Hardware Tile Data Forwarding Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit technologies require decoding logic in hardware blocks to determine the destination of received data, which complicates the configuration and operation of semiconductor chips.
Innovation Solution
Configuring semiconductor chips with hardware blocks that are pre-defined to handle data according to predetermined actions, eliminating the need for decoding logic and allowing data to be forwarded, saved, or installed based on pre-established schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decoding logic is included in hardware blocks to determine data destination, then data routing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring hardware blocks with predetermined actions before data arrives. Each hardware block is assigned a specific role (forwarding, saving, or installing data) in advance through configuration data, eliminating the need for runtime decoding logic. This resolves the contradiction by providing routing flexibility through pre-established configurations rather than through complex real-time decision-making hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decoding logic is included in hardware blocks to determine data destination, then data routing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized hardware block design where all blocks have the same basic structure and capabilities. Each block can perform multiple functions (forwarding, saving, or installing data) based on its configuration, not its hardware design. This simplifies operation because all blocks are controlled uniformly through configuration data rather than requiring individual customization of decoding logic in each block.
3Device complexity
If hardware blocks are configured to handle data according to predetermined actions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the behavior of hardware blocks changeable through configuration data rather than fixed in hardware. Each block's predetermined action can be dynamically adjusted by updating its configuration, allowing the system to adapt to different data routing requirements without modifying the physical hardware structure. This resolves the contradiction by separating the static simple hardware design from the dynamic flexible configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an integrated circuit including multiple hardware tiles, includes: establishing a data forwarding path through the multiple hardware tiles by configuring each hardware tile, except for a last hardware tile, of the multiple hardware tiles to be in a data forwarding state, in which configuring each hardware tile, except for the last hardware tile, to be in a forwarding state includes installing a respective forwarding state counter specifying a corresponding predefined length of time that the hardware tile is in the data forwarding state; supplying, along the data forwarding path, each hardware tile of the plurality of hardware tiles with a respective program data packet comprising program data for the hardware tile; and installing, for each hardware tile of the multiple hardware tiles, the respective program data.