High performance RapidIO block to create multi-core microprocessors with RapidIO virtual links
One of the main methods of improving computing systems performance is the development of multi-core and multiprocessor systems. Modern multiprocessor systems are usually based on the communication environment. The most popular high-performance network environments are: HyperTransport, PCI Express, ASI, RapidIO, VXS, StarFabric, 10GB Ethernet, InfiniBand, Myrinet. A communication environment is created on chip level, module level, inter-module level and inter-machine level. The RapidIO standard is focused on creating the last three environments and thus we can unify a multiprocessor system. For further unification we need to develop the module of the exchange between the microprocessor's core and the external environment in order to improve the reliability and reduce labor effort. The article discusses a unified adapter block (RIO-AXI) for a transition from on-chip AXI bus to the external RapidIO bus to create as multicore processors as well as switches with RapidIO environment.
 Chip production technology improvement and increase in the number of transistors in the chips until 2003 has led to permanent growth of microprocessor frequency up to 3–4 GHz. However, further increase in frequency has caused a substantial increase of power consumption and heat dissipation, which is impossible to withdraw from crystals using standard means.
 Increased productivity has been achieved by expenses on complicated architecture of microprocessor cores, additional functions, coprocessors and, most importantly, by creating multi-core microprocessors and multiprocessor systems. Therefore, a high-performance communication environment is emphasized. RapidIO communication environment is one of the most promising. The RapidIO standard is designed specifically to meet critical requirements of real-time applications, which are: low latency, determinism, reliability and scalability, reduction of power consumption, size and weight.