Programmable SoC Partitions With NoC Data Path Isolation
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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 isolating applications within different partitions.
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 flexible resource allocation and secure 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 and performance are improved, but device complexity and area utilization become challenging
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 independent optimization of each subsystem while maintaining overall system functionality through the interconnect fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-on-chip serves as a universal interconnect that can dynamically route data between any combination of subsystems (programmable logic, processor, memory, I/O). This multi-functional interconnect resolves complexity by providing a single standardized communication interface for all heterogeneous components.
2Productivity
If fixed-function components are added to programmable logic, then performance is improved, but area efficiency and power consumption become trade-offs
Solution Approach 1:
Fixed-function components (processor system, network-on-chip) are strategically placed in specific regions of the device, while programmable logic occupies other regions. This local specialization allows high-performance fixed functions where needed while maintaining area efficiency through optimized spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges fixed-function components with programmable logic into a unified system where both types of circuitry share common resources (interconnect, power distribution, control logic). This merging improves area efficiency compared to separate devices while maintaining the performance benefits of fixed-function elements.
3Productivity
If multiple applications are executed concurrently in different partitions, then productivity is improved, but isolation and security become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device is partitioned into separate regions (programmable logic partition, processor system partition, network-on-chip partition) that can be independently configured and accessed. This physical and logical segmentation enables concurrent application execution while providing natural isolation boundaries for security and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A System-on-Chip includes a first partition configured to implement a first application using of at least a first portion of one or more of a plurality of subsystems of the System-on-Chip and a second partition configured to implement a second application concurrently with the first partition. The second application uses at least a second portion of one or more of the plurality of subsystems. The first partition is isolated from the second partition.