Inductive Die-to-Die Protocol for Asynchronous Free-Space Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing AI-centric systems face challenges in establishing communication between asynchronous dies without additional sideband methods, requiring costly and space-consuming additional signaling over free-space interfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implementing inductive coupling for asynchronous pattern initialization and debug modes between dies using main data interfaces, enabling communication without additional sideband methods, and utilizing 'N of M' encoding for efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional sideband methods are employed for signaling over free-space interface, then communication reliability between asynchronous dies is improved, but device complexity and real estate requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines initialization and debug signaling functions with the main data transmission interface by using idle time periods and unused signal lines. Control signals are multiplexed onto the same physical interface used for data transfer, eliminating the need for separate sideband signaling paths and reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main data interface is designed to serve multiple functions: data transmission during active periods and control signaling during idle periods. The same physical interface handles both high-speed data transfer and low-speed initialization/debug commands, making the interface universal and eliminating the need for dedicated sideband channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional sideband methods are employed for signaling, then communication reliability between asynchronous dies is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging control signaling and data transmission into a single interface, the patent reduces the number of physical connections required between dies. This consolidation simplifies packaging and interconnect requirements, directly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary communication reliability through proper signal multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If main data interfaces are used for asynchronous pattern initialization, then real estate requirements are reduced, but communication protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal estate requirementsVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by utilizing idle time periods between data transmissions to carry initialization and control signals. The interface alternates between data mode and control signal mode, with clear timing delimiters that manage protocol complexity through rhythmic, predictable signal patterns rather than requiring complex simultaneous signal handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Initialization signals are transmitted during predetermined idle periods before actual data transfer begins. The protocol establishes communication parameters and synchronization in advance during these preliminary phases, allowing the main interface to be fully utilized for data transmission afterward without requiring additional dedicated initialization channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates communication between asynchronous dies with reduced cost and real estate requirements, enhancing bandwidth resilience and survivability while maintaining high throughput and low latency.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing inductive coupling for asynchronous pattern initialization and debug modes between dies using main data interfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second die that includes a data transmission interface configured to receive the transmit asynchronous pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260076265A1Communication protocol using free-space connectivity

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A device may include a first die, including: a data transmission interface configured to inductively transmit and receive signals; a processor configured to generate a transmission asynchronous pattern; receive a response pattern via the data transmission interface indicating whether the transmission asynchronous pattern was received by a second die; control a data transfer between the first die and the second die via the data transmission interface based on the response pattern; and a second die, including: a data transmission interface configured to inductively transmit and receive signals; a processor configured to receive the transmission asynchronous pattern; check whether the received transmission asynchronous pattern is correct; generate a response pattern indicating whether the received transmission asynchronous pattern is correct; control a data transfer between the first die and the second die via the data transmission interface based on the check whether the received transmission asynchronous pattern is correct.