Reconfigurable Computing Platform for High-Data Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing platforms are inadequate for high-data throughput and real-time pattern recognition in massive data analysis, particularly in applications like the ATLAS experiment at CERN, where they struggle to process large amounts of data from the calorimeter system within the required time frame of five LHC clock cycles.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable computing platform is developed, featuring a multilayer board with a reconfigurable computing device, an electro-optical transceiver, and voltage converters to minimize signal distortion and optimize power distribution, allowing for synchronous operation and high-speed data processing. This platform includes FPGAs, an SoC, and optical-to-electrical converters positioned close to each other to reduce signal reflection and cross-talk, and uses back-drilling technology to maintain impedance and ensure efficient air flow for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are positioned close together to reduce signal distortion and cross-talk, then signal quality is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions components in three-dimensional space above the board surface, utilizing vertical clearance rather than horizontal spacing to achieve thermal management while maintaining signal integrity through close proximity connections
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the computing platform into multiple independent computing devices, each with its own voltage converter and electro-optical transceiver positioned in close proximity, allowing distributed heat management while maintaining signal quality through short interconnections
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple voltage converters are positioned close to computing devices, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but board complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converters are designed to serve multiple computing devices simultaneously, with each converter capable of powering one or more FPGAs or other computing components, thereby reducing the total number of converters needed while maintaining efficient power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components - voltage converters that can serve multiple devices, and electro-optical transceivers that handle both optical and electrical signal conversions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficiency
3Reliability
If electro-optical transceiver is positioned close to reconfigurable computing device, then signal reflection and cross-talk are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies predetermined positioning of electro-optical transceivers relative to computing devices during the design and manufacturing phase, establishing fixed spatial relationships that ensure signal integrity while accommodating standard manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different positioning strategies to different components - electro-optical transceivers are positioned with high precision relative to computing devices for signal integrity, while voltage converters are positioned based on power distribution requirements, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The platform achieves high-data throughput by concurrently executing multiple algorithms in real time, identifying interesting events within the stringent time constraints, and maintaining component temperatures below 85°C for extended operation, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems in high-data throughput and real-time processing.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical transceiver disposed on the multilayer board. The electro-optical transceiver converts an optical signal at least one of to and from an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The first voltage converter converts the common voltage to a first operating voltage, and the first voltage converter is disposed in proximity to the reconfigurable computing device
Implementation Method 3
an air flow channel is disposed above the at least one of the reconfigurable computing device and electro-optical transceiver in response to air flowing over the multilayer board
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable computing platform includes a reconfigurable computing device, electro-optical transceiver, and first voltage converter disposed on a multilayer board. The electro-optical transceiver converts an optical signal at least one of to and from an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is operatively coupled to the reconfigurable computing device. The electro-optical transceiver is disposed in proximity to the reconfigurable computing device, and the first voltage converter is operatively coupled to a common voltage distributed around a periphery of the multilayer board. The first voltage converter converts the common voltage to a first operating voltage, and the first voltage converter is disposed in proximity to the reconfigurable computing device. The first operating voltage is provided to the reconfigurable computing device as a first power source. A reconfigurable computing system includes a plurality of reconfigurable computing platforms operatively coupled together using an optical signal. A corresponding method of providing a reconfigurable computing platform is also disclosed.