Modular Data Processing Circuit with Central Routing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timing units in data processing systems face high interrupt loads and are limited by interrupt latency and sequential interrupt handling, making it difficult to handle multiple processes in parallel and in real time without being restricted by the number of interrupts or interrupt sources.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement with a central routing unit connects multiple modules, allowing cyclic data transfer based on a time base and other physical variables, enabling independent and parallel data processing, and reducing interrupt loads by controlling data routing and eliminating the need for a separate interrupt controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pure hardware implementation of a timing module is used, then the timing module can be operated and configured from a processor, but the interrupt load on the processor becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent processing modules (first processing module, second processing module, etc.), each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the processor to offload timing-critical operations to dedicated modules, reducing the interrupt load on the main processor while maintaining ease of operation through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A routing unit is introduced as an intermediary component that manages data transfer between processing modules. This routing unit handles the coordination and communication between modules, freeing the main processor from direct involvement in timing operations while maintaining system operability through the routing unit's mediation.
2Device complexity
If a timing unit with internal programmability is used, then the interrupt load on the processor is reduced, but the system is limited by interrupt latency and sequential interrupt handling
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent processing modules are implemented, each with its own programmability and autonomous operation capability. This allows parallel processing of different timing functions simultaneously, eliminating the sequential interrupt handling limitation while maintaining reduced processor interrupt load.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple processing modules are merged into a unified system through the routing unit, which coordinates their operations. This merging enables parallel processing capabilities while maintaining the reduced interrupt load benefit, as the modules work together to handle multiple functions simultaneously without requiring sequential processor intervention.
3Productivity
If more processing modules are added to handle more processes in parallel, then the parallel processing capability increases, but the chip surface area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each processing module is designed with universal functionality, capable of handling multiple types of timing and positioning operations. This multi-functionality allows a smaller number of versatile modules to achieve the required parallel processing capability, reducing the total chip surface area compared to having dedicated modules for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing modules can dynamically adjust their operational parameters and functionality based on system needs. This parameter flexibility allows the same hardware structure to handle different processing tasks, maximizing the utilization of each module and reducing the overall number of modules required, thereby saving chip surface area.
4Productivity
If more processing modules are added to handle more processes in parallel, then the parallel processing capability increases, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Processing modules are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple operation types, allowing the system to achieve high parallel processing capability with fewer modules. This reduces the total power consumption compared to having numerous specialized modules, as each universal module can be optimized to handle different tasks efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing modules operate dynamically, activating only the necessary processing capacity required at any given moment. This dynamic operation allows the system to scale power consumption according to actual processing needs, rather than continuously consuming maximum power, thereby achieving high parallel processing capability when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement for a data processing system is configured to process data in a plurality of modules. The circuit arrangement is configured such that each module is provided with at least one clock pulse, a time base and a base of at least one additional physical variable. The circuit arrangement also comprises a central routing unit to which the plurality of modules are coupled and via which the plurality of modules can periodically exchange data amongst themselves, based on the time base and/or the base of other physical variables. Each module is configured independently and parallel to other modules of the plurality of modules in order to process data. The circuit arrangement is employed in a corresponding method.