Multi-Channel VDMA Arbiter for Adaptive Video Data Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video processing systems with multiple VDMA modules face inefficiencies due to varying bandwidth characteristics among hardware modules, requiring manual programming and increased infrastructure, leading to complex and wasteful configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel video direct memory access (VDMA) module with an arbiter that determines arbitration weights based on measured bandwidth characteristics, automatically programming data distribution across channels to optimize data transfer according to measured bandwidth and consumption rates, using a scheduling scheme that issues data to channels with weights above a threshold and decrements these weights as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple independent VDMA modules are provided to serve multiple video processing hardware modules, then each module can access system memory independently, but the device complexity increases due to multiple instances of infrastructure and manual programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent VDMA modules into a single multi-channel VDMA module that serves multiple video processing hardware modules. This single module includes multiple channels, each capable of independent memory access, thereby reducing the number of separate VDMA instances and associated infrastructure while maintaining the ability to serve multiple channels simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-channel VDMA module is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different video processing hardware modules through its multiple channels. Each channel can be independently configured and programmed to accommodate the specific bandwidth characteristics of different hardware modules, making the single module universal in its ability to handle diverse video processing requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent VDMA modules are provided with manual programming based on different bandwidth characteristics, then each module can be optimized for its specific hardware module, but the ease of operation decreases due to repeated manual programming
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel VDMA module includes an automatic programming capability that measures the bandwidth characteristics of each video processing hardware module and automatically configures the appropriate channels. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual programming by the user, as the system automatically determines and sets the optimal configuration based on measured characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the bandwidth characteristics of each hardware module are measured and used to automatically adjust the configuration of the multi-channel VDMA module. This feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to the actual performance characteristics of connected hardware modules, optimizing data transfer without requiring manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If over-sized VDMA modules are provided to accommodate all bandwidth characteristics, then all hardware modules can be served, but the loss of substance increases due to wasted capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel VDMA module implements local quality by allowing each channel to be independently configured with specific bandwidth characteristics matched to the connected hardware module. Instead of using a single over-sized channel for all connections, each channel is optimized locally to match the specific requirements of its associated hardware module, thereby avoiding waste of VDMA capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300), computing device (1 14), and non-transitory computer-readable medium for arbitrating data for channels (162) in a video pipeline (162(1 )-162(4)). The method (300) includes determining arbitration weights for the channels (162). (302) The method (300) also includes determining which channels (162) have arbitration weights above a threshold. (304) The method (300) further includes issuing data to the channels (162) with arbitration weights above the threshold. (304) The method (300) also includes decrementing arbitration weights for channels (162) for which data is issued. (306) The method (300) further includes repeating the determining, issuing, and decrementing until no channels (162) have arbitration weights above the threshold. (304-308)