Abstract: Embodiments of a bridge unit and system are disclosed that may allow for processing fence commands send to multiple bridge units. Each bridge unit may process a respective portion of a plurality of transactions generated by a master unit. The master unit may be configured to send a fence command to each bridge unit, which may stall the processing of the command. Each bridge unit may be configured to determine if all transactions included in its respective portion of the plurality of transactions has completed. Once each bridge unit has determined that all other bridge units have received the fence command and that all other bridge units have completed their respective portions of the plurality of transactions that were received prior to receiving the fence command, all bridge units may execute the fence command.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a thermal control methodology and apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes one or more thermal sensors, comparison circuitry, and control circuitry. The comparison circuitry is configured to receive temperature readings from the one or more thermal sensors. The control circuitry is configured to reduce a performance level of one or more controlled subsystems responsive to the comparison circuitry determining that at least one temperature reading from the one or more thermal sensors exceeds one of one or more threshold values. A software-based thermal control mechanism may also execute concurrently with the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bridge unit and system are disclosed that may allow for processing fence commands send to multiple bridge units. Each bridge unit may process a respective portion of a plurality of transactions generated by a master unit. The master unit may be configured to send a fence command to each bridge unit, which may stall the processing of the command. Each bridge unit may be configured to determine if all transactions included in its respective portion of the plurality of transactions has completed. Once each bridge unit has determined that all other bridge units have received the fence command and that all other bridge units have completed their respective portions of the plurality of transactions that were received prior to receiving the fence command, all bridge units may execute the fence command.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a thermal control methodology and apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes one or more thermal sensors, comparison circuitry, and control circuitry. The comparison circuitry is configured to receive temperature readings from the one or more thermal sensors. The control circuitry is configured to reduce a performance level of one or more controlled subsystems responsive to the comparison circuitry determining that at least one temperature reading from the one or more thermal sensors exceeds one of one or more threshold values. A software-based thermal control mechanism may also execute concurrently with the apparatus.