Ring Bus Trace Report Packet Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the activity of various components in processing devices, particularly in multi-tile processing units used for machine intelligence applications, is challenging due to the complexity of data exchange and synchronization between tiles, which hinders effective data collection and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a bus with a ring path to circulate trace report packets with a fixed time period, allowing each component to insert trace data, enabling systematic collection and analysis of trace data from multiple components attached to the bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a processing device includes multiple components for different functions, then the processing capability and functionality are improved, but the difficulty of monitoring and collecting trace data from various components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges trace data collection from multiple components into a unified ring-based bus system. Instead of separate monitoring mechanisms for each component, all components attach to a common ring bus that circulates trace report packets, allowing centralized and standardized data collection across the entire multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring bus acts as an intermediary between multiple components and the trace data collection system. The circulating trace report packet serves as a mediator that visits each component in sequence, collecting trace data without requiring direct monitoring connections between each component pair, thus simplifying the monitoring architecture.
2Loss of information
If trace data is collected from multiple components simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the complexity of data synchronization and circulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trace report packet circulates periodically around the ring bus, visiting each component in a fixed sequence at regular intervals. This periodic circulation ensures that trace data from all components is collected systematically and completely, while the fixed time period simplifies synchronization compared to arbitrary simultaneous collection from all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace report packet is prepared in advance with a fixed circulation schedule before data collection begins. Each component knows when to expect the packet and when to insert its trace data, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination during actual data collection operations.
3Measurement precision
If a ring bus is used to circulate trace report packets with fixed time periods, then systematic data collection is improved, but the time required for complete data circulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing a fixed periodic circulation schedule, the system achieves precise and predictable data collection timing. Each component knows exactly when to expect the trace report packet, enabling synchronized and precise data insertion, while the regular intervals optimize the balance between completeness and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising: a bus forming a ring path for circulation of one or more data packets around the bus, wherein the one or more data packets comprises a trace report packet for collecting trace data from a plurality of components attached to the bus, wherein the bus is configured to repeatedly circulate the trace report packet with a fixed time period taken for each circulation of the ring path performed by the trace report packet; and the plurality of components, each of which comprises circuitry configured to, upon reception of the trace report packet at the respective component, insert one or more items of the trace data that have been obtained by the respective component.