SoC Memory Region Access Control via Processor Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a System on Chip (SoC) with two Central Processing Units (CPUs), simultaneous access to the same memory region can lead to incomplete data reading or data loss due to concurrent access issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanism using two parameters stored in memory, where one parameter is set by each processor to indicate whether a specific memory region is locked or unlocked, allowing processors to check before accessing to prevent simultaneous access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processors access the same memory region simultaneously, then system productivity is improved through parallel processing, but data integrity deteriorates due to concurrent access conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
Each processor sets its own parameter before accessing the memory region. This preliminary action allows the processor to claim the memory region in advance, preventing concurrent access conflicts while maintaining parallel processing capability. The parameter setting occurs before the actual memory access, ensuring data integrity is preserved.
2Reliability
If a parameter checking mechanism is implemented before memory access, then data integrity is improved by preventing concurrent access, but device complexity increases due to additional parameters and checking logic
Solution Approach 1:
The memory access control mechanism is segmented into separate parameters for each processor. Each processor has its own parameter that it sets independently before accessing the memory region. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by distributing the control logic rather than requiring a centralized complex locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system on chip (SoC), wherein the SoC comprises a first processor, a second processor and a memory. The memory stores a first parameter and a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is set by the first processor to indicate whether a specific region of the memory is locked or unlocked, and the second parameter is set by the first processor to indicate whether the specific region of the memory is locked or unlocked. In the operations of the SoC, before the first processor intends or prepares to access the specific region, the first processor refers to the second parameter to determine if the specific region is allowed to be accessed by the first processor.