Remote Endpoint Configuration in Systolic Array Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systolic arrays, existing systems lack the ability for a node's firmware to directly control or re-configure the endpoint hardware of remote nodes, limiting dynamic configuration and management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism allowing a node's local firmware to control remote virtual endpoints using standard array messaging hardware and protocol, enabling remote control messages with descriptors and instructions to be sent and executed on remote nodes without requiring a local processor, thus enabling full control over remote endpoint hardware configuration and activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If endpoint configuration is performed at system boot time by a central management entity, then configuration is simplified and consistent, but the system lacks dynamic reconfiguration capability and remote nodes cannot be controlled during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where each node's firmware can generate and send control messages to remote nodes through the standard array messaging interconnect. This intermediary message-passing system enables dynamic control without requiring direct hardware access or complex point-to-point control lines between nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the standard array messaging hardware and protocol serve dual purposes: both for data communication between nodes and for controlling remote endpoint configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated control interconnects, reducing overall system complexity while enabling dynamic reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If a node's firmware cannot directly control remote endpoint hardware, then hardware isolation and security are maintained, but dynamic configuration and remote management capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct hardware control mechanisms with a software-based message-passing approach. Instead of requiring firmware to directly manipulate remote hardware registers through complex control circuits, the system uses standardized messages transmitted through the existing messaging interconnect, substituting mechanical/hardware control with software-mediated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control messages act as intermediaries between the local firmware and remote endpoint hardware. These messages encapsulate configuration instructions and are processed by the remote node's firmware, which then applies them to the endpoint hardware. This intermediary layer maintains hardware isolation while enabling control.
3Ease of operation
If additional interconnect hardware is added to enable remote node control, then direct control capability is improved, but system complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing standard array messaging interconnect serve dual purposes: data communication and control/configuration. By encoding control instructions within the existing message format, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated control interconnects, maintaining simplicity while enabling remote endpoint management.
4Productivity
If processor involvement is required for remote node configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but operation speed and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration control functionality from the processor and implements it directly in hardware at the endpoint level. The control messages are processed and executed by hardware logic in the remote node, bypassing the processor entirely for configuration operations. This extraction enables both high-speed operation and precise hardware-level control.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments as disclosed herein provide for methods and systems that give firmware in a given node the ability to control the hardware configuration and activity of every endpoint in every remote node within the array. The standard, inter-node, message passing interconnect and protocol are utilized for this purpose.