Network-on-Chip Communication Method for Reducing Handshake Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delays caused by unnecessary handshaking and state transitions in modular accelerator architectures lead to reduced communication efficiency, hindering the ability to meet performance requirements in system semiconductors.
Innovation Solution
A communication method utilizing request and reply channels, where a transmitting device outputs a burden signal and a reply request signal to a receiving device, allowing for efficient data transfer without unnecessary handshaking or state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handshaking protocols are used for data transmission between devices, then communication reliability is improved, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary handshaking steps from the traditional communication protocol. By eliminating redundant acknowledgment and readiness signals that do not contribute to actual data transfer, the system reduces communication delay while maintaining essential reliability through selective handshaking only when necessary for data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing communication channels and pre-synchronizing devices before actual data transfer begins. This allows the system to bypass lengthy handshaking sequences during normal operation, as devices are already in a known good state from the preliminary synchronization phase.
2Reliability
If multiple state transitions are performed during data transmission, then communication protocol compliance is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into essential state transitions that must occur and non-essential ones that can be eliminated. By dividing the protocol into core functional states (data transmission, acknowledgment of receipt) and optional states (redundant confirmations, repeated readiness signals), the system maintains protocol compliance while removing efficiency-killing transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing only the necessary portion of the full handshaking sequence. Instead of completing all prescribed state transitions, the system performs just enough handshaking to ensure reliable data transfer, stopping once the essential communication objective is achieved, thus avoiding excessive state transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional communication protocols are used in modular accelerator architectures, then device compatibility is improved, but performance requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the communication protocol adaptive to local performance requirements. Different communication paths or device pairs can use different levels of handshaking intensity based on their specific performance needs and reliability requirements, allowing high-performance paths to use streamlined protocols while maintaining compatibility through support for full protocols where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics into the communication protocol by allowing devices to dynamically adjust the level of handshaking and state transitions based on current performance requirements and traffic conditions. This enables the system to optimize for speed when performance is critical and switch to more robust handshaking when reliability is the priority, achieving both compatibility and high performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication method by which a transmitting device and a receiving device communicate through a request channel and a reply channel, the communication method including: outputting, by the transmitting device, a burden signal including data to the receiving device through the request channel; storing, by the receiving device, the data; providing, by the transmitting signal, a reply request signal indicating whether a reply is required; and performing, by the receiving device, a reply to the stored data through the reply channel according to the reply request signal.