Multi-Clock Domain Switching Activity Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of integrated circuit (IC) designs with multiple clock domains poses a challenge for accurate power consumption estimation, as existing methods struggle to account for the varying clock frequencies and signal rates, leading to inaccuracies in switching activity and power consumption calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to convert signal inputs from different clock domains to a common multiple clock frequency, allowing for the normalization of toggle rates and propagation through multiple clock domain blocks to estimate switching activity and subsequently determine power consumption, using a computer-aided design program to simulate and output these estimates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal inputs from different clock domains are processed using existing estimation methods, then the processing is simple, but the accuracy of power consumption estimation deteriorates due to inability to account for varying clock frequencies and signal rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common multiple clock frequency as an intermediary reference to normalize toggle rates from different clock domains. This mediator enables accurate comparison and aggregation of switching activity across multiple clock domains by converting all toggle rates to a common reference frame, thereby resolving the accuracy issue without requiring complex domain-specific analysis for each clock frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the estimation approach by changing the parameter representation of signal rates. Instead of directly using disparate clock frequencies and signal rates, the method converts these parameters to normalized toggle rates based on a common multiple clock frequency. This parameter transformation enables accurate power consumption estimation by aligning all signals to a unified temporal reference
2Measurement precision
If multiple clock domains with different frequencies are analyzed individually, then the analysis is straightforward, but the overall power consumption estimation accuracy deteriorates due to lack of normalization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the analysis of multiple clock domains by normalizing all toggle rates to a common multiple clock frequency. This combining approach aggregates the switching activity estimation across different clock domains into a unified framework, improving overall accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency through a systematic normalization process rather than individual domain analysis
3Measurement precision
If existing estimation methods are used for multi-clock domain circuits, then the implementation is simple, but the accuracy deteriorates due to inability to normalize toggle rates across different clock frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming signal rates and clock frequencies into normalized toggle rates using a common multiple clock frequency as the reference. This systematic parameter transformation converts diverse temporal parameters into a unified representation, achieving accurate power consumption estimation while managing complexity through consistent mathematical normalization across all clock domains
Data Source
AI summary
A method relating generally to simulation is disclosed. In such a method, a first signal input and a second signal input are provided to a multiple clock domain object. The first signal input is for a first clock domain. The second signal input is for a second clock domain. The first clock domain is associated with a first frequency, and the second clock domain is associated with a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first signal input and the second signal input are converted to a common multiple clock frequency. A signal output is obtained from the multiple clock domain object responsive to the common multiple clock frequency. Switching activity is estimated for the multiple clock domain object. An output estimate associated with the switching activity estimated is output.