Source Synchronized Signaling Mechanism for Graphics Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
As graphics processors become larger and operate at higher clock speeds, the cost of transmitting data within the interconnect fabric increases due to the need for synchronous data transfers, leading to increased power consumption and die-area requirements.
Innovation Solution
A source synchronized signaling mechanism is implemented, using transfer protocol logic with synchronizers to maintain synchronization between data and clock signals through closely matching routes, eliminating the need for flip-flops on the transmission line and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous data transfers are implemented in large graphics processors, then deterministic behavior is achieved, but power consumption and die-area increase due to flip-flops on transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the flip-flops from the transmission lines in the interconnect fabric. By eliminating these redundant synchronization elements, the system reduces power consumption and die-area while maintaining deterministic behavior through the retained source clock signal that travels with data between processing nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining synchronization only where necessary - at the source node where the clock signal originates and at destination nodes where data is received. Intermediate nodes along the transmission path do not require flip-flops, as they simply forward the data and clock signal without storing them, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining local deterministic behavior.
2Reliability
If synchronous data transfers are implemented in large graphics processors, then deterministic behavior is achieved, but die-area requirements increase due to flip-flops on transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the flip-flops from the transmission lines in the interconnect fabric. By eliminating these redundant synchronization elements, the system reduces power consumption and die-area while maintaining deterministic behavior through the retained source clock signal that travels with data between processing nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data signal and clock signal into a single transmission path through the interconnect fabric. By combining these signals and eliminating separate flip-flop-based synchronization stages, the system reduces die-area occupation while maintaining synchronization through the coupled data-clock signal pair.
3Reliability
If flip-flops are placed on transmission lines for synchronous transfers, then synchronization is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the flip-flops from the transmission lines in the interconnect fabric. By eliminating these redundant synchronization elements, the system reduces power consumption and die-area while maintaining deterministic behavior through the retained source clock signal that travels with data between processing nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service synchronization where the source node automatically provides the clock signal along with data to destination nodes. This eliminates the need for separate synchronization circuits (flip-flops) at intermediate points, as the system uses its own source clock to maintain synchronization, thereby reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to facilitate source synchronous signaling is disclosed. The apparatus includes transfer protocol logic to provide for source synchronous transfer of data within an interconnect fabric, including one or more synchronizers having logic to a transmit data signal and a source clock (clk) signal during the transfer of data.