Programmable NOC Data Width for Protocol-Matched Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed network-on-chip (NOC) circuits in integrated circuit devices often lead to underutilization and inefficiencies due to mismatched bandwidths between the NOC and the protocols used, resulting in higher power consumption and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A programmable interconnect network with flexible data paths that can dynamically adjust bandwidth based on application-specific transmission parameters, allowing for logical bonding of data channels to optimize bandwidth usage and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed bandwidth network-on-chip (NOC) is designed based on likely use cases, then the NOC can accommodate certain protocols, but it leads to underutilization and higher power consumption when the actual protocol bandwidth is smaller than the NOC bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The NOC bandwidth is made dynamically adjustable through configuration mechanisms that allow the data path width to be changed based on the actual protocol requirements. The system transitions from a static fixed bandwidth design to a dynamic configurable design where the bandwidth can be adapted to match the specific protocol being used, thereby avoiding underutilization and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the NOC from a fixed value to a configurable value. By allowing the data path width parameter to be adjusted according to the specific protocol requirements, the system optimizes the match between NOC capacity and actual data transmission needs, eliminating waste while maintaining protocol accommodation capability.
2Speed
If a wide bandwidth network-on-chip (NOC) is designed to accommodate wide-band protocols, then the NOC can support high-speed protocols, but it causes underutilization and inefficiencies when the actual protocol bandwidth is smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The NOC data path width is made dynamic and configurable, allowing the system to adjust the bandwidth to precisely match the protocol requirements. This ensures that the NOC operates at optimal speed for each specific protocol while maintaining high utilization efficiency, avoiding the waste associated with oversized fixed bandwidth designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth parameter of the NOC is changed from a fixed wide bandwidth to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted to match the actual protocol needs. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high transmission speed when needed while optimizing utilization efficiency by avoiding excessive bandwidth allocation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed interconnect network circuit is used for data transfer, then the network structure is simple and predictable, but it cannot adapt to different protocol bandwidth requirements leading to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect network transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic configurable structure. The data path width can be adjusted based on protocol requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining relative structural simplicity through systematic configuration mechanisms rather than complex custom designs for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The NOC is designed with universal configurability to support multiple protocols with different bandwidth requirements using a single unified structure. The configurable data path width allows the same interconnect network to adapt to various protocol standards, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixed structures while maintaining simplicity through standardized configuration interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein may relate to providing a programmable interconnect network (e.g., a programmable network-on-chip (NOC)). A method may include determining a transmission parameter, bonding one or more channels of an interconnect network based at least in part on the transmission parameter, and power-gating any unused channels after the bonding.