SoC Clock Management Circuitry Hardware Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current System on Chip (SoC) technologies face inefficiencies in clock signal management, leading to increased power consumption and latency due to software-based clock control methods, which can result in errors and complex routines for managing clock signals across various functional blocks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a clock management circuitry with a master clock controller and slave clock controllers connected via channels for full handshake communication, enabling efficient clock gating and reduced latency through hardware-based control, thereby simplifying clock signal management and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If software-based clock control methods are used, then clock signal management can be implemented, but power consumption increases and latency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based clock control with a hardware-based clock management unit that uses dedicated circuitry (master clock controller, slave clock controllers, and channels) to manage clock signals. This hardware implementation eliminates the need for software routines, thereby reducing power consumption while improving reliability and eliminating latency associated with software processing.
2Loss of time
If software-based clock control methods are used, then clock signal management can be implemented, but latency increases due to complex routines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based clock control with a hardware-based clock management unit that uses dedicated circuitry (master clock controller, slave clock controllers, and channels) to manage clock signals. This hardware implementation eliminates the need for software routines, thereby reducing power consumption while improving reliability and eliminating latency associated with software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated communication channels between the master clock controller and slave clock controllers as intermediaries for clock signal management. These channels enable direct hardware communication, eliminating the need for complex software routines and reducing latency in clock signal distribution and control.
3Productivity
If hardware-based clock control is implemented, then latency is reduced and power consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock management function into distinct hardware components: a master clock controller, multiple slave clock controllers, and dedicated communication channels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while organizing the complexity into manageable, modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The master clock controller and slave clock controllers are designed as universal hardware components that can manage clock signals for multiple functional blocks within the SoC. This multi-functionality allows the clock management circuitry to handle various clocking requirements across different IPs and modules, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the clock management circuitry includes a first master clock controller configured to provide a first command to a first slave clock controller via a first channel based on a received first clock request. The clock management circuitry also includes the first slave clock controller configured to control outputting a first clock signal based on the first command.