Hierarchical Interface Parameter Propagation for IP Cell Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of pre-developed IP cells in circuit design is complex due to numerous configurable options and incompatible communication protocols, requiring manual configuration that is time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method using a programmed processor to instantiate IP cells, propagate interface parameters hierarchically, infer parameter values, and automatically configure interface logic to facilitate communication between cells, thereby reducing manual intervention and ensuring compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of interface parameters is used to integrate IP cells, then design flexibility and control are improved, but design time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing IP cells to automatically configure their own interface parameters through propagation functions. Each cell receives interface parameter values from connected cells and automatically determines compatible values using its propagation functions, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining propagation functions for each IP cell that encode compatibility rules and constraints. These functions are prepared in advance and automatically applied during the integration process, enabling rapid parameter configuration without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IP cells with different communication protocols are integrated, then system functionality and versatility are improved, but interface compatibility and integration complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses interface parameter propagation as an intermediary mechanism to bridge cells with different communication protocols. The propagation process mediates between incompatible protocols by automatically determining compatible parameter values that satisfy both cells' requirements, reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting interface parameters based on propagation functions. When cells with different protocols are integrated, the system modifies parameter values (such as data width, clock frequency, or protocol version) to achieve compatibility while maintaining the intended functionality of both cells.
3Reliability
If comprehensive interface parameter validation is performed to ensure compatibility, then system reliability is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by embedding compatibility checks within the propagation functions themselves. These validation rules are prepared in advance and automatically applied during parameter propagation, ensuring interface compatibility without requiring separate complex validation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where propagation functions evaluate received interface parameter values and automatically adjust them if incompatibilities are detected. This feedback loop ensures reliability by continuously verifying compatibility while maintaining simple processing through automated adjustment rather than complex validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for generating a circuit design are disclosed. A plurality of cells is instantiated in the circuit design in response to user input. The set of interface parameters of each cell is arranged into a hierarchy of interface levels as indicated by an interface model corresponding to the cell. For each of the interface levels, values of the sets of interface parameters of cells included in the interface level are respectively propagated to other cells directly connected to the cell. In response to propagating a value of an interface parameter from another cell of the plurality of cells to the cell and the cell having a value of the corresponding interface parameter that is different from the propagated value, a value for the corresponding interface parameter of the cell is determined using a respective propagation function associated with the corresponding interface level.