ITR: Collaborative Research: A Multi-Level Approach to Power-Efficient Opto-Electronic Interconnection Networks

摘要：互连网络结构正在成为许多数字系统的关键通信主干，为系统提供了扩大容量的手段。随着这些系统变得功率受限，网络将成为最薄弱的环节，除非从以前的以性能为导向的方法转变为专注于网络能效的方法。该项目采用多层次的方法来实现高能效的互连网络，将电路、体系结构和软件方面的研究协同结合起来，提供一个完整的解决方案，使能效网络结构成为现实。对新型低功耗电路技术的研究为新的高能效网络体系结构设计开发了基本的网络构建块。在电路级发现的新链路和交换机机制可用于网络功率和性能的运行时架构权衡。在层次结构的较高层，最接近用户的软件级别分析用户能力-性能要求和因素。这项研究针对不同的系统--(1)通用和嵌入式系统；(2)电和光网络技术，从功率的角度寻求在网络层次结构的每个级别上确定光互连还是电互连的最佳选择；(3)从微型片上网络到数据中心范围的机箱到机箱网络。研究被整合到教育课程中，通过现有的和新的研究生课程以及本科生的研究计划。该项目力求进一步扩大任职人数不足的群体参与研究活动的范围。作为高能效互连网络的一项开创性工作，该项目寻求通过发布模拟工具和其他结果来促进该领域未来的研究和教育。

Abstract:Interconnection network fabrics are becoming an ever-more critical communication backbone of many digital systems, providing the means for systems to scale up in capacity. As these systems become power-constrained, networks stand to be the weakest link, unless there is a shift from prior performance-driven approaches to one that focuses on the power efficiency of networks.This project takes a multi-level approach to power-efficient interconnection networks that synergistically bridges research in circuits, architecture and software, providing a complete solution that will make power-aware network fabrics a reality. Research into novel low-power circuit techniques develops basic network building blocks for newpower-efficient network architecture designs. New link and switch mechanisms uncovered at the circuit-level are leveraged for run-time architectural tradeoffs in network power and performance. Higher up in the hierarchy, the software level closest to users analyzes and factors in user power-performance requirements.This research targets a diverse range of systems -- (1) both general-purpose and embedded systems; (2) both electrical and optical networking technologies, seeking to determine the optimal choice between optical versus electrical interconnection at each level in the network hierarchy from a power perspective; (3) from tiny on-chip networks todata center-wide chassis-to-chassis networks.The research is integrated into the education curriculum, through existing and new graduate courses, and in undergraduate research programs. The project seeks to further broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in research activities. As a pioneering effort inpower-efficient interconnection networks, the project seeks tofacilitate future research and education in this area through the release of simulation tools and other results.