Variable-Width Barrel Shifter for Multi-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 need for individual barrel shifters for each use case, whereas previous technologies could utilize a single shifter for various code families.
Innovation Solution
A variable width barrel shifter is implemented by coupling two conventional barrel shifters with an element-wise multiplexer, allowing for independent shift control and combining outputs to accommodate different widths, thereby enabling flexible and efficient shifting across various LDPC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual barrel shifters are implemented for different barrel shifter widths, then adaptability to different LDPC code structures is improved, but hardware size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single barrel shifter that can perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring its internal structure. The barrel shifter width is made variable through a reconfiguration mechanism that allows the same hardware to adapt to different LDPC code structures and barrel shifter widths, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated shifters for each code family.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel shifter employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the internal architecture can be changed during operation or between operations. This dynamic adjustment of the barrel shifter width allows the system to adapt to different code structures on-the-fly, providing versatility without requiring separate static hardware for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual barrel shifters are implemented for different barrel shifter widths, then support for various code families is improved, but throughput reduces
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal barrel shifter that can handle multiple code families through dynamic reconfiguration, the system maintains high throughput. Instead of having data wait for one of several dedicated shifters to become available, a single reconfigurable shifter can be dynamically assigned to handle different code family requirements, keeping the data flow continuous and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable barrel shifter enables continuous operation by minimizing idle time. The dynamic reconfiguration mechanism allows the shifter to quickly adapt between different code families without requiring data to be held or redirected through multiple separate units, maintaining continuous useful action and high throughput across varying LDPC code requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If a single barrel shifter width is used for various code families, then hardware size is reduced, but adaptability to newer LDPC systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static single-width barrel shifter into a dynamic reconfigurable structure. By incorporating control logic and reconfiguration mechanisms, the barrel shifter can adjust its width and internal structure to match the requirements of different LDPC code families, including newer 5G radio systems, while still maintaining a single hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel shifter implements variable width capability by changing its operational parameters dynamically. The reconfiguration mechanism allows the shifter to modify its effective width and shifting characteristics based on the specific LDPC code family being processed, enabling a single hardware unit to adapt to both traditional and modern code structures without physical modification.
Data Source
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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.