Trace Network Configuration for NoC Router Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Network-on-Chip (NoC) systems face challenges in efficiently configuring trace ports of data routers, leading to increased complexity, area, and cost, as well as potential delays in data packet transmission due to the need for separate infrastructure for configuration information.
Innovation Solution
The use of a trace network to transmit configuration information to trace ports of data routers, bypassing the data network and eliminating the need for direct paths between data and trace ports, thereby reducing complexity and area while keeping the data network available for data packet transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate infrastructure is used to transmit configuration information to trace ports, then configuration capability is provided, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration information transmission function with the existing trace network infrastructure. The trace network, originally designed for trace data transmission, is extended to also carry configuration information from the trace port to data routers. This eliminates the need for a separate configuration infrastructure, reducing device complexity and area while maintaining configuration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct paths between data ports and trace ports are provided for configuration transmission, then configuration is enabled, but area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the trace network multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose (trace data transmission) and a new function (configuration information transmission). The trace port uses the existing trace network paths to reach data routers, eliminating the need for dedicated direct paths between data ports and trace ports, thereby reducing area and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the data network is used for configuration information transmission, then configuration is possible, but data packet transmission may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission functions by creating a dedicated trace network path for configuration information that operates independently from the data network path. This segmentation allows configuration transmissions to occur without interfering with data packet flows, preventing delays in data transmission while still enabling configuration capability.
4Productivity
If trace network is used for configuration information, then data network remains available for data transmission, but trace network must handle dual functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic function switching in the trace network, where the network can operate in different modes: pure trace data transmission mode and configuration transmission mode. This dynamic capability allows the trace network to handle dual functions without permanent structural complexity, maintaining data network availability while enabling configuration capability through temporal multiplexing of the trace network resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which comprises: a plurality of data routers to route data packets, wherein the plurality of data routers comprises: a first data router comprising a trace port, and a second data router coupled to a component; and one or more trace routers to route trace information of the apparatus, wherein a first trace router of the one or more trace routers is coupled to the trace port, and wherein the first trace router is to route configuration information from the component to the trace port, the configuration information to configure the trace port.