Heterogeneous Computing in the Edge
Modular Edge Node CISC / RISC CPU
Wireless Modules / Wired I / O Modules
Backplane / Interconnect
CISC / RISC CPU CISC Modules / RISC CPU Modules
CISC / RISC CPU Modules GPU Modules
CISC / RISC CPU FPGA Modules Modules
External I / O
CISC / RISC CPU Modules TPU Modules
CISC / RISC CPU Storage Modules Modules
Power Supplies Power Subsystem
Power Supplies Management Subsystem
Power Supplies Cooling Subsystem
Fig . 2 - Modular Edge Node Architecture .
The common infrastructure subsystems required to “ feed ” and manage the modular edge node components appear at the bottom of the figure . A power subsystem accepts energy from the AC grid or a battery , converts it to the voltages required by the modular boards , and distributes it across the node .
A cooling subsystem provides a means of extracting waste heat from the modules . This is most often forced air using fans , but could be passive convection , heat pipes , conduction , or liquid cooling . A management subsystem configures and monitors all elements of the modular edge node via a dedicated internal management network . Finally , a rugged enclosure provides mechanical support , environmental isolation , and physical security for all the modules .
The interconnection between the modules is a key aspect of the modular edge node architecture . This is often implemented as a backplane with circuit board connectors to accept the modules . Conductors within the backplane provide paths between the various circuit boards . Individual board channels are often implemented as a differential pair signaling at 10-50Gb / s in each direction , and many such channels can be used in parallel to achieve the desired interconnect bandwidth .
Two topologies make sense for edge backplanes : star where one or more central switch fabric boards accept the traffic from all other modules and forward it to its intended destination module ; and full mesh , where each module has dedicated channels to all other module positions
IIC Journal of Innovation - 55 -