Processor Credit Circuitry Latency Reduction via Dynamic Loop Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and power consumption of integrated circuits due to the need for efficient credit communication between different components, particularly in processor architectures, lead to higher latency and increased die size, which hampers performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic control of credit circuitry to reduce latency by adjusting the credit loop configuration based on the activity state of processor domains, allowing for reduced buffer sizes and optimized power management through independent voltage and frequency control of processor cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buffer depth is increased to handle worst case latency of credit activities, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic credit loop configuration where the buffer depth and loop structure are adjusted based on the activity state of processor domains. When domains are inactive, the credit loop is configured with larger buffer depth to ensure reliability. When domains are active, the configuration is optimized to reduce complexity and power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity through dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (buffer depth, loop configuration) based on the activity state of processor domains. By monitoring domain activity and adjusting credit loop parameters dynamically, the system maintains reliability when needed while reducing complexity and power consumption during normal operation, effectively resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If buffer depth is increased to ensure credit communication, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the credit loop configuration based on domain activity state. When processor domains are inactive, the system configures the credit loop with larger buffer depth to maintain reliability. When domains are active, the configuration is optimized to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and power consumption by adapting to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors the activity state of processor domains and adjusts the credit loop configuration accordingly. This periodic adaptation ensures that the system maintains reliability when domains are inactive while reducing power consumption during active periods, effectively resolving the contradiction through time-based adaptation.
3Speed
If credit loop configuration is optimized for low latency, then speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the credit loop where the structure is adapted based on domain activity state. When domains are active, the system uses an optimized configuration that reduces latency and improves speed. When domains are inactive, the configuration is adjusted to reduce complexity. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between speed and device complexity by adapting to operational conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent voltage and frequency control is implemented for processor domains, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing independent voltage and frequency control for each processor domain based on its specific activity state. Each domain can be optimized independently with appropriate control signals, allowing high adaptability while managing complexity through localized control rather than global control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes a credit circuit to communicate credit information between a first clock domain of the processor and a second clock domain of the processor. The credit circuit may include: a loopback path to communicate the credit information between the first clock domain and the second clock domain; and a bypass path to cause the credit information to traverse only a portion of the loopback path, based at least in part on a state of the second clock domain. Other embodiments are described and claimed.