Multi-protocol Gearbox Circuit for Data Transformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in efficiently adapting data transformations across different protocols due to varying data path widths and clock speeds, requiring multiple circuit versions for each protocol, which increases complexity and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol gearbox system is implemented, featuring configurable write and read circuitry with multi-port memory, allowing data transformations across various protocols by reusing circuit resources. This system includes adapter circuitry that performs data transformations and checks data alignment, enabling flexibility in handling different data widths and clock speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple circuit versions are implemented for each protocol, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal gearbox circuit that can perform multiple data transformations (40:66, 40:67, 64:66, 64:67) using the same hardware resources. The circuit is configured through control signals to adapt to different protocol requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each protocol while maintaining full protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the same hardware can switch between different transformation modes based on protocol requirements. The circuit responds to control inputs that change its operational characteristics, allowing it to adapt its data path width and transformation logic dynamically rather than being fixed for a single protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple circuit versions are implemented for each protocol, then protocol compatibility is improved, but resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single universal gearbox circuit that serves multiple protocol functions. The same physical resources (logic gates, flip-flops, data paths) are reused across different protocol implementations through configurable control logic, significantly reducing the total quantity of hardware resources required compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple protocol-specific transformation functions into a single integrated gearbox circuit. By combining the 40:66, 40:67, 64:66, and 64:67 transformation capabilities into one unified circuit structure, the patent reduces resource duplication and achieves more efficient resource utilization while maintaining support for all protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include write circuitry configured to implement a write finite state machine selected from a plurality of write finite state machines and read circuitry configured to implement a read finite state machine selected from a plurality of read finite state machines. The system also can include a multi-port memory having a write port controlled by the write circuitry and a read port controlled by the read circuitry. The write circuitry and the read circuitry can be configured to implement the selected write finite state machine and the selected read finite state machine to perform one of a plurality of different data transformations using the multi-port memory.