Layered Multiplexer Read Port Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional register file read ports require a large number of multiplexers, leading to high dynamic power consumption and power glitches due to the simultaneous switching of all multiplexers, even though many do not perform useful work.
Innovation Solution
Divide at least some layers of multiplexers into portions with separate control signals for each portion, allowing individual control without switching unnecessary multiplexers, thereby reducing the number of multiplexers that switch and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all multiplexers in each layer are controlled to switch simultaneously, then any register can be selected, but the number of multiplexers switching is large causing high power consumption and power glitches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each layer of multiplexers into multiple portions (e.g., first portion and second portion), with each portion controlled by separate control signals. This segmentation allows only the necessary portions to switch when selecting a register, reducing the total number of switching multiplexers and thereby lowering dynamic power consumption while maintaining full register selection capability.
2Ease of operation
If all multiplexers switch simultaneously, then register selection is achieved, but power glitches occur due to simultaneous switching
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting layers into portions with independent control, the patent enables staggered or selective switching of multiplexer portions. This prevents simultaneous switching of all multiplexers, thereby eliminating power glitches while maintaining ease of register read operation through coordinated control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where different portions of multiplexer layers can be activated or deactivated based on the specific register selection needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the switching behavior to minimize power glitches while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If layers are divided into portions with separate control signals, then the number of switching multiplexers is reduced, but the control signal width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing separate control signals only for the portions that need independent control, rather than controlling every single multiplexer individually. This selective approach reduces power consumption significantly while keeping the control signal width increase manageable, as not all portions require separate control in all operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A read port for selectively coupling one of a plurality of inputs to an output is disclosed. The read port comprises: a plurality of inputs; an output; a plurality of multiplexers operable to selectively couple a selected input to said output; and a multiplexer control signal input for inputting a multiplexer control signal, the multiplexer control signal comprising a plurality of control parameters and being operable to control switching of the plurality of multiplexers. The plurality of multiplexers are arranged in a plurality of layers, the layers being arranged between the inputs and output, such that a selected input is operable to be coupled to the output via a multiplexer from each of the different layers. Furthermore, some of the layers are divided into portions, each portion having at least one control parameter input, so that each of the portions is operable to be controlled by a different one of the control parameters and multiplexers in one of the portions of a certain layers can be switched without switching multiplexers in another of the portions this layer. In some embodiments two outputs operable as two read ports are provided.