Programmable IC Platform With NoC Isolation for Multi-Tenant Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern programmable integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in efficiently integrating heterogeneous subsystems, such as fixed-function components and programmable logic, to achieve optimal area, power, and performance while maintaining flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An integrated programmable device platform that includes programmable logic circuitry, a processor system, and a network-on-chip (NoC) which is programmable to establish user-specified data paths, along with a platform management controller to configure these components, allowing for shared resources and flexible remapping of functions across subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous subsystems are integrated into a single programmable IC, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and area utilization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct heterogeneous subsystems including programmable logic circuitry, processor system, and network-on-chip, each with specialized functions. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility through their integration and interconnection via the programmable network.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-on-chip is designed as a universal programmable interconnect that can dynamically establish data paths between any combination of subsystems. This multi-functional network infrastructure enables flexible resource sharing and communication patterns across different subsystems, accommodating various application requirements without requiring dedicated hardwired connections for each scenario.
2Area of stationary object
If fixed-function components and programmable logic are integrated, then area efficiency is improved, but flexibility and reconfigurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network-on-chip incorporates programmable routing and dynamic path establishment capabilities, allowing data flow configurations to be changed at runtime. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the system to adapt to different computational tasks and data communication patterns while maintaining efficient area utilization through the shared physical infrastructure.
3Productivity
If multiple applications execute concurrently on the same device, then productivity is improved, but isolation and security become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The network-on-chip acts as an intermediary layer between different applications and subsystems, providing controlled access and communication pathways. Through programmable routing and potential firewalling mechanisms, the network can enforce isolation policies while still enabling necessary data exchange, allowing multiple applications to execute concurrently with appropriate security and isolation guarantees.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first interface configured for operation with a plurality of tenants implemented concurrently in the integrated circuit, wherein the plurality of tenants communicate with a host data processing system using the first interface. The IC includes a second interface configured for operation with the plurality of tenants, wherein the plurality of tenants communicate with one or more network nodes via a network using the second interface. The IC can include a programmable logic circuitry configured for operation with the plurality of tenants, wherein the programmable logic circuitry implements one or more hardware accelerated functions for the plurality of tenants and routes data between the first interface and the second interface. The first interface, the second interface, and the programmable logic circuitry are configured to provide isolation among the plurality of tenants.