Multi-Module PHY Interfacing for Asymmetric Chiplet Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-module configurations in integrated circuits, such as those defined by the Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) specification, are static, limiting design flexibility and degrading system performance by requiring identical configurations for interfacing, thus necessitating customized solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible module configuration mechanism that allows modules to indicate support for different configurations during initialization, enabling multi-module PHY logic to configure interfacing based on updated registers, thereby supporting asymmetric configurations and allowing aggregation or bifurcation of modules as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static multi-module configurations are used as defined by UCIe specification, then interface compatibility is ensured, but design flexibility is limited and system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capability where modules can change their operational mode between single-module and multi-module configurations. The configuration is no longer static but can be adjusted based on system needs, allowing modules to indicate support for flexible configurations during initialization and enabling runtime reconfiguration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface mechanism that can handle multiple configuration types (single-module, multi-module with same configuration, multi-module with different configurations). The interface is designed to be universally compatible while supporting diverse configuration scenarios, eliminating the need for customized solutions for each configuration type.
2Productivity
If identical configurations are required for interfacing modules, then interface compatibility is maintained, but system performance degrades due to inability to utilize optimized configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly enables asymmetric configurations where modules with different configurations can be interfaced together. First set of modules with first configuration can be interfaced with second set of modules with second configuration that is different from the first configuration. This asymmetric capability allows each module to operate in its optimized configuration while maintaining interface compatibility through the flexible interfacing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows configuration parameters to be changed and negotiated during initialization parameter exchange. Modules can indicate their supported configurations and the system can dynamically adjust parameters to achieve optimal performance. The interfacing mechanism supports parameter negotiation and adaptation, enabling modules to operate at their optimal performance levels regardless of configuration differences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized solutions are implemented for different module configurations, then design flexibility improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interfacing mechanism that can handle all configuration types through a single standardized interface. Instead of requiring customized interface solutions for each configuration type (single-module, multi-module same config, multi-module different config), the system uses one universal interface that adapts to different configurations through parameter negotiation and flexible configuration indication during initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the configuration indication and negotiation functions from the physical interfacing logic. The configuration parameters are exchanged during initialization, and the actual interfacing uses a standardized mechanism. This segmentation allows the physical interface to remain simple and manufacturable while the configuration flexibility is achieved through software/firmware-based parameter negotiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to integrated circuits. In some aspects, a device may include a plurality of modules. The device may indicate, via a module of the plurality of modules and during an initialization parameter exchange, whether the module supports a flexible module configuration that enables the module to be interfaced with another module associated with a different configuration than the module. The device may configure, via a multi-module physical logic and based on the initialization parameter exchange, an interfacing between a first set of modules, of the plurality of modules, and a second set of modules, of the plurality of modules, wherein the interfacing is configured based at least in part on a first configuration associated with the first set of modules and a second configuration associated with the second set of modules that is different from the first configuration. Numerous other aspects are described.