Reconfigurable Data Processing Module for High-Throughput Logic and Arithmetic Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuits, such as CPUs, DSPs, ASICs, and FPGAs, face limitations in flexibility, computing resources, and throughput, particularly in processing high-speed data flows and arithmetic operations, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in design and reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable data processing platform comprising a reconfigurable universal data processing module, configuration memory, and reconfiguration control unit, which allows for the configuration of basic units to perform logic and arithmetic operations, enabling flexible and efficient data processing by reconfiguring interconnections and operation units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CPU or DSP is used for flexible functionality, then adaptability is improved, but computing resources and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments computing resources into multiple independent processing elements (PEs) that can be individually configured and operated. Each PE contains dedicated arithmetic units, logic units, and registers that can be independently controlled, enabling parallel execution of multiple operations simultaneously, thus resolving the throughput limitation while maintaining flexibility through software-configurable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal processing elements that can perform multiple functions through configuration. Each PE contains configurable arithmetic units, logic units, and data path structures that can be programmed via control registers to execute different operations (addition, multiplication, logic operations, etc.), providing both high throughput through parallelism and adaptability through reconfigurability.
2Productivity
If ASIC is used for high throughput, then productivity is improved, but adaptability and design flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfigurability where processing elements can be programmed at runtime through control registers. The architecture allows runtime configuration of arithmetic units, logic units, and data paths without requiring physical reconfiguration, enabling the hardware to adapt to different algorithms and applications while maintaining high throughput performance through parallel execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical processing element templates that can be instantiated and configured independently. Each PE is a copy of the basic architectural template containing arithmetic units, logic units, and registers, allowing systematic scaling of throughput while maintaining uniformity and simplifying configuration through standardized control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If FPGA is used for adaptability, then ease of reconfiguration is improved, but interconnection delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized interconnection structures within each processing element and between adjacent PEs, minimizing the distance data must travel. The architecture provides dedicated high-speed interconnects for local operations while using hierarchical communication for distant interactions, significantly reducing interconnection delay compared to traditional FPGA routing while maintaining reconfigurability through software control.
4Productivity
If multiple processing elements are added to increase computing resources, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous processing elements with identical architectural templates, each containing the same types of arithmetic units, logic units, and registers. This uniformity simplifies the control mechanism, as the same configuration interface and control logic can be applied to all PEs, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple processing elements. The homogeneous design enables systematic scaling while maintaining manageable complexity through repetition and standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable data processing platform is disclosed. The reconfigurable data processing platform includes a reconfigurable universal data processing module, a configuration memory, and a reconfiguration control unit. The reconfigurable universal data processing module contains a plurality of basic units each capable of being configured to perform a unit of at least one of a logic operation and an arithmetic operation. The configuration memory is coupled to the reconfigurable universal data processing module to provide configuration information to be used to configure the plurality of basic units. Further, the reconfiguration control unit is coupled to the reconfigurable universal data processing module and the configuration memory to provide control signals for configuration of the plurality of basic units.