Semiconductor Subsystem Interface for Bus Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device subsystem communication methods, such as mailbox systems, lead to bus congestion and increased power consumption due to continuous power supply requirements and reliance on out-of-band interrupts.
Innovation Solution
A subsystem interface with multiple ports and a control module that uses in-band interrupts and a handshake protocol to establish and terminate connections between subsystems, reducing the need for continuous power and separate communication media, thereby alleviating bus congestion and lowering power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mailbox system is used for subsystem communication, then message exchange between subsystems is enabled, but bus congestion occurs and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic action principle by enabling the second subsystem to enter a low-power state when no communication is active, and only waking up when needed for data reception. This contrasts with the continuous operation required by traditional mailbox systems, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining message exchange capability.
2Reliability
If a mailbox system is used for subsystem communication, then message exchange between subsystems is enabled, but bus congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the shared bus by establishing a direct connection between the first transmitter and second receiver. This dedicated communication path removes communication traffic from the shared bus, thereby eliminating bus congestion while preserving message exchange capability.
3Reliability
If continuous power supply is provided to the mailbox region, then messages can be received at any time, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the second subsystem to power down its receiver when not in use and only activate it when the first subsystem initiates communication. This maintains the ability to receive messages on-demand while eliminating continuous power consumption associated with keeping the receiver always active.
4Productivity
If a direct connection is established between subsystems, then communication efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the same four signal lines (data, clock, flow control, synchronization) for multiple functions including handshaking, data transmission, and flow control. This multi-functional approach enables direct high-speed communication while keeping the interface configuration manageable through standardized signal usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsystem interface, a semiconductor device including the subsystem interface, and a communications method of the semiconductor device are provided, the subsystem interface comprising a transmitter including a first transmission port configured to transmit a first clock signal, a second transmission port configured to transmit a first data signal, a first reception port configured to receive a first flow control signal, and a third transmission port configured to transmit a first synchronization signal, a receiver including a second reception port configured to receive a second clock signal, a third reception port configured to receive a second data signal, a fourth transmission port configured to transmit a second flow control signal, a fourth reception port configured to receive a second synchronization signal, and a control module configured to control operations of the transmitter and the receiver, including performing a transmitter hand-shake by sending a request signal from the second transmission port and receiving an acknowledgement signal to the first reception port, or performing a receiver hand-shake by receiving the request signal to the third reception port and sending the acknowledgement signal from the fourth transmission port.