Micro NOC Interface for ALM Communication Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits, such as FPGAs, face inefficiencies in communication between networks-on-chip (NOCs) and adaptive logic modules (ALMs) due to the use of fabric resources and soft logic, which reduces their ability to perform other functions like data processing.

Innovation Solution

Implementing micro networks-on-chip (NOCs) with hardened connections within the programmable fabric, allowing for direct and efficient communication between ALMs and NOCs, reducing the reliance on soft logic and freeing up resources for other functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fabric resources and soft logic are used to enable communication between NOC and ALMs, then communication functionality is achieved, but the efficiency of the integrated circuit is reduced because these resources cannot be used for other functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidresource availability for other functions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated micro-NOC interface structure that segments the communication path between NOC and ALMs from the general-purpose fabric resources. This creates a specialized communication channel that does not consume programmable logic elements, interconnect switches, or routing resources, thereby resolving the contradiction by enabling efficient communication while preserving fabric resources for other functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dedicated micro-NOC interface as an intermediary component between the NOC and ALMs. This interface includes specialized logic and routing structures that handle communication tasks without involving the general-purpose fabric resources, thus maintaining both communication efficiency and resource availability for other functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If micro NOCs are implemented with hardened connections, then communication speed is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the micro-NOC interface functionality directly into the ALM structure, combining what would otherwise be separate components. The micro-NOC interface logic is integrated within the ALM boundaries, sharing physical and logical resources with the ALM components, thereby achieving fast communication without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-NOC interface structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides dedicated communication paths for NOC-ALM interaction, maintains compatibility with existing ALM operations, and can be configured to support different communication modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high communication speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20220244867A1Fabric Memory Network-On-Chip Extension to ALM Registers and LUTRAM

Publication Date: 2022.08.04 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

Systems or methods of the present disclosure may provide a programmable fabric including programmable logic. The programmable logic may include memory, a network-on-chip (NOC), and at least one micro NOC formed with hardened resources in the programmable fabric. Further, the at least one micro NOC may be communicatively coupled to the NOC and to the programmable logic. Additionally, the at least one micro NOC may selectively route data between the NOC and the programmable logic.