Processor Hardware Resource Access Control via Domain Gateways
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiprocessor architectures lack flexible protection of hardware resources, leading to unwanted interference between processors, which can cause harmful or fatal operational issues due to the lack of protection for memory devices, DMA channels, and GPIO pins.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that assign hardware resources, including DMA channels and GPIO pins, to specific processor domains at boot time using processor identifiers or domain identifiers, ensuring exclusive access and preventing unauthorized interference through gateway protection circuits and memory protection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DMA channels are shared as a common resource, then hardware resource utilization is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized access and interference between processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared DMA channel resource into processor-specific domains by assigning unique domain identifiers to each processor. The gateway circuitry then segments access control by checking domain identifiers, allowing each processor to use DMA channels exclusively within its assigned domain while preventing unauthorized access from other processors.
2Ease of operation
If GPIO pins are not protected, then ease of operation is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized interference with hardware resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gateway circuitry as an intermediary between processors and GPIO pins. This gateway circuitry mediates access control by checking domain identifiers of requesting processors against assigned permissions, allowing authorized processors to access GPIO pins while blocking unauthorized access, thus maintaining both ease of operation for legitimate users and protection against interference.
3Device complexity
If hardware resources are not assigned to specific processor domains, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to runaway processor interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by assigning domain identifiers to processors and configuring gateway circuitry with these identifiers before processors begin accessing hardware resources. This pre-configuration establishes protection mechanisms in advance, so that when processors operate, the gateway circuitry can immediately enforce domain-based access control to prevent harmful interference from runaway or unauthorized processors.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system including processors, peripheral slots, hardware resources, and gateway circuitry. Each processor is assigned a corresponding identifier. The peripheral slots are located within an addressable peripheral space. Each hardware resource is placed into a corresponding peripheral slot, including at least one direct memory access (DMA) device supporting at least one DMA channel and at least one general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin. Memory protection and gateway circuitry is programmed to control access of the hardware resources only by a processor that provides a matching identifier. The memories along with hardware resources are protected against unauthorized accesses to isolate applications executed on each processor within a multicore system and hence support freedom of interference.