Asynchronous Reset Token Distribution via Frequency Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional synchronous circuit designs face inefficiencies when converting reset mechanisms to asynchronous representations, leading to increased power consumption and routing challenges due to the copying of reset tokens to multiple destinations, even when the reset signal is inactive.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves converting synchronous circuits to asynchronous representations by reducing the operational frequency of the reset token and using special circuitry, such as a wrap-around counter, to distribute a replicated reset token at a fraction of the original frequency, and employing upsampling and multiplexing to maintain functionality while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reset tokens are copied to multiple destinations in asynchronous representations, then reset functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reset token distribution problem by separating the reset signal into a primary source and multiple destinations. Instead of copying the reset token to all destinations simultaneously (which consumes power), the system identifies which destinations actually need the reset signal and distributes it only to those locations, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reset functionality where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reset token distribution into distinct phases: a first phase where the reset token is distributed to multiple destinations, and a second phase where the reset token is replicated at a lower frequency. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reset functionality across multiple destinations while reducing power consumption by using lower-frequency replication for destinations that don't require immediate reset signals.
2Reliability
If reset tokens are copied to multiple destinations, then reset coverage is improved, but routing complexity and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reset token distribution into distinct phases: a first phase where the reset token is distributed to multiple destinations, and a second phase where the reset token is replicated at a lower frequency. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reset functionality across multiple destinations while reducing power consumption by using lower-frequency replication for destinations that don't require immediate reset signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency replication where the reset token operates at different frequencies in different phases. The first phase uses the original frequency for critical reset distribution, while the second phase uses a lower frequency for additional destinations. This dynamic approach reduces routing complexity and die area by avoiding the need for constant high-frequency signals to all destinations simultaneously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If reset tokens are replicated at fraction of original frequency, then power consumption is reduced, but processing speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reset token distribution into distinct phases: a first phase where the reset token is distributed to multiple destinations, and a second phase where the reset token is replicated at a lower frequency. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reset functionality where required while using lower-frequency replication for destinations that don't require immediate reset signals, thus reducing power consumption without significantly impacting overall processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency replication where the reset token operates at different frequencies in different phases. The first phase uses the original frequency for critical reset distribution to maintain processing speed, while the second phase uses a lower frequency for additional destinations to reduce power consumption. This dynamic frequency adjustment balances between power savings and processing speed requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, circuits, and systems for converting reset mechanisms in a synchronous circuit design into a corresponding asynchronous representation are described. These may operate to convert synchronous state holding blocks that include reset signals to corresponding asynchronous dataflow logic blocks. A replicated reset token at a fraction of the operational frequency of the reset signal may be distributed to the locations of the asynchronous dataflow logic blocks. Additional methods, circuits, and systems are disclosed.