Masked Register Writes Without Read-Modify-Write Overhead
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional read-modify-write mechanisms for programming registers in system-on-chip (SOC) devices require an extra cycle to read, modify, and write data, making the process inefficient in terms of CPU cycles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a masking component to generate masking signals for bit registers, allowing data to be written directly without the need for a read step, reducing the number of CPU cycles required for register updates by using masking signals to determine whether existing data should be modified or recycled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional read-modify-write mechanism is used to program registers, then the register can be updated with modified data, but an extra CPU cycle is required to read the data first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the read step from the traditional read-modify-write sequence. By using a masking mechanism that allows direct write operations, the unnecessary read operation is eliminated, reducing CPU cycles from 3 (read-modify-write) to 1 (direct write with masking), while still achieving accurate register updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the register write mechanism by introducing masking signals that control bit-level enablement. This allows the system to transition from a sequential read-modify-write process to a direct write process, where the masking parameter determines which bits are updated without requiring prior reading of the register contents.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire register content is read and written back, then all bits can be potentially modified, but the process consumes a major portion of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling selective modification of individual bits within the register through masking signals. Each bit can be independently controlled to be updated or preserved based on its corresponding mask bit, allowing precise local modifications without requiring read and write operations for the entire register content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing write operations only on the specific bits that need modification, as determined by the masking mechanism. Instead of reading and writing the entire register content, the system applies write operations selectively to only the necessary portions, significantly reducing the time consumed while maintaining the ability to modify any required bits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a read step is included in the write mechanism, then the existing data can be preserved through modification, but the amount of time for programming registers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the masking signals before the write operation. The mask bits are set in advance to indicate which existing data should be preserved (mask bit = 0) and which should be updated (mask bit = 1). This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for a read step to determine what to preserve, as the masking strategy is already established before the write operation begins.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
Figure 3A
AI summary
In described examples, a register writing mechanism (400) does not require reading of the data in the register. In accordance with aspects, each register (204, 206, 208, 210, 434, 436) is masked with a making bit provided by a masking component (402). In a first implementation, the first half of the bit registers are masked using data in the second half of the bit registers. In a second implementation, all the bit registers are masked using a masking word generated by the masking component.