Token Signal Path for Shared Resource Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interfacing processing components with shared resources in semiconductor designs, such as handshaking protocols and asynchronous FIFOs, face challenges like delays and resource inefficiencies, especially when resources are shared among multiple processing components.
Innovation Solution
A token signal path is used to manage access to shared resources, where possession of the token by a processing component allows it to conduct transactions with the resource, and the token is propagated based on the resource's transaction rate, ensuring that only one component can initiate a transaction at a time and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handshaking protocol is used for interfacing processing components with shared resources, then reliable data transfer is achieved, but transaction delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
A token signal is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to coordinate access between processing components and shared resources. The token acts as a mediator that grants permission to access the resource, eliminating the need for complex handshaking sequences while ensuring reliable access control and reducing transaction delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous FIFO is used for synchronization, then interfacing between independently designed modules is achieved, but system resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential synchronization function from the complex FIFO structure and implements it through a simple token signal mechanism. Instead of using a full asynchronous FIFO with its extensive control logic and storage resources, the token signal provides the necessary synchronization with minimal resource overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Processing components autonomously monitor for the token signal and self-regulate their access to shared resources based on token availability. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized control logic and complex arbitration mechanisms, reducing system resource requirements while maintaining proper synchronization.
3Productivity
If multiple processing components share a resource simultaneously, then resource utilization increases, but setup and hold violations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The token signal is propagated periodically through the system, creating a rhythmic access pattern where each processing component receives the token in sequence. This periodic action ensures that only one component accesses the shared resource at a time, maintaining signal integrity while achieving high overall resource utilization through continuous cycling.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for interfacing a plurality of processing components with a shared resource. A token signal path is provided to allow propagation of a token through the processing components, wherein possession of the token enables a processing component to conduct a transaction with the shared resource. Token processing logic is provided for propagating the token from one processing component to another along the token signal path, the propagating being done at a propagation rate related to a transaction rate of the shared resource. The token processing logic also generates a trigger signal at least in part based on the token and propagates to trigger signal to the shared resource to convey initiation of a transaction with the shared resource. A circuit comprising a plurality of processing components and a shared resource is provided wherein the processing components and the shared resource interface with one another using the method proposed.