Modular SoC Configuration via Segmented Access Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs becomes complex and error-prone due to the addition, removal, or relocation of functional units during the design cycle, requiring frequent updates and involving the entire design team.
Innovation Solution
A modular configuration scheme using a master module and adapter modules to route configuration access requests, allowing dynamic modification of SoC structure by adding or relocating functional units without updating the complete configuration space, with error-reporting and error-recovery mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional units are added, removed, or relocated during the design cycle, then the SoC structure becomes more flexible and adaptable, but the configuration scheme becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration space is segmented into separate configuration domains for each functional unit. Each functional unit has its own configuration domain that can be independently accessed and modified. This segmentation allows the configuration scheme to remain simple and organized even as functional units are added, removed, or relocated during the design cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional units are added, removed, or relocated during the design cycle, then the SoC structure becomes more flexible and adaptable, but the configuration access becomes more difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
A universal configuration access mechanism is provided that works across all functional units. The configuration access system uses a standardized interface and protocol that can access any functional unit's configuration domain regardless of the unit's position or status in the SoC architecture. This universality simplifies configuration access even as the SoC structure changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the complete configuration space is updated frequently to reflect changes in functional units, then the configuration accuracy is maintained, but the time required for updates increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration updates are extracted and isolated to individual functional unit domains rather than requiring updates to the complete configuration space. When a functional unit is added, removed, or relocated, only its specific configuration domain needs to be updated, not the entire configuration space. This extraction of update operations significantly reduces update time and improves productivity while maintaining configuration accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If frequent updates to the complete configuration space are required, then the configuration remains accurate, but the involvement of the entire design team is required, increasing the coordination complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration space is segmented into independent domains for each functional unit. Each domain can be updated independently by the respective functional unit's designer without requiring coordination with other design team members. This segmentation eliminates the need for frequent team-wide coordination meetings and reduces coordination complexity while maintaining configuration accuracy through localized updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system-on-a-chip (SoC) includes a master module and a first adapter module. The master module includes an upstream interface and a downstream interface. The upstream interface is coupled to a host unit for receiving a write burst or a read burst therefrom. The master module is configured to convert the write burst or the read burst into a series of access requests to the downstream interface. The first adapter module includes an input interface, an output interface, and an endpoint interface, and an address Base Address Register (BAR). The input interface is coupled to the downstream interface of the master module. The output interface is coupled to a second adapter module or to a termination module. The endpoint interface is coupled to a first functional unit or to a third adapter module. The first adapter module is configured to detect a respective access request corresponding to the address BAR.