Interrupt Control via Image Processing Units in Multi-Chip Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with multiple integrated circuits, interrupt control is challenging when the CPU function is suspended, as existing mechanisms fail to effectively notify the main CPU of interrupts occurring in extension chips.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a first and second semiconductor integrated circuit connected via a communication bus, where the interrupt unit of the second chip outputs interrupts to image processing units, which then notify the first chip's control unit, ensuring interrupt notifications are relayed to the main CPU even when the CPU function is suspended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the CPU function of the extension chip is suspended to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but interrupt notification to the main CPU cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where image processing units act as mediators between the extension chip's interrupt unit and the main CPU. When the extension chip's CPU is suspended, interrupts are first received by the interrupt unit, then forwarded through image processing units that translate and relay them to the main CPU, enabling indirect interrupt notification without requiring the extension CPU to be active
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interrupt notification function from the CPU function by allowing image processing units to independently handle interrupt translation and forwarding. This separation enables the CPU to be suspended while the interrupt notification capability is maintained through other active components (image processing units and main CPU)
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple integrated circuits are used to provide selective function activation, then power consumption is reduced by shutting off unused circuits, but interrupt control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes image processing units multi-functional by having them perform both their primary image processing function and an additional function of interrupt translation and forwarding. This universality reduces the need for dedicated interrupt handling components in each chip, simplifying the overall interrupt control mechanism while maintaining power-saving capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interrupt handling function with the image processing units, combining two previously separate functions (image processing and interrupt management) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate interrupt management hardware in each integrated circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In a system constructed by a plurality of integrated circuits, interrupt control can be performed in the case where an interrupt has occurred in an integrated circuit in which the function of a CPU is suspended. An interrupt unit of a second integrated circuit outputs an interrupt to at least one of the plurality of image processing units of the second integrated circuit, an image processing unit of the second integrated circuit, to which the interrupt is input, outputs an interrupt to a first integrated circuit, an image processing unit of the first integrated circuit, to which an interrupt from the second integrated circuit is input, outputs an interrupt to an interrupt unit of the first integrated circuit, and the interrupt unit of the first integrated circuit outputs an interrupt to an control unit of the first integrated circuit in accordance with the interrupt being input.