Reconfigurable Clock Distribution for Distributed Computing Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The von Neumann bottleneck in modern computer architectures limits processing speed due to the separation of processors and memory, exacerbated in distributed computing environments where multiple motherboards are connected, leading to compounded delays in data processing.
Innovation Solution
A distributed computing system that utilizes a reconfigurable system clock distribution network to provide a single-frequency clock signal across interconnected dual die chip carriers (DDCCs), allowing for efficient communication and data transfer between nodes, thereby reducing memory access bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If processors and memory are separated on a motherboard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to the von Neumann bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the distributed computing system into multiple independent nodes, each with its own processor and memory. This segmentation allows parallel processing across nodes while maintaining the separation benefits, thereby improving overall processing speed without sacrificing manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional motherboard layout to a three-dimensional distributed system architecture using stacked DDCCs connected via through-silicon vias. This dimensional change enables faster inter-node communication while maintaining modular manufacturability.
2Productivity
If multiple motherboards are connected in a distributed computing environment, then processing capacity is increased, but data processing delays are compounded due to multiple von Neumann bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock distribution functions across multiple DDCCs into a unified reconfigurable network. This allows synchronized operation and optimized data transfer paths between nodes, reducing the time losses that would otherwise accumulate across separate motherboard interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable clock distribution network dynamically adjusts timing and routing based on data transfer requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes data processing delays across the distributed system while maintaining high processing capacity through parallel node operation.
3Speed
If a reconfigurable system clock distribution network is implemented across interconnected DDCCs, then data transfer rates are optimized and processing speed is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable clock distribution network serves multiple functions: it distributes clock signals, routes data between nodes, and provides timing synchronization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby optimizing data transfer rates while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements reconfigurability at the clock distribution network level rather than throughout the entire system. This partial application of reconfigurability provides sufficient optimization for data transfer rates while avoiding the complexity overhead of full-system reconfigurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system clock signal distributed to electronic configurable and reconfigurable computing devices within a distributed computing system. The distributed computing devices, which may be dual-die chip carriers (DDCC), include input addressable data/clock ports on which system clock signals are accepted and may be propagated on one or more data/clock output ports. The input and/or output ports of various distributed computing devices may be configured and reconfigured according to system preferences or requirements.