Parameterized Register Interface for Reduced IC Routing Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit (IC) register interfaces fail to minimize routing area cost due to the routing of digital and analog channels and the use of side-band signals, leading to inefficiencies in inter-block transactions.
Innovation Solution
A parameterized register interface with a register programming protocol (RPP) that encodes transaction commands into the same serial bus lines, eliminating the need for additional side-band signals and allowing for various register accessing schemes while minimizing layout routing area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel bus is used between digital components and analog components, then inter-block operations can be enabled, but the routing area increases due to separate routing channels for analog and digital signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transaction command signaling and data transfer functions into a single serial bus interface. The digital controller encodes transaction commands (read, write, clear operations) and data into a serial bit stream that travels over a single bus line, eliminating the need for separate analog and digital routing channels while maintaining full inter-block operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional parallel bus mechanical structure with a serial communication mechanism. Instead of using multiple simultaneous signal lines for data and control, the system uses a single serial bus line where transaction commands are encoded as bit sequences, substituting the parallel signal transmission mechanism with serial encoding and decoding logic.
2Area of stationary object
If a serial bus with side-band signals is used, then routing area is reduced compared to parallel bus, but additional routing channels are required for side-band signals preventing minimum area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (transaction command signaling, data transfer, addressing) into a single serial bus line. The digital controller encodes all necessary information including operation type, address, and data into the serial bit stream, eliminating the need for separate side-band signal channels for control information while maintaining comprehensive inter-block control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single serial bus line serves multiple purposes: it carries transaction commands (read, write, clear), transfer data, convey address information, and provide control signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated routing channels for each function, achieving minimum routing area while maintaining full operational capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional register interfaces are used, then various register accessing schemes can be implemented, but layout routing area cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic encoding scheme where the serial bus protocol adapts to different register access operations (read, write, clear) and addressing modes (burst access with auto-increment, non-consecutive address) through configurable transaction commands. This dynamic protocol design provides versatile register accessing capabilities while maintaining a minimal routing area through efficient serial communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameterized register interface design where bus width, addressing mode, and transaction command format can be configured based on specific application requirements. This parameterization allows the system to adapt to different register access patterns while maintaining efficient serial communication that minimizes routing area regardless of the specific access scheme implemented.
Data Source
AI summary
A parameterized register interface of an integrated circuit and methods of register programming. An integrated circuit includes a digital controller, at least one client comprising at least one programmable register and a parameterized bus coupled to the digital controller and the client. The digital controller is configured to: transfer, via the parameterized bus, address data and/or register data between the digital controller and the client according to one or more interface signals conveyed over the parameterized bus; generate a transaction command comprising at least one transaction specific to the programmable register of the client, the transaction command generated according to a predetermined register programming protocol; and transfer, via the parameterized bus, the transaction command together with at least one predetermined combination of the interface signals to the client. The programmable register is configured to perform the transaction in accordance with the transaction command.