TileLink

TileLink is an open-source interconnect protocol used in computer system-on-chip (SoC) design. Developed by the University of California, Berkeley, it facilitates communication between various components within an SoC, such as processor cores, memory controllers, and peripheral devices. TileLink is designed to be flexible, efficient, and scalable, allowing for a wide range of system configurations.

The protocol defines a set of rules and message formats for transferring data and control signals between connected agents. It supports different types of transactions, including memory-mapped read and write operations, as well as atomic memory operations. TileLink's architecture is based on a modular approach, enabling designers to connect different types of masters (initiators of transactions) and slaves (targets of transactions) with minimal effort.

Key features of TileLink include its support for various data widths and addressing schemes. It also incorporates mechanisms for handling different levels of priority and ordering requirements for transactions. The protocol's design emphasizes simplicity and ease of implementation, making it attractive for both academic research and commercial SoC development. Its open-source nature has contributed to its widespread adoption and the development of numerous tools and extensions. TileLink is often used in conjunction with other open-source hardware design components and methodologies.