SoC Power-On Control Block Signal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a platform controller hub (PCH) and processing units in System on a Chip (SoC) architecture poses challenges in signal compatibility between the south complex and north complex, limiting the reuse of components across different client-type systems due to differing signal characteristics, timing, frequency, and power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power-on control block in the north complex is coupled with a microcontroller, configured to receive and alter control signals from the south complex's PCH, ensuring synchronization and compatibility with the microcontroller's input signal requirements, thereby enabling the integration of south and north complexes with different architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific south complex control structure is paired with a specific north complex component, then signal compatibility is achieved, but component reuse across different systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface layer between the south complex and north complex that translates and adapts control signals. This intermediary structure enables different south complex control structures to communicate with various north complex components by converting signals to compatible formats, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal compatibility and enabling component reuse across different system configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts signal parameters such as timing, frequency, and voltage levels to match the requirements of different north complex components. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains reliable signal transmission while supporting multiple component types and system configurations, thereby enabling component reuse without sacrificing compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the north complex is not equipped with the control structure necessary to receive signals from the south complex, then component versatility is improved, but signal reception capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface acts as a mediator that translates south complex control signals into formats that the north complex can understand and process. This translation layer enables north complex components without dedicated control structures to receive and interpret signals from the south complex, maintaining signal reception capability while preserving component versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is segmented into separate translation and processing functions. The translation layer handles signal format conversion independently from the north complex components, allowing components to maintain their original design and versatility while still receiving properly formatted control signals through the segmented interface layer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments including systems, methods, and apparatuses associated providing an interface between a north complex and a south complex of a system on a chip (SoC). In embodiments, the north complex may include a microcontroller in an input signal requirement. A power-on control block may be coupled with the microcontroller, and the power-on control block may be configured to receive a control signal from a component of the south complex, and alter the control signal based at least in part on the input signal requirement of the microcontroller.