Programmable Asynchronous Interface Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous interface systems are inflexible due to fixed timing characteristics, leading to costly redesigns when components with different clock speeds are added, removed, or updated, as the original timing characteristics may no longer be optimal or functional.
Innovation Solution
Implementing programmable timing characteristics for asynchronous interfaces, such as address set-up time, address hold time, and data wait time, which can be adjusted using hardware design parameters, VBIOS commands, or software instructions, allowing for flexible system design without complete redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed timing characteristics are used for asynchronous interfaces, then system design is simplified and reliable, but system flexibility deteriorates when components with different clock speeds are added or updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making timing characteristics programmable rather than fixed. The timing controller can dynamically adjust parameters like set-up time, hold time, and data wait time based on the clock speeds of different components. This allows the system to adapt to varying component configurations while maintaining reliable timing, resolving the contradiction between fixed timing reliability and system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of timing characteristics through programming. Instead of designing for fixed timing values, the system enables changing timing parameters to accommodate different clock speeds. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the same hardware to function reliably across different configurations without redesign.
2Productivity
If timing characteristics are optimized for existing components, then interface performance is maximized, but system adaptability deteriorates when new components with different clock speeds are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller dynamically adjusts timing characteristics based on the detected clock speeds of components. When new components with different clock speeds are added, the system can reconfigure timing parameters to optimize performance for the new configuration, maintaining both high speed and broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal timing controller that can accommodate multiple different clock speeds and component configurations through programmable adjustments. This single controller serves multiple functions by adapting to various scenarios, eliminating the need for separate designs for different component types.
3Reliability
If system design is reworked to accommodate new timing characteristics, then timing reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting component clock speeds and configuring appropriate timing parameters without requiring external redesign. This self-service capability maintains timing reliability while avoiding the complexity of complete system rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the timing characteristics to adapt to new components without changing the physical design. The controller adjusts parameters in real-time or during initialization, maintaining reliability without increasing design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for performing asynchronous communications involving using an asynchronous interface to send signals between a source device and a plurality of client devices, the source device and the plurality of client devices being part of a processing unit capable of performing graphics operations, the source device being coupled to the plurality of client devices using the asynchronous interface, wherein the asynchronous interface includes at least one request signal, at least one address signal, at least one acknowledge signal, and at least one data signal, and wherein the asynchronous interface operates in accordance with at least one programmable timing characteristic associated with the source device.