Multi-Tile SoC Interconnect With Reusable Local Endpoint Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks in multi-tile systems-on-chip (SoCs) face scalability issues due to the need for pre-configured mappings that can render the network unusable if programming fails, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage unique and local endpoint identifiers, leading to inefficiencies and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A scalable communication network is implemented using a pool of endpoint identifiers, where global endpoints are assigned unique identifiers, and local networks reuse remaining identifiers, with multi-routing table routers configured to function as different logical networks without requiring firmware programming, and hierarchical networks reduce router requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-configured mappings are used for endpoint identifiers in multi-tile systems, then network communication can be established, but the network becomes unusable if programming fails and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint identifier space is segmented into two distinct categories: global endpoint identifiers that are unique across the entire multi-tile system, and local endpoint identifiers that are reused within individual tiles. This segmentation allows each tile to maintain a simplified identifier space while enabling system-wide uniqueness through the global identifier layer, thereby improving scalability without compromising network functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to endpoint identifier management by distinguishing between global and local scopes. Global endpoint identifiers operate at the system level dimension, while local endpoint identifiers operate at the tile level dimension. This dimensional hierarchy enables efficient identifier reuse within tiles while maintaining system-wide uniqueness, resolving the scalability issue without sacrificing reliability.
2Loss of information
If unique endpoint identifiers are assigned to all endpoints, then communication clarity is improved, but router complexity and area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different identifier characteristics to different endpoint types: global endpoint identifiers provide system-wide uniqueness for cross-tile communication, while local endpoint identifiers provide sufficient uniqueness within individual tiles. This differentiated approach reduces the identifier bit-width required for local communication, thereby reducing router complexity and area requirements while maintaining communication clarity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of assigning full system-wide unique identifiers to all endpoints (excessive action), the patent assigns only the necessary level of uniqueness: global identifiers for global endpoints and local identifiers for local endpoints. This partial action approach reduces identifier complexity and router requirements while maintaining sufficient endpoint identification clarity for proper communication routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple routing tables are implemented for different logical networks, then routing flexibility is improved, but router configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing tables are configured using self-service mechanisms where the router automatically selects the appropriate routing table based on the destination endpoint identifier type. Global endpoint identifiers automatically route through global routing tables, while local endpoint identifiers automatically route through local routing tables. This eliminates manual configuration complexity while maintaining routing flexibility for different logical networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the destination endpoint identifier to automatically select different routing tables. By changing the identifier type parameter (global vs. local), the system automatically switches between different routing table configurations, providing routing flexibility without requiring complex manual configuration. This parameter-driven selection simplifies the configuration process while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a first tile comprising a first instance of a plurality of global endpoints and a first instance of a plurality of local networks comprising a plurality of local endpoints; and an interconnect network of the first tile to couple to an interconnect network of a second tile, the second tile comprising a second instance of the plurality of global endpoints and a second instance of the plurality of local networks comprising the plurality of local endpoints; wherein the interconnect network utilizes an address space comprising unique identifiers for the plurality of global endpoints of the first and second tiles; and non-unique identifiers for the plurality of local endpoints of the first and second tiles, wherein non-unique identifiers are reused in multiple local networks of the plurality of local networks of the first and second tiles.