Multi-port Cache Unit Modular Interconnect Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrical devices require efficient information retrieval methods to handle complex tasks with multiple processors, but existing multi-port cache units are difficult to adapt and reuse components efficiently, leading to increased design complexity and time constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-port cache unit design with first and second modular interconnects, multiple high-level cache paths, and a register file that allows concurrent access and arbitration, enabling easy re-design to support varying numbers of processors and memory units, and includes a method for retrieving information from multiple cache paths based on cache hits or misses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of processors is increased to handle complex tasks, then processing capability is improved, but design complexity and retrieval efficiency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cache unit is divided into multiple independent ports (first port, second port, etc.), each capable of handling requests from different processors simultaneously. This segmentation allows the cache to serve multiple processors without becoming a bottleneck, resolving the contradiction by enabling parallel access that maintains efficiency while supporting increased processor counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache unit is designed with universal interconnect structures that can handle multiple types of operations (read, write, invalidate) and serve multiple processors through a unified architecture. This multi-functionality allows the same cache structure to efficiently support varying numbers of processors without requiring separate dedicated caches for each processor.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing multi-port cache units are used without modular design, then implementation is simpler, but adaptability to different environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cache unit employs dynamic port configuration where the number and arrangement of ports can be adapted to different system requirements. The interconnect structures are designed to flexibly accommodate varying numbers of processors and memory units, allowing the same basic cache architecture to be customized for different environments without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cache architecture allows modification of key parameters such as the number of ports, associativity, and cache size while maintaining the same fundamental structure. This parameter flexibility enables adaptation to different performance requirements and system configurations without changing the core design, thus maintaining ease of implementation while achieving versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with multiple interconnects is implemented, then adaptability and reusability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect structure is segmented into modular components (first interconnect, second interconnect, etc.) that can be independently configured and reused across different cache ports. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the complex interconnection network into manageable, repeatable units rather than requiring a completely custom wiring scheme for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular interconnect design allows the same interconnect structure to be copied and reused multiple times within the cache unit. Instead of designing unique interconnection paths for each port, the patent uses replicated instances of the same interconnect module, which simplifies the design process and reduces the complexity of ensuring proper signal routing while maintaining full adaptability.
4Productivity
If concurrent access from multiple processors is enabled, then information retrieval efficiency is improved, but arbitration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arbitration function is segmented and distributed across different interconnect modules rather than centralized in a single complex arbiter. Each interconnect module handles arbitration for its associated ports independently, which reduces the complexity of any single arbitration unit while maintaining the ability to handle concurrent access from multiple processors through parallel arbitration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes multiple processors that are connected to multiple level-one cache units. The device also includes a multi-port high-level cache unit that includes a first modular interconnect, a second modular interconnect, multiple high-level cache paths; whereas the multiple high-level cache paths comprise multiple concurrently accessible interleaved high-level cache units. Conveniently, the device also includes at least one non-cacheable path. A method for retrieving information from a cache that includes: concurrently receiving, by a first modular interconnect of a multiple-port high-level cache unit, requests to retrieve information. The method is characterized by providing information from at least two paths out of multiple high-level cache paths if at least two high-level cache hit occurs, and providing information via a second modular interconnect if a high-level cache miss occurs.