Repeater Circuit Configuration Using Shared Interposer Wires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active bridges or interposers used for FPGA die disaggregation require additional configuration wires, leading to increased wire count and power consumption due to the need to set the direction of repeaters during compile time, resulting in lower effective wire density and higher power usage.
Innovation Solution
An active interconnection device with repeater circuits and storage circuits that configures repeater directions using the same wires as data and clock signals during a transmission mode, reducing the number of wires needed for configuration and enabling efficient direction setting without additional overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration wires are used to set repeater directions during compile time, then repeater configuration is achieved, but wire count increases and wire density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data wires universal by enabling them to perform dual functions: transmitting data signals during normal operation and carrying configuration bits for repeater direction setting during configuration mode. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration wires, thereby reducing total wire count while maintaining full repeater configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration wire function with the data wire function by time-division multiplexing. Configuration bits are transmitted through the same physical wires that carry data, but at different times (during configuration mode versus transmission mode). This combining of functions reduces the number of physical wires required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration wires are used for repeater setup, then configuration is complete, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making data wires universal carriers that can transmit both data and configuration information, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated configuration wires. Since fewer wires are required, the total power consumption for signal transmission across the interposer is reduced, while configuration functionality remains intact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional configuration wires are added to active interposers, then repeater configuration capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves full repeater configuration capability using the existing data wire infrastructure without adding any extra wires. This approach simplifies the interposer design, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers costs associated with wire fabrication and routing, while maintaining complete adaptability for setting repeater directions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more wires are used for configuration, then configuration precision is achieved, but effective wire density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains precise repeater configuration control by transmitting one configuration bit per repeater through the shared data wires during configuration mode. The time-division multiplexing ensures that each repeater receives its specific configuration bit without interference, achieving the same configuration precision as dedicated wires would provide, while maximizing effective wire density by eliminating redundant configuration wires.
Data Source
AI summary
An active interconnection device has a repeater circuit that includes a storage circuit. The storage circuit is coupled to store a configuration bit for configuring the repeater circuit to transmit a signal between a first integrated circuit die and a second integrated circuit die. The storage circuit is coupled to receive the configuration bit through a conductor during a configuration mode. A buffer circuit in the repeater circuit is configurable to transmit the signal through the conductor during a transmission mode in response to the configuration bit.