Multi-port Stream Switch Architecture for Programmable Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-port stream switches in programmable devices have complex architectures that result in increased area and power consumption, while also limiting flexibility in configuration for different applications.

Innovation Solution

A simplified hardware architecture for multi-port stream switches that implements a less-than-full crossbar switch, reducing the number and complexity of circuit components, allowing for selective connectivity between input and output ports, and incorporating a loop-back feature to enhance flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full crossbar switch architecture is used, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but device complexity and area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity flexibilityVSAvoidstream switch architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a less-than-full crossbar switch architecture where not all input ports are connected to all output ports. Specifically, each input port is connected to fewer output ports than in a full crossbar configuration, reducing the total number of switching elements while maintaining sufficient connectivity for the intended application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The stream switch architecture is segmented into multiple switching elements arranged in a specific pattern rather than implementing a complete crossbar. The switching elements are distributed across multiple stages, with each stage handling specific connectivity requirements, thereby reducing overall complexity while preserving necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full crossbar switch architecture is used, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity flexibilityVSAvoidstream switch area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a less-than-full crossbar switch architecture where not all input ports are connected to all output ports. Specifically, each input port is connected to fewer output ports than in a full crossbar configuration, reducing the total number of switching elements while maintaining sufficient connectivity for the intended application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple switching elements that would traditionally be separate in a full crossbar architecture are merged or shared. The patent employs multiplexing techniques where switching elements can be reused across different time slots or configuration states, reducing the physical area required while maintaining the functional equivalence of a full crossbar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a full crossbar switch architecture is used, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity flexibilityVSAvoidstream switch power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a less-than-full crossbar switch architecture where not all input ports are connected to all output ports. Specifically, each input port is connected to fewer output ports than in a full crossbar configuration, reducing the total number of switching elements while maintaining sufficient connectivity for the intended application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The stream switch employs periodic or dynamic reconfiguration of switching elements rather than maintaining all possible connections simultaneously. The architecture allows switching elements to be activated only when needed based on current data flow requirements, reducing average power consumption while preserving the flexibility to establish any required connectivity when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11323391B1Multi-port stream switch for stream interconnect network

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 XILINX INC

AI summary

Some examples described herein relate to multi-port stream switches of data processing engines (DPEs) of an electronic device, such as a programmable device. In an example, a programmable device includes a plurality of DPEs. Each DPE of the DPEs includes a hardened processor core and a stream switch. The stream switch is connected to respective stream switches of ones of the DPEs that neighbor the respective DPE in respective ones of directions. The stream switch has input ports associated with each direction of the directions and has output ports associated with each direction of the directions. For each direction of the directions, each input port of the input ports associated with the respective direction is selectively connectable to one of the output ports associated with the respective direction.