草榴社区

UCIe 2.0 - Setting the Tone for Chiplet Interoperability

Narasimha Babu G V L, Prasad Subudhi K. S, Deepak Nagaria

Aug 08, 2024 / 3 min read

Overview

The UCIe? (Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express?) released the UCIe 2.0 specification to bring efficient and scalable chiplet interconnection to the forefront of multi-die technology. In this blog we will discuss the best way to ascertain that chiplets are interoperable, and how to manage bring-up, initialization, discovery, events and messages, security and access control, as well as debug and test.

Before we dig deeper into UCIe 2.0, let us revisit the UCIe 1.1 specification that added features to cater to different application segments. (You can refer to our previous blog on UCIe 1.0 / UCIe 1.1 verification solution to understand our modular architecture for multi-chiplet verification.)

UCIe 1.1 Features

Flit mode support for streaming protocol

Benefits

Effective way for agnostic transport of any protocol

CRC and retry support for streaming mode

Enable error free transmission at UCIe transport, move burden away from higher layer

Stack mux on die-to-die adapter with options of two different protocols on multiplexer

Effective utilization of link bandwidth and flexibility for mix-match of protocols based on system needs

Asymmetric mode for streaming mode

Deviation from being agnostic as upstream / downstream port can now be specifically configured

Multi module link mode

Clarifications and detailed semantics of multi-module operation

UCIe 2.0 - Enabling Interoperability

While the UCIe 1.1 specification revision focused on key extensions for multi-vendor heterogenous systems, UCIe 2.0 is sowing seeds to define a chiplet interoperability ecosystem stack with a “System Architecture” definition, introducing provisioning manageability of System-in-Package (SiP).

Let’s explore the new features in UCIe 2.0. 

Management Transport Protocol (MTP)

MTP enables communication between management entities within a SiP management network. Management entities on this network generate and receive UCIe management transport packets, which traverse the network without modification. UCIe Memory Access protocol (UMAP) enables read and write access to memory associated with management entities with ability for access control.

UCIe Debug and Test Architecture (UDA)

UDA is architected for chiplet-level and SiP-level testing and debug. UDA uses functional sideband and/or mainband link and a functional management network for test and debug purposes.

UCIe-S Sideband only (SO) port

SO port is permitted for test/manageability purpose in a standard package. It is meant as an option for a low-speed test port that one can use at TestChip level.

x8, x4 (degraded) link width support for standard package

Capability for x8 (degraded x4) pin module is enabled for standard packages, whereas version 1.1 only supported x16 and x64 physical layer interfaces.

UCIe 3D packaging

3D packaging techniques enable chiplets to be stacked vertically. This method not only boosts performance and reduces latency but also enhances power efficiency, addressing the crucial needs of modern semiconductor designs. By adhering to UCIe standards, 3D packaging enables more compact, high-performance chip designs that can meet the demands of future applications.

In addition to Interoperability, UCIe 2.0 is paving way for defining scalable verification and validation platforms for chiplet designs.

UCIe MTP Topology

草榴社区 UCIe End-to-End Verification and Validation 草榴社区

草榴社区 is a contributing member to the UCIe specification committee and is working closely with industry leaders to support features and use cases for the UCIe 2.0 specification in 草榴社区 Verification IP (VIP) for UCIe 2.0.

草榴社区’ complete UCIe IP solution includes controller, PHY, and VIP. 草榴社区 UCIe controller and PHY IP solutions enable robust and reliable die-to-die links with testability features for known good dies. The IP, operating at maximum data rates, supports standard and advanced packaging technologies and has achieve multiple silicon successes across foundry process and packaging technologies.

草榴社区 UCIe 2.0 VIP, functional test suites, and protocol solutions for hardware-assisted verification platforms, ZeBu, and HAPS, leverage close collaboration with 草榴社区’ industry leading IP portfolio to enable the highest quality verification and validation collateral for our customers.

草榴社区 silicon proven IPs are verified using independently developed 草榴社区 VIPs, providing companies with an industry leading UCIe solution. 草榴社区 SoC verification kit solutions provide ready to go IP bring-up and sanity setup with IP-VIP or IP-草榴社区 integrations and collaterals, saving at least 50% of time and resources spent in bringing IP up in the SoC Verification environment. With pre-verified components and ready-to-use testbenches 草榴社区 VIP accelerates the development cycle, reducing time-to-market.

Because the target usage for UCIe is die-to-die interconnects, the payload that the chiplet RTL requires demands faster hardware-based pre-silicon solutions. 草榴社区 transactors based on 草榴社区 IP enable fast verification hardware solutions including 草榴社区 ZeBu? emulation systems and 草榴社区 HAPS? prototyping systems for validation use-cases.

草榴社区 protocol verification solutions are natively integrated with the 草榴社区 Verification Family of products, including 草榴社区 Verdi? debug and regression management and automation with 草榴社区 VC Execution Manager.

Conclusion

The industry is rapidly deploying multi-die designs, requiring the technology to rapidly evolve in order to meet demand. UCIe 2.0 is the next step to enable a chiplet interoperability ecosystem. 草榴社区 is a leader in multi-die, contributing to the UCIe specificiation committee and providing a complete UCIe IP solution. 

To learn more about 草榴社区 VIP and protocol solutions, please visit 

Continue Reading