Hyper-ring-on-chip (hyroc) architecture

Abstract

A network-on-chip interconnects an array of integrated circuit resources. The network-on-chip includes at least one vertical communications ring per column of the array and at least one horizontal communications ring per row of the array. A network interface is associated with each resource of the array and operates to interface the communications rings with each other and the resource with the communications rings. A ring hop is provided at each network interface and for each communications ring thereat. Each ring hop functions as an add/drop multiplexer with respect to inserting packets onto the associated communications ring and extracting packets from the associated communications ring. Packets are communicated over the vertical/horizontal rings using a logical transport channel that flows in a cyclic manner through the communications ring without interruption. A back pressure mechanism allows the ring hops on a given communications ring to address overflow conditions on that ring, and a request mechanism allows the ring hops on a given communications ring to request use of that ring to carry a packet communication.