Configurable Multi-Chip NoC for Flexible Inter-Chip Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-chip structures lack an efficient method for configuring communication between chips, leading to limitations in inter-chip communication and system-level configuration, which hinders flexible and efficient data exchange and processing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chip structure implementing a configurable Network-on-Chip (NoC) that allows each chip to configure its NoC based on initial and system configuration data, enabling communication between chips through external connectors and a peripheral interconnect, allowing for re-configuration and flexible data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed Network-on-Chip configuration is used in multi-chip structures, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and flexibility for different communication protocols are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The NoC is pre-configured with default routing tables and communication parameters during manufacturing, enabling basic inter-chip communication immediately upon assembly. This preliminary configuration allows the system to function without complex runtime configuration, while still permitting reconfiguration when needed through the configurable interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The NoC incorporates configurable switching elements and routing tables that can be dynamically adjusted based on communication requirements. The system can switch between different routing modes (e.g., minimal configuration for basic connectivity, full configuration for optimized performance) depending on the operational context, providing adaptability without permanent complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full configuration data is stored on each chip, then complete configurability is achieved, but memory usage and chip resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is segmented into two parts: essential routing tables that are distributed across multiple chips and stored locally in a divided form, and supplementary configuration parameters that are stored externally. This segmentation reduces the storage burden on individual chips while maintaining complete configurability when all segments are assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The NoC configuration system is designed to use multiple sources for configuration data (local on-chip memory, external memory, and communication with other chips). This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complete configurability by drawing from various sources, eliminating the need for each chip to store the entire configuration set independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable NoC components are added to enable flexible communication, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable NoC components are implemented using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes with configurable parameters set through post-fabrication programming rather than requiring different manufacturing processes for different configurations. This allows the same physical hardware to be manufactured once and then configured for different communication protocols through software or configuration data, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Productivity
If inter-chip communication is enabled through configurable NoC, then system performance improves, but power consumption and resource usage on individual chips increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NoC operates in a minimal configuration mode for basic inter-chip communication, activating only the essential routing and switching functions needed for fundamental data exchange. Advanced configuration features and optional communication protocols are activated only when required by the specific application, reducing average power consumption while maintaining the capability for high-performance communication when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chip structure that implements a configurable Network-on-Chip (NoC) for communication between chips is described herein. In an example, an apparatus includes a first chip comprising a first processing system and a first configurable NoC connected to the first processing system, and includes a second chip comprising a second processing system and a second configurable NoC connected to the second processing system. The first and second configurable NoCs are connected together via an external connector. The first and second processing systems are operable to obtain first and second information from off of the first and second chip and configure the first and second configurable NoCs based on the first and second information, respectively. The first and second processing systems are communicatively coupled with each other via the first and second configurable NoCs when the first and second configurable NoCs are configured based on the first and second information, respectively.