flat, cumbersome nature of traditional state machine descriptions by organizing information across hierarchical levels
3Measurement precision
If previous interface capture methods (waveforms or automata) are used, then interface timing and behavior are improved, but the ability to resolve all aspects of interface differences deteriorates, particularly in pipelined operations, data width mismatches, or clock domain differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional interface capture methods by adding hierarchical layers beyond simple waveforms or automata. The behavioral layer captures timing and behavior, while additional hierarchical layers handle coding, timing, and signal details, enabling resolution of complex interface differences including pipelined operations, data width mismatches, and clock domain differences that single-layer methods cannot handle
4Productivity
If automated synthesis tools are used with the hierarchical interface model, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the synthesis process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synthesis process into distinct hierarchical layers that can be processed independently and systematically. The behavioral layer is synthesized first to determine overall interface behavior, then lower layers are synthesized to implement specific coding, timing, and signal details. This segmented approach enables automated synthesis tools to work efficiently without requiring complex monolithic synthesis processes
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes an auto-bridging architecture including a first phases block that interfaces to a first user block having a first user signal domain. The first phases block converts the first user signal domain to a common signal domain. A second phases block coupled to the first phases block interfaces with a second user block having a second user signal domain. The second phases block converts the second user signal domain to the common signal domain so that the first user block cooperates with the second user block through the auto-bridging architecture of the IC.