Reconfigurable SoC Connection Interface via Configuration Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system on chip (SoC) connection interfaces are statically configured, limiting versatility and adaptability to specific applications, as they cannot be modified after an initial configuration phase, restricting communication between components.
Innovation Solution
A system on chip with a connection interface that operates based on configuration parameters, featuring a configuration bus to deliver new parameters, allowing modification of the interface's operation, including route tables, arbiter policies, and enabling/disabling of devices, with input and output stages and decoders configured to adapt to these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connection interface is statically configured in hard coded mode, then the system on chip has a simple and stable structure, but the versatility and adaptability to specific applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface transitions from a static hard-coded configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The bus matrix and connection interface can be modified during runtime through configuration parameters delivered via the configuration bus, allowing the system to adapt its routing and communication patterns based on specific application requirements while maintaining a relatively simple underlying hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes configuration parameters that can be delivered and applied to modify the operation of the connection interface. By changing parameters such as route tables, remap tables, and arbiter policies through the configuration bus, the system achieves versatility without requiring fundamental structural changes, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connection interface is statically configured, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the communication between components cannot be adapted to specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a self-service mechanism where the connection interface can be reconfigured automatically through configuration parameters delivered via the configuration bus. The bus matrix and connection interface components can update their own routing tables and arbiter policies without external intervention, making the system adaptable to specific applications while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection interface allows dynamic reconfiguration, then the versatility of the system on chip is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a static hard-coded interface and a dynamic reconfigurable interface through the same hardware structure. The bus matrix can operate in different modes based on configuration parameters, allowing a single universal interface to handle both simple stable operations and adaptive communication patterns, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a system on chip includes at least one master device, at least one slave device, a connection interface configured to route signals between the at least one master device and the at least one slave device, the connection interface configured to operate according to configuration parameters, and a configuration bus connected to the connection interface, wherein the configuration bus is configured to deliver new configuration parameters to the connection interface so as to adapt operation of the connection interface.