Multi-Protocol Data Bus Interface for Programmable ICs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designers face challenges in implementing efficient communication between different portions of a system using programmable integrated circuits, particularly due to performance limitations and space constraints when supporting multiple data bus protocols, which can lead to insufficient throughput and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

A configurable communication circuit with protocol bridge circuits and a switch network that converts data between raw and intermediate formats, allowing multiple interface circuits to support various communication protocols, thereby improving resource efficiency and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ASIC communication circuits are implemented to support different communication protocols, then communication capability for multiple protocols is improved, but space available for programmable resources is reduced and circuit design options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol supportVSAvoidspace for programmable resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface circuit that can be configured to support multiple communication protocols (AXI4, PCI Express, and others) through programmable logic. This single multi-functional interface replaces the need for multiple dedicated ASIC circuits, allowing the same hardware resource to adapt to different protocols as needed, thereby preserving space for programmable resources while maintaining protocol versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to change its behavior and protocol support based on runtime requirements. The programmable logic can be reconfigured to support different communication protocols as needed, providing adaptability without requiring fixed dedicated circuits for each protocol, thus optimizing the use of available space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If interface circuits are implemented in programmable circuitry to support different communication protocols, then flexibility is improved, but signal delays increase and gate counts are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol implementation flexibilityVSAvoidsignal delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit is divided into functional segments or modules within the programmable logic, allowing each protocol-handling function to be implemented as a separate configurable unit. This segmentation enables optimized signal paths for different protocols while maintaining the flexibility of programmable implementation, helping to mitigate signal delay issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If dedicated ASIC circuits are implemented for specific communication protocols, then throughput is improved, but circuit design options are reduced and resources are wasted for underutilized protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidcircuit design options

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8838869B1Multi-protocol data bus interface

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 XILINX INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a multi-protocol communication circuit is provided. The communication circuit includes a plurality of protocol bridge circuits, each configured to convert data between a first format and a respective second format corresponding to a respective communication protocol. A switch network provides routable connections between the protocol bridge circuits and one or more interface circuits. Each interface circuit is configured to convert data between the first format and a raw data format. Due to the common first format, an interface circuit may be configured for select ones of different communication protocols by routing data in the first format between the interface circuit and a protocol bridge circuit corresponding to the select one of the different communication protocols.