Predicated Asynchronous Netlists for Unused Computation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous circuit designs consume power even when they produce unused computation results, leading to increased power consumption due to the inherent nature of their operation.
Innovation Solution
The conversion of non-predicated asynchronous netlists to predicated asynchronous netlists, where additional logic circuits dynamically turn off portions of the design that produce unused results, using tools and modules to simulate and synthesize the circuits and incorporate predication logic to control partially utilized portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If asynchronous operations are used to improve processing speed and flexibility, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases due to continued operation of unused computation portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the computation portions dynamically controllable through predication logic. The circuit transitions from a static always-on architecture to a dynamic one where computation portions are selectively enabled or disabled based on runtime conditions. This is achieved by introducing predicate signals that control the activation of computation portions, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual computational needs while maintaining asynchronous operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different portions of the circuit to have different operational states simultaneously. Instead of uniformly enabling or disabling the entire circuit, the predication logic allows specific computation portions to be activated or deactivated independently based on local conditions. This granular control ensures that only necessary computations consume power, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining productivity in active portions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If predication logic is added to control computation portions, then power consumption is reduced by eliminating unused computations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing predicate values that determine whether computation portions should be activated. The predication logic evaluates conditions in advance and generates control signals that prepare the circuit for selective activation. This preliminary evaluation allows the main computation portions to be controlled efficiently without adding complex real-time decision-making logic, thereby reducing power consumption with minimal increase in overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces predication logic as an intermediary layer between the control unit and computation portions. This intermediary evaluates operational conditions and generates appropriate control signals, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall control architecture. Rather than having complex control logic directly embedded in each computation portion, the predication logic centralizes the decision-making function, reducing device complexity while achieving power consumption reduction through selective activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, circuits and systems for converting of a non-predicated asynchronous netlist to a predicated asynchronous netlist are described. These may operate to identify one or more portions of an asynchronous netlist corresponding to a partially utilized portion of an asynchronous circuit. The asynchronous netlist may be modified to control the partially utilized portion. Additional methods, circuits, and systems are disclosed.