Network-on-Chip Packet Layout Adaptation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network-on-chip systems, predicting the sequence of data receipt by modules is unpredictable, making it challenging to implement bus encoding techniques that reduce bit transitions, which in turn affects power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors packets between transmission and reception modules to determine task switches, applies optimized packet layouts to minimize bit transitions, and executes tasks using these layouts to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If bus encoding technique is applied to reduce bit transitions, then power consumption is reduced, but implementation becomes challenging due to unpredictable data receipt order in network-on-chip systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple packet layouts corresponding to different task types before actual data transmission. When a task switch is detected, the system selects the pre-defined layout that matches the new task type, avoiding the need for real-time encoding decisions. This resolves the contradiction by making the encoding process deterministic and simple while still achieving bit transition reduction for power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of packet layout configuration based on task type. Different task types (e.g., graphics rendering, compute tasks) have different characteristic bit patterns, and the system switches between pre-defined packet layouts optimized for each task type. This parameter change approach enables the system to adapt to different workloads while maintaining simple implementation through pre-computed layouts.
2Loss of energy
If packet layout is optimized for specific task to reduce bit transitions, then power consumption decreases, but system adaptability to task switches becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a set of packet layouts that can handle multiple different task types. Each packet layout is designed to be applicable to a category of tasks with similar characteristics. The control circuit can select among these universal layouts based on the current task type, enabling the system to maintain optimized bit transitions while adapting to various task switches without requiring task-specific custom encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the packet layout selection dynamic based on detected task switches. The control circuit continuously monitors for task switches and dynamically switches between pre-defined packet layouts accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain power optimization for the current task while being versatile enough to handle different task types through the pre-defined layout set.
3Loss of energy
If monitoring and detection of task switches is implemented, then packet layout can be adapted to reduce bit transitions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex task switch detection and packet layout optimization functions into a dedicated control circuit that operates independently from the main data transmission path. This control circuit handles the monitoring of task switches and the selection of appropriate packet layouts, while the rest of the network-on-chip system continues to operate with simple, standardized packet transmission. This extraction reduces the complexity burden on the overall system while still achieving power consumption reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device and a method of processing data between a plurality of modules in the processing device. The method includes monitoring packets exchanged between a transmission module and a reception module from among the plurality of modules; determining whether a task being executed by the processing device has switched based on the monitored packets; when the task being executed by the processing device has switched, obtaining a packet layout encoded by taking into account transitions to occur due to processing of data packets regarding the switched task; and executing the switched task by using data packets to which the obtained packet layout is applied.