Micro-Engine Snapshot via External Memory Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for snapshotting packet intermediate data in network processors with multi-ME parallel structures face challenges in timing closure and increased complexity due to the need for extra read ports and increased area requirements in the packet memory, limiting chip frequency and design simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that perform a snapshot of packet intermediate data through debugging instructions, storing and outputting the data to external memory, eliminating the need for direct bus access from the packet memory, thereby reducing wiring complexity and increasing chip frequency while saving area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ME retains a read port for external bus to read packet intermediate data, then debugging functionality is achieved, but the chip frequency is limited and backend wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the read port functionality from the ME's internal structure and relocates it to the external memory interface. Instead of having the ME directly read packet intermediate data through an internal read port, the system outputs snapshot data to external memory where reading is performed. This extraction eliminates the timing constraints and wiring complexity associated with internal read ports while preserving debugging functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the PKT_RAM provides an extra read port for bus access, then snapshot data can be read, but the memory area increases and read logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for an extra read port in PKT_RAM by extracting the data access function to external memory. The snapshot data is transferred to external memory through the ME's existing output interfaces, eliminating the need for additional read ports and associated complex read logic within the memory structure.
3Ease of operation
If the PKT_RAM provides an extra read port for bus access, then snapshot data can be read, but the memory area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts snapshot data storage from the internal PKT_RAM structure to external memory, eliminating the need for dedicated snapshot storage space within the memory array. This approach preserves the original memory area while enabling snapshot functionality through external storage resources.
4Ease of operation
If the ME retains a read port for external bus, then packet intermediate data can be read, but the backend wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data reading operation from the ME's internal bus structure to external memory access. By outputting snapshot data to external memory through existing interfaces, the system eliminates the need for additional internal wiring and read port connections, thereby reducing backend wiring complexity while maintaining data reading capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for realizing a snapshot function of a micro-engine processing packet intermediate data, and a computer storage medium. The method comprises: completing a snapshot of packet intermediate data via a debugging instruction to obtain packet snapshot data; completing the storage and outputting of the packet snapshot data according to a software command, so as to move and store the packet snapshot data in an external memory outside the micro-engine; and completing the bus-out of the packet snapshot data in the external memory.