Inter-cluster Communication Module Using Memory Access Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-cluster communication architectures in processors face inefficiencies due to complex communication networks and high power consumption, particularly when dealing with data exchange among multiple clusters, which can lead to stalls and increased pipeline complexity.
Innovation Solution
An inter-cluster communication module utilizing a memory access network that integrates communication and memory access, allowing direct data exchange between clusters through a switch device and memory subsystem without relying on additional ports or control units, enabling concurrent data exchange and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connection ports and specialized functional modules are added to enable inter-cluster data exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inter-cluster communication function with the existing memory access network. The same network infrastructure that handles memory access is also used for cluster-to-cluster data exchange, eliminating the need for separate communication networks and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory access network is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles both traditional memory access operations and inter-cluster data exchange. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve versatile communication capabilities without adding dedicated communication infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized functional modules with complete connection ports are provided for inter-cluster data exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inter-cluster communication operations with existing memory access operations in the same network infrastructure. By reusing the memory access network for both purposes, the system avoids the power overhead of maintaining separate dedicated communication networks and specialized functional modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of connection ports in the register file increases to support more functional modules, then data exchange capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into clusters, where each cluster has its own register file serving local functional modules. This segmentation allows each register file to remain relatively simple while the inter-cluster communication needs are met through the shared memory access network, avoiding the complexity of a single large register file with numerous connection ports.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a switch communication network is added to perform switching for data exchange among clusters, then data exchange capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication network function with the existing memory access network infrastructure. By using the same network that already exists for memory access, the system achieves inter-cluster communication capability without adding separate switch communication networks, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-cluster communication module using the memory access network is provided, including a plurality of clusters, a memory subsystem, a controller and a switch device. When some clusters issue a load instruction and some clusters issue a store instruction of an identical memory address concurrently, the controller controls the switch device which connects the clusters and the memory banks of the memory subsystem, so that the data item is transmitted from the cluster issuing the store instruction to the cluster issuing the load instruction through the switch device, thereby achieving data exchange between the clusters. Herein, the data item is selectively stored in the memory module depending on the address. Furthermore, the data item is also transmitted between the memory and the clusters over the switch device.