Semiconductor Arbitration Using Map Counters for Limited Resource Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arbitration systems in semiconductor devices do not adequately account for requesters that can only access a limited number of resources, leading to significant delays and unfair resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implement a hardware-based arbitration system with map counters that prioritize requesters with fewer permitted resources by preferentially allocating resources to them and adjusting their map counters to improve priority over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If requesters with more permitted resources are given higher priority in resource allocation, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but requesters with limited resource access experience significant delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the priority parameter dynamically using map counters that track the number of permitted resources for each requester. Requesters with fewer permitted resources receive higher priority initially, and this priority is adjusted over time as resources are allocated, ensuring both fair treatment for limited requesters and efficient allocation overall.
2Device complexity
If a simple round-robin arbitration method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but requesters with limited resource access are blocked for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the number of permitted resources for each requester in map counters before resource allocation begins. This preliminary information is then used to determine priority during arbitration, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations while ensuring fair resource distribution.
3Productivity
If requesters with more permitted resources are favored in arbitration, then overall resource utilization is improved, but requesters with fewer permitted resources cannot access resources in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the arbitration system continuously monitors resource allocation and adjusts map counter values accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that requesters with limited resource access receive timely service while maintaining good resource utilization, as the system adapts its behavior based on actual allocation patterns and requester needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device has a plurality of requesters 10, 12, 14 and a plurality of resources 20, 22. An arbitration system 30 assigns resources to requesters taking into account the fact that some requesters may be able to access only a subset of the resources. A map counter corresponding to each requester may take into account the differing number of resources each requester may use. When a resource becomes available, the resource may be preferentially assigned to a requester with a lower map counter corresponding to a lower number of resources usable by the requester. The map counters of requesters excluded by this test may be decremented to increase their preference when resources next become available. The map counter of requesters allocated a resource may be reinitialized.