Routing Circuit Modulo-Division Mapping for Non-Power-of-Two Topologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face inefficiencies when dealing with resource topologies where the number of routing options is not a power of two, leading to issues such as 'holes' in the address space and aliasing, particularly when modifying existing designs to accommodate non-power-of-two options.
Innovation Solution
A routing circuit that utilizes mod-n and div-n operations on different portions of a request address to determine routing selections for dimensions with non-power-of-two options, avoiding aliasing by combining mod-n and div-n results to ensure unique routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power-of-two routing options are used in resource topology, then routing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to non-power-of-two configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameter from fixed power-of-two options to flexible mod-n options where n can be any integer. This allows the routing system to adapt to different topology configurations (e.g., 3D XPoint memory with 16, 32, or 64 options per dimension) while maintaining efficient routing through modular arithmetic operations that work for any n value.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-power-of-two routing options are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but address space completeness deteriorates due to holes and aliasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to the routing decision process by using two independent mod-n operations instead of a single operation. The first mod-n operation on high address bits and the second mod-n operation on low address bits work together to fully utilize the address space, eliminating holes and aliasing that would otherwise occur with non-power-of-two routing options.
3Productivity
If mod-n operations are used for routing, then routing efficiency for non-power-of-two options is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address space into high and low portions, each processed by independent mod-n operation circuits. This segmentation allows the complex mod-n routing logic to be divided into manageable, reusable modular blocks that can be independently optimized and combined, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining routing efficiency for non-power-of-two options.
Data Source
AI summary
A routing circuit for an integrated circuit configured to access a set of resources that are organized according to a topology with a plurality of dimensions. The routing receives a request for a particular resource of the set of resources that includes an address that includes first and second sets of bits, the topology having a first dimension with n routing options (where n is not a power of two) and a second dimension with m routing options. The routing circuit determines first and second routing selections for the first and second dimensions by performing respective modulo-n and div-n operations on values formed from the address that include the first and second set of bits. The routing circuit then activates one or more selection signals in accordance with the first and second routing selections that are usable to cause the particular resource to be selected in response to the request.