Modular Design Flow for Multiprocessor Array Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software development tools for multiprocessor arrays (MPAs) lack integration of modularity, hierarchy, and adaptable module reuse, making it difficult to manage and design software efficiently for varying numbers of processing elements and resource configurations.
Innovation Solution
A specification data structure is constructed to combine RTL, test bench, and physical design script templates for hardware modules, allowing for the creation of manufacturing instructions and APIs based on functional criteria, enabling modular and hierarchical design reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional software development tools are used for MPAs, then basic software operations can be performed, but modularity, hierarchy, and adaptable module reuse are not integrated, making it difficult to manage and design software efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MPA software development into modular components including configurable processing elements, memory systems, and interconnection networks. Each module can be independently configured and reused across different MPA designs, enabling efficient management of complex software through standardized building blocks that support varying numbers of processing elements and resource configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal software modules and templates that can be adapted to different MPA configurations. These modular software components serve multiple functions across various processor counts and architectural arrangements, allowing the same software framework to manage heterogeneous MPA systems without requiring complete redesign for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is designed to support varying numbers of processing elements and resource configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing and designing software increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities where software modules can be automatically adapted to different MPA configurations through parameterized templates. The system dynamically generates appropriate software instances based on the number of processing elements and resource arrangements, eliminating the need for manual redesign while maintaining support for varying configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameterized software templates that accept configuration parameters such as processor count, memory size, and interconnection topology. By changing these parameters, the same software framework automatically generates customized software configurations for different MPA architectures, reducing design complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If manual software design methods are used for MPAs, then design flexibility is maintained, but productivity and efficiency in managing large amounts of software decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures software templates and modules with standard functionalities for common MPA configurations. These preliminary software building blocks are prepared in advance and can be rapidly instantiated and customized for specific designs, significantly reducing the time required for software development while maintaining the ability to handle large-scale MPA systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables replication of software modules across multiple processing elements and configurations. Once a software module is designed and validated, it can be copied and adapted to numerous other instances with minimal modification, dramatically increasing productivity in managing large amounts of software for complex MPA systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and device for constructing a specification data structure for a module of a multiprocessor array (MPA) chip. The specification data structure includes parameters for combining a plurality of register transfer language (RTL) templates for submodules of the modules into an RTL description of the module, parameters for combining a plurality of test bench templates for respective submodules into a test bench for the module, parameters for combining a plurality of physical design script templates for respective submodules into a physical design script for the module, and/or parameters for constructing an API for the module based on a set of functional criteria for module operation. The RTL description, the test bench, the physical design script, and/or the API are constructed and stored in memory for use in designing and fabricating the module.