NoC Protocol Converter Synthesis for Multi-Protocol SoC Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting external hardware elements or IP blocks with different communication protocols to a network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect in a system-on-chip (SoC) is inefficient and error-prone, requiring manual management of multiple protocols and interfaces, leading to increased costs and design errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automates the generation of protocol converters using machine-readable descriptions of hardware components' interfaces and protocols, ensuring consistent pin naming and efficient conversion between different communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual management of protocol converters is used, then flexibility in handling different protocols is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating protocol converter code through machine-readable descriptions. The design tool automatically creates the converter logic without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the protocol conversion task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of protocol converter design with an automated computational system. Machine-readable descriptions and automated generation tools substitute for manual engineering efforts, eliminating the need for manual management while reducing design time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual management of protocol converters is used, then adaptability to different protocols is maintained, but error rate increases due to manual errors
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs protocol adaptation through self-service mechanisms, where machine-readable descriptions automatically generate appropriate converter code. This eliminates manual errors while maintaining the ability to handle different protocols through programmable descriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical processes with automated computational processes. The machine-readable description system and automated generation tools replace manual protocol converter design, eliminating human errors while preserving protocol adaptability through flexible machine-readable specifications.
3Productivity
If automated protocol converter generation is implemented, then productivity increases and errors reduce, but system complexity increases due to machine-readable descriptions and automated tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces machine-readable descriptions as an intermediary layer between the design requirements and the actual protocol converter implementation. This intermediary enables automated generation while managing complexity by providing a standardized interface for specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable description system serves multiple functions: it specifies protocol requirements, enables automated code generation, and facilitates tool integration. This universal approach handles various protocol conversion scenarios through a single standardized mechanism, managing complexity through consolidation.
4Ease of operation
If manual protocol converter creation is used, then understanding and control over each converter is maintained, but cost increases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual converter creation processes with automated generation systems. Machine-readable descriptions and automated tools substitute for manual design efforts, dramatically reducing development time while maintaining control through programmable specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs the converter creation task autonomously based on machine-readable descriptions. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention while preserving design control through the specification layer, reducing development time without sacrificing understanding or control.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with the various aspects and embodiment of the invention, a system and method are disclosed that automate the process of generating protocol converters using machine-readable descriptions of the external hardware components interfaces and the associated protocol. One advantage of the invention is lowered mistakes in generating the protocol converters. Another advantage is increased productivity when designing the interconnect, such as a network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect used in a system-on-chip (SoC).