Programmable Fabric Control Circuits for Dynamic Bandwidth Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a communication fabric for digital systems is complex due to varying components with different communication requirements, often leading to over- or under-design, which can result in performance issues and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating programmable fabric control circuits within the communication fabric to manage aspects like transaction limiting, bandwidth allocation, and quality of service (QoS), allowing for dynamic tuning to meet performance and functionality goals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If predesigned fabric circuits are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ability to meet performance goals deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fabric control circuits programmable and configurable, allowing the fabric characteristics to be dynamically adjusted based on component requirements. The control circuits can be programmed with different parameters (bandwidth, transaction limits, QoS settings) to adapt to varying communication needs of different components, resolving the contradiction between using simple predesigned circuits and achieving performance optimization.
2Reliability
If fabric is overdesigned, then performance requirements are met, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic configuration of fabric control circuit parameters such as bandwidth allocation, transaction limits, and QoS settings. Instead of overdesigning the fabric with fixed high-capacity circuits, the parameters can be adjusted to match actual component needs, ensuring performance requirements are met while minimizing resource wastage through precise parameter tuning.
3Loss of energy
If fabric is underdesigned, then resource usage is optimized, but performance and functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic fabric control circuits that can be programmed and reconfigured based on actual performance requirements. The control circuits monitor and adjust bandwidth allocation, transaction limits, and QoS parameters in real-time, allowing the fabric to efficiently utilize resources while maintaining the ability to meet performance and functionality goals when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components with different communication requirements are connected, then system functionality increases, but fabric design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing fabric control circuits that can handle multiple communication requirements through a single programmable interface. The control circuits can be configured to support different bandwidths, transaction types, and QoS requirements, providing a universal solution that accommodates diverse components without requiring separate specialized fabric designs for each component type.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more fabric control circuits may be inserted in a communication fabric to control various aspects of the communications by components in the system. The fabric control circuits may be included on the interface of the components to the communication fabric, for example. Some systems that include a hierarchical communication fabric may also include fabric control circuits that may alternatively or additionally be included. The fabric control circuits may be programmable, and thus may provide the ability to tune the communication fabric to meet performance and/or functionality goals.