Programmable NoC Platform for Flexible IC Function Remapping
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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 in modern programmable ICs, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network-on-chip is designed as a universal interconnect fabric that can dynamically configure data paths between different subsystems (programmable logic, processor system, memory, I/O). This multi-functional network core replaces multiple dedicated interconnect structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to support heterogeneous subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the network-on-chip can establish different data paths and connectivity patterns at runtime. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware structure to serve multiple functions and accommodate changing system requirements without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable logic and processor system are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but area efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable logic and processor system are merged into a unified device architecture with a shared network-on-chip interconnect. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated interconnect structures for each subsystem, improving area efficiency while maintaining adaptability through the programmable nature of the logic and configurable network paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-on-chip serves as a universal communication fabric that handles data transfer between programmable logic, processor system, memory, and I/O subsystems. This single multi-functional structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate interconnect paths, optimizing area utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network-on-chip is made programmable, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network-on-chip is designed as a programmable universal interconnect that can be configured to implement different network topologies and data paths. This single programmable structure provides the flexibility of multiple specialized networks without the complexity of implementing each separately, as the programmability is achieved through configuration data rather than additional hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include programmable logic circuitry, a processor system coupled to the programmable logic circuitry, and a network-on-chip. The network-on-chip is coupled to the programmable logic circuitry and the processor system. The network-on-chip is programmable to establish user specified data paths communicatively linking a circuit block implemented in the programmable logic circuitry and the processor system. The programmable logic circuitry, the network-on-chip, and the processor system are configured using a platform management controller.