Programmable Stream Switches for Adaptive IC Fault Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in implementing effective functional safety mechanisms to detect and respond to faults in data streams, particularly in complex computing architectures with multiple processors, where traditional methods like lockstep and triple modular redundancy may not adequately address real-time fault detection and data routing needs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of programmable stream switches and functional safety circuits within ICs, allowing for dynamic routing of data streams and fault detection, with the functional safety circuit capable of performing lockstep or voting functions and generating interrupts to manage faulty data streams, thereby ensuring data integrity and system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional functional safety mechanisms (lockstep, TMR) are used in complex multi-processor architectures, then fault detection capability is provided, but the system complexity and inability to dynamically adapt to different fault scenarios increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable data paths using programmable stream switches that can adapt their routing configuration based on detected faults. The system transitions from static traditional safety mechanisms to dynamic reconfigurable architectures where data streams can be dynamically redirected around faulty processors or memory locations, enabling real-time adaptation without increasing fundamental system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The functional safety circuit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing various safety functions including lockstep comparison, triple modular redundancy voting, and custom fault detection algorithms. The programmable stream switches can be configured for different routing patterns depending on the fault scenario, making a single system architecture universally applicable to multiple fault types and scenarios
2Reliability
If functional safety circuits are integrated with programmable stream switches, then real-time fault detection and dynamic data routing are enabled, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional safety circuit with the programmable stream switch into an integrated unit. The safety circuit is embedded within the switch architecture, allowing fault detection and data routing to occur in the same hardware component. This integration eliminates the need for separate safety circuits and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining real-time fault detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The functional safety circuit performs self-configuration through programmable control logic that automatically adjusts routing paths based on detected faults. The system uses built-in fault detection mechanisms that trigger automatic reconfiguration of data streams without external intervention, enabling the circuit to service itself and reducing the need for complex external control logic
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable stream switches are used for dynamic data routing, then adaptability to different fault scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where fault detection results from the functional safety circuit are fed back to the programmable stream switch control logic. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of routing configurations based on real-time fault status, reducing the need for manual programming and simplifying the adaptation process to different fault scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) may include a plurality of compute tiles in a data processing array. Each compute tile is configured to perform a data processing function. The IC may include a plurality of interface tiles in the data processing array. The plurality of interface tiles are communicatively linked to the plurality of compute tiles. The IC may include a plurality of programmable stream switches disposed in the plurality of compute tiles and the plurality of interface tiles. The IC may include a functional safety circuit. The functional safety circuit is connected to a selected programmable stream switch of the plurality of programmable stream switches. The functional safety circuit is configured to perform a functional safety function on a plurality of data streams routed to the functional safety circuit from the selected programmable stream switch.