Shared-Source-Row Optical Data Channel for On-Chip Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor-based microprocessors approach physical limits, parallel processing systems with multiple microprocessors face increased heat dissipation and power consumption, requiring higher I/O bandwidth and efficient data communication methods to manage independent tasks and shared information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for optical data communication using a node array with horizontal and vertical optical data links, optical switches, and couplers to allocate timeslots for data transmission between nodes, allowing for efficient arbitration and redirection of data signals across intersecting waveguide segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple microprocessors work in parallel to surpass physical limits, then processing capability is improved, but heat dissipation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic signal transmission with optical signal transmission using waveguides and optical switches. This substitution reduces power consumption and heat dissipation while maintaining high processing capability, as optical signals carry data without the resistive losses inherent in electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where optical switches operate in periodic timeslots to route data between nodes. This periodic switching allows multiple processors to share optical communication resources efficiently, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining parallel processing capability.
2Productivity
If multiple microprocessors work in parallel, then processing capability is improved, but I/O bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical communication infrastructure where waveguides and optical switches serve multiple processors simultaneously. The same optical links and switching fabric are shared across all node pairs, providing high bandwidth without requiring dedicated I/O paths for each processor pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication resources by implementing a shared optical network where multiple data streams traverse common waveguides through time-division multiplexing. This consolidation reduces the total I/O bandwidth requirement compared to having separate dedicated links for each processor pair.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If optical switches are minimized to reduce power loss, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical network into horizontal and vertical waveguide sections with optical switches positioned at strategic intersection points. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer optical switches overall while maintaining full connectivity, as each switch controls access to a specific waveguide segment rather than requiring switches at every node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses waveguide segments as intermediaries between optical switches and processing nodes. The horizontal and vertical waveguides act as mediators that carry optical signals between switches and nodes, reducing the need for direct switch-to-node connections and thereby reducing the total number of optical switches required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances point-to-point bandwidth and parallelism in data transfers within macro-chip architectures, exceeding electronic data network performance by minimizing optical switches and power loss while maintaining power and area constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal optical data link (ODL) comprising a first waveguide segment and a second waveguide segment, wherein optical signals propagate in opposite directions in the first and second waveguide segments
Implementation Method 2
an optical coupler pair operatively connecting the first and second waveguide segments to the third and fourth waveguide segments, respectively, wherein the optical coupler pair redirects the first data item and the second data item from the horizontal ODL to the vertical ODL
Data Source
AI summary
A system including first and second sending nodes, a horizontal optical data link (ODL) having optical signals propagating in opposite directions in first and second waveguide segments, a vertical ODL having optical signals propagating in the same direction throughout third and fourth waveguide segments, a first optical output switch operatively connecting the first sending node and the first waveguide segment and configured to switch first data item onto the first waveguide segment during a first timeslot, a second optical output switch operatively connecting the second sending node and the second waveguide segment and configured to switch second data item onto the second waveguide segment during a second timeslot, and an optical coupler pair operatively connecting the first and second waveguide segments to the third and fourth waveguide segments, respectively, and redirecting the first and the second data items from the horizontal to the vertical ODL.