Token Signal Path for Shared Resource Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interfacing processing components with shared resources in IC and ASIC designs face challenges such as setup and hold violations, metastability, and inefficient resource utilization due to delays and resource overhead in handshaking protocols and asynchronous FIFO approaches.
Innovation Solution
A token signal path is introduced to manage access to shared resources, where the token is propagated at a rate related to the transaction rate of the resource component, allowing only one processing component to access the resource at a time and synchronizing communication, thereby reducing delays and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handshaking protocol is used for interfacing components, then communication reliability is improved, but transaction delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the data transfer path by using a separate token signal path. The token carries timing and synchronization information independently from the actual data transactions, allowing data to be transferred without waiting for handshaking delays while maintaining communication reliability through the dedicated synchronization channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The token acts as an intermediary that mediates between the master and slave components. Instead of direct handshaking between data signals, the token provides indirect synchronization by carrying timing information that coordinates data transfers, reducing the need for direct communication delays between components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous FIFO is used for synchronization, then communication flexibility is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization function into a separate token signal path distinct from the data path. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication flexibility for data transfers while using a simpler, dedicated token path for synchronization, reducing the overall resource consumption compared to using a full asynchronous FIFO for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The token signal path serves multiple functions: it provides synchronization, carries timing information, and enables flow control. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate asynchronous FIFO structures and their associated control logic, reducing system resource consumption while maintaining communication flexibility.
3Productivity
If shared resource is accessed by multiple processing components simultaneously, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic token passing among multiple processing components. The token circulates through the system in a controlled sequence, granting each component periodic access to the shared resource. This periodic action allows high resource utilization efficiency over time while preventing simultaneous access conflicts that would degrade signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The token signal path continuously circulates among processing components, ensuring that the shared resource is constantly utilized by different components in sequence. This continuous token passing maintains high resource utilization efficiency while the sequential nature of token possession prevents signal integrity issues that would arise from simultaneous access attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for interfacing a plurality of processing components with a shared resource component. A token signal path is provided to allow propagation of a token through the processing components, wherein possession of the token by a given processing component enables the latter to conduct a transaction with the shared resource component. Token processing logic is also provided for propagating the token from one processing component to another along the token signal path, the propagating being done at a propagation rate that is related to a transaction rate associated with the shared resource component. A circuit comprising a plurality of processing components and a shared resource component is provided wherein the plurality processing components and the shared resource components are interfaced with one another using the method proposed.