Variable-Width Barrel Shifter for Multi-Width LDPC Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern 5G radio LDPC code-based systems require multiple different and unrelated barrel shifter widths, leading to increased hardware size and reduced throughput due to the implementation of individual shifters for each use case.
Innovation Solution
A variable width barrel shifter is implemented using two conventional barrel shifters coupled with an element-wise multiplexer, allowing for a shifted output of width M by combining portions of outputs from both shifters, accommodating varying widths and reducing hardware size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual barrel shifters are implemented for different widths, then adaptability to different code structures is improved, but hardware size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal barrel shifter that can handle multiple different widths (e.g., 64, 128, 256 values) through a single hardware structure. This is achieved by using configurable barrel shifters with variable rotation amounts and element-wise multiplexers that can be programmed via control signals to perform different width operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shifters for each code structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel shifter employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the rotation amount and operational parameters can be changed at runtime based on the required code structure. Control signals dynamically adjust the shifter behavior to match different LDPC code requirements, allowing the same hardware to adapt its function without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual barrel shifters are implemented for different widths, then support for modern 5G radio LDPC code-based systems is improved, but throughput reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple barrel shifter functions into a single integrated hardware unit. By merging the capabilities of what would otherwise require separate 64-value, 128-value, and 256-value shifters into one unified structure with shared resources (multiplexers, control logic, data paths), the system achieves full 5G LDPC code support while maintaining high throughput through efficient resource utilization and parallel processing capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a single barrel shifter width is used, then hardware size is reduced, but adaptability to different code families deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the barrel shifter (rotation amount, data width, shift amount) based on the required code family. Through configurable parameters controlled by control signals, the same physical hardware can be adjusted to support different LDPC code structures, achieving multi-family adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-width shifters.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable width barrel shifter. The variable width barrel shifter includes a first barrel shifter configured to receive a data vector of width M as input. The variable width barrel shifter further includes a second barrel shifter configured to receive the data vector of width M as input. The variable width barrel shifter includes an element-wise multiplexer coupled to the first and second barrel shifters. The element-wise multiplexer is configured to provide a shifted output of the data vector of width M by including a first portion of output from the second barrel shifter and a second portion of output from the first barrel shifter.