SOC Slot Manager Transaction Redundancy Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system-on-chip (SOC) technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and allocating multiple outstanding transactions, leading to potential deadlocks and increased hardware size due to limited slot capacity in slot arrays.
Innovation Solution
A system interconnection and method for an SOC that includes a slot array with a slot manager capable of allocating multiple transactions to slots based on redundancy, where transactions with the same ID and direction are stored in the same slot, and those that are not redundant are allocated to separate slots, utilizing a linked-list to manage transaction properties and a global queue to maintain request order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple outstanding transactions are allocated to separate slots in the slot array, then transaction management reliability is improved, but the hardware size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transactions with the same transaction ID and direction into a single slot, rather than allocating separate slots for each transaction. This consolidation reduces the number of slots required in the slot array, thereby reducing hardware size and device complexity while maintaining reliable transaction management through the linked-list structure that tracks multiple transactions within the shared slot.
Solution Approach 2:
A single slot is designed to serve multiple transactions simultaneously by implementing multi-functionality. The slot can store data for multiple outstanding transactions with the same ID and direction, making the slot a universal container that handles multiple tasks rather than dedicated single-purpose slots for each transaction.
2Device complexity
If the slot array uses fixed slot capacity, then device complexity is reduced, but outstanding capability is limited and deadlocks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic allocation capability where slots can accommodate variable numbers of transactions based on实际需求. Rather than fixed slot capacity, the system dynamically determines how many transactions fit in each slot based on the transaction characteristics and availability, thereby increasing outstanding capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to slot management by introducing a linked-list structure that extends beyond the traditional two-dimensional slot array. This allows transactions to be organized not only by slot position but also by their linkage relationships, enabling more efficient use of slot capacity and preventing deadlocks through improved transaction tracking and management.
3Reliability
If transactions are allocated based on request order, then data integrity is maintained, but response transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments transactions into groups based on their characteristics (same transaction ID and direction), allowing each segment to be managed independently within a slot. This segmentation enables the system to maintain request order for data integrity while optimizing response transmission within each segment, thereby improving overall response transmission efficiency without compromising data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of driving a system-on-chip (SOC). The method includes adding a first transaction to a list, allocating the first transaction to a first slot, determining whether a second transaction is redundant, and adding the second transaction to the list and allocating the second transaction to the first slot when it is determined that the second transaction is redundant. Accordingly, the SOC can increase outstanding capability and enhance performance of a system interconnection.