Reconfigurable NoC Router Wiring for Flexible Global Signal Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of global wires in Network on Chip (NoC) systems is challenging due to the need for physical design at a late stage, which complicates the process and lacks flexibility in handling various signal types efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control layer that configures processing functions within routers to manage and process global support wires, allowing for structured reconfigurable wiring functions that align with the NoC's logical structure, reducing physical design complexity and enabling runtime configurability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If global wires are implemented in NoC systems, then signal distribution capability is improved, but physical design complexity increases due to late-stage design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring routing tables and processing functions in routers before the actual signal distribution is needed. The control layer establishes the wiring configuration in advance, allowing the physical design to be simplified while maintaining adaptability for different signal distribution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control layer as an intermediary between the physical wiring infrastructure and the signal distribution requirements. This control layer manages the routing tables and processing functions, decoupling the physical design complexity from the functional adaptability needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional physical wiring approaches are used for global wires, then implementation is straightforward, but flexibility and runtime configurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wiring configuration dynamic through runtime reconfigurable routing tables and processing functions. Instead of fixed physical wiring, the system can dynamically adjust signal distribution paths based on current requirements, while the physical infrastructure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing routers with multi-functional processing capabilities that can handle various signal types and distribution patterns. The same physical infrastructure supports multiple functions through configurable processing functions, eliminating the need for dedicated wiring for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring is added to handle various signal types, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and wiring overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single physical infrastructure that can handle multiple signal types through software-configurable processing functions in routers. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiring for each signal type, reducing overall wiring quantity while maintaining comprehensive signal processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by configuring different processing functions and routing parameters in routers to adapt the same physical infrastructure for different signal types. Instead of adding physical wiring, the system changes operational parameters to achieve diverse signal processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a control layer and a Network on Chip (NoC). The NoC includes a plurality of routers interconnected with both packet transport wires and global support wires. The global support wires are specifically configured to distribute wired signal inputs to processing functions of the plurality of routers, as determined by the control layer. This configuration enables the control layer to effectively configure the processing functions of each router, thereby enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of the NoC to meet different operational demands.