Modular Die-to-Die Link Macros for Asymmetric Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current die-to-die (D2D) link standards assume symmetrical bandwidth interfaces, leading to wasted power and area for at least one die, while custom implementations are inefficient in design and testing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing modular die-to-die link macros with the same physical shape, size, and bandwidth capacity, allowing asymmetric bandwidth combinations and flexible configurations to match specific application requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical bandwidth interfaces are used based on current standards, then interface compatibility and ease of implementation are improved, but power consumption and area are wasted for at least one die
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into separate transmit and receive bandwidth components, allowing independent configuration of each direction's bandwidth to match actual application requirements rather than forcing a symmetrical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth parameter is changed from a fixed symmetrical value to an asymmetric configuration where transmit and receive bandwidths can be independently optimized based on application needs, reducing wasted power and area
2Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical bandwidth interfaces are used based on current standards, then interface compatibility and ease of implementation are improved, but area is wasted for at least one die
Solution Approach 1:
The interface resources are segmented into direction-specific bandwidth allocations, allowing the die area to be optimized for the actual asymmetric bandwidth requirements of each transmit and receive channel
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom implementations of D2D links are used for different applications, then asymmetric bandwidth requirements are met, but design and testing inefficiencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal D2D link interface standard is created that supports both symmetric and asymmetric bandwidth configurations through modular macro elements, eliminating the need for custom implementations while maintaining adaptability to different application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The interface configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable through modular macro elements that can be selectively enabled or disabled to match different bandwidth requirements, providing flexibility without requiring custom design for each application
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom implementations of D2D links are used for different applications, then asymmetric bandwidth requirements are met, but testing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal testing framework is established for the modular D2D link macros that works across all configurations, reducing testing time compared to custom implementations that would require separate testing procedures for each application
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-die systems with modular die-to-die link macros for enabling die-to-die communication are described. A multi-die system includes a first die comprising a first set of modular die-to-die (D2D) transmit link macros and a first set of modular D2D receive link macros. The multi-die system further includes a second die, coupled to the first die via die-to-die (D2D) links, comprising a second set of modular D2D transmit link macros and a second set of modular D2D receive link macros. Each of the transmit/receive macros has the same physical shape, size, and the bandwidth capacity. The modularity associated with respective modular D2D transmit link macros and respective modular D2D receive link macros allows different combinations of an amount of bandwidth for data being transmitted or received via the D2D links and different amounts of edge depths for the first die and the second die along the die edge.