Programmable Interrupt Routing for Flexible Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems with interrupt controllers are inflexible, as they have predefined interrupt inputs that cannot be changed, leading to wasted hardware resources and limited compatibility with programmable logic signals, restricting the use of additional interrupt sources beyond the fixed number of inputs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable interrupt routing system that allows users to select between dedicated and programmable connections for routing interrupt requests, enabling permutable mappings between interrupt inputs and sources, including fixed-function peripherals and programmable logic, to support more interrupt sources and optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional interrupt controller with predefined interrupt inputs is used, then the system has simple hardware structure, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot support additional interrupt sources beyond the fixed number of inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt controller is designed with universal interrupt inputs that can accept signals from any interrupt source through programmable logic. Each interrupt input can be dynamically configured to receive signals from different sources via multiplexers, allowing the same hardware input to serve multiple potential interrupt sources depending on the application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt routing configuration is made dynamic through programmable logic that can be configured at runtime. The multiplexers allow the mapping between interrupt inputs and sources to be changed dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to different interrupt source requirements without hardware reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If dedicated interrupt inputs are assigned to each fixed-function peripheral, then the routing is simple and direct, but hardware resources are wasted when not all interrupts are used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dedicating specific interrupt inputs to specific peripherals, the system uses universal interrupt inputs that can be dynamically assigned to any interrupt source. The multiplexers enable any interrupt source to connect to any interrupt input, ensuring that all hardware resources are actively utilized according to the actual application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers unused interrupt inputs by allowing them to be reassigned through programmable logic. When certain interrupt sources are not needed, their corresponding interrupt inputs become available for assignment to other interrupt sources, effectively recovering and reutilizing the hardware resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interrupt controller expects specific waveform types (pulse or level-triggered), then the fixed-function peripherals can generate compatible signals, but programmable logic cannot provide other signal types as interrupts
Solution Approach 1:
Programmable logic acts as an intermediary between diverse signal sources and the interrupt controller. It receives various signal types from programmable logic blocks and converts them into the standard pulse or level-triggered waveforms that the interrupt controller expects, enabling compatibility without compromising signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable logic can change the parameters of incoming signals to match the requirements of the interrupt controller. By adjusting waveform characteristics such as pulse width, level duration, or edge detection timing, the system ensures that signals from any source meet the controller's expectations for reliable interrupt generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to operate programmable routing logic comprise receiving, from a fixed function block, a first request, responsive to the first request, forwarding the first request to a first resource of one or more controllers, the first resource allocated to the fixed function block. The method and apparatus further comprise receiving, from a programmable function block, a second request, and responsive to the second request, forwarding the second request to a second resource of the one or more controllers, the second resource allocated to the programmable function block.