Communication device, communication control method, electronic device, medium and program product

Abstract

This application discloses a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, a medium, and a program product, all of which relate to the field of communication technology. By adopting the technical solution provided by this application, since the target physical layer device is directly connected to a first multiplexer rather than to a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) serving as a control element, when multiple physical layer devices need to be managed, it is not necessary to provide a large number of MDIO pins on the control element to support the switching control of MDIO signals. Therefore, the technical problem of limited pin resources and logic unit resources faced by CPLDs can be solved, significantly reducing system costs and facilitating the commercial application of the product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication equipment, communication control methods, electronic equipment, media, and program products. Background Art

[0002] As network communications, data centers, and various embedded systems continue to increase their demand for data transmission rates and bandwidth, physical layer (PHY) devices play a vital role in system architecture. As key components connecting the data link layer and the physical layer, PHY devices are primarily responsible for implementing core physical layer functions, including signal encoding / decoding, serial-to-parallel conversion, line driving and receiving, clock recovery, and signal retiming.

[0003] In related technologies, to achieve communication between a processing element (also known as a management entity) and multiple physical layer devices, the following approach is typically adopted: the processing element is connected to a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) via a set of MDIO (Management Data Input / Output) communication buses. The CPLD is provided with multiple MDIO pins for connecting to each physical layer device, thereby enabling communication interaction with multiple physical layer devices. However, when using this approach, if there is a processing element and n physical layer devices, the CPLD must be configured with 2+2n MDIO pins to support the switching control of MDIO signals. When the number of physical layer devices to be managed is large, this approach will quickly consume the available pin resources and logic unit resources of the CPLD, forcing designers to use larger and more expensive CPLDs, which significantly increases system costs and is not conducive to the commercial application of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides communication equipment, communication control methods, electronic equipment, media and program products to at least solve the problem of pin resource and logic unit resource shortage faced by complex programmable logic devices in multi-physical layer device management scenarios in related technologies.

[0005] The present application provides a communication device, comprising a control element, a processing element, a first multiplexer, and a plurality of physical layer devices;

[0006] The processing element includes a device selection signal transmitting end and a first communication end; the control element includes a device selection signal receiving end and a control signal output end; the first multiplexer includes a control signal input end, a second communication end and a third communication end;

[0007] The device selection signal transmitting end of the processing element is connected to the device selection signal receiving end of the control element;

[0008] The control signal output terminal of the control element is connected to the control signal input terminal of the first multiplexer;

[0009] The first communication terminal of the processing element is connected to the second communication terminal of the first multiplexer, and the third communication terminal of the first multiplexer is connected to the multiple physical layer devices.

[0010] The present application also provides a communication control method, which is applied to the communication device provided in the present application, and the communication control method includes:

[0011] The processing element sends the number of the target physical layer device to the control element; the target physical layer device is any one of the multiple physical layer devices;

[0012] The control element generates a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device;

[0013] The first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, so as to establish a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

[0014] The present application also provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; and a processor for implementing the steps of any one of the above-mentioned communication control methods when executing the computer program.

[0015] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of any one of the above-mentioned communication control methods are implemented.

[0016] The present application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the steps of any of the above-mentioned communication control methods when executed by a processor.

[0017] This application solves the technical problem of limited pin and logic unit resources faced by complex programmable logic devices by significantly reducing system costs and facilitating the commercial application of products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication control method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 A flowchart of another communication control method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The terms "first," "second," etc., in this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a particular order or sequence.

[0027] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0028] In conjunction with the specific application environment architecture or specific hardware architecture on which the execution of the communication control method depends, the specific application environment architecture or specific hardware architecture is described herein.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, see Figure 1 The communication device includes a control element, a processing element, a first multiplexer, and a plurality of physical layer devices (exemplarily, Figure 1 The number of physical layer devices in the embodiment is n); the control element is communicatively connected to the processing element and the first multiplexer; the first multiplexer is also communicatively connected to multiple physical layer devices. Specifically, the processing element includes a device selection signal transmitting end and a first communication end; the control element includes a device selection signal receiving end and a control signal output end; the first multiplexer includes a control signal input end, a second communication end, and a third communication end; the device selection signal transmitting end of the processing element is connected to the device selection signal receiving end of the control element; the control signal output end of the control element is connected to the control signal input end of the first multiplexer; the first communication end of the processing element is connected to the second communication end of the first multiplexer, and the third communication end of the first multiplexer is connected to multiple physical layer devices.

[0030] The processing element is used to send the number of the target physical layer device to the control element; the target physical layer device is any physical layer device among multiple physical layer devices; the control element is used to generate a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device; the first multiplexer is used to adjust its own working state based on the first state switching instruction so that a signal transmission path is established between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

[0031] Optionally, the communication device may be a server. When the communication device is a server, the control element may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processing element may be a baseboard management controller (BMC) or a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processing element may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) external to the server.

[0032] Physical layer devices are also called PHY devices or physical layer interface devices, and can be Ethernet PHY devices, high-speed SerDes PHY devices, and retimer PHY devices.

[0033] Optionally, the processing element and the first multiplexer are communicatively connected via an MDC / MDIO interface. The first multiplexer is communicatively connected to multiple physical layer devices via an MDC / MDIO interface. The MDIO / MDC interface is used in Ethernet devices to manage and control physical layer devices. MDIO (Management Data Input / Output) and MDC (Management Data Clock) are interfaces defined in the IEEE 802.3 standard, with MDC providing a clock signal and MDIO used for data transmission. The processing element and the control element are connected via an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus.

[0034] With this technical solution, since the target physical layer device is directly connected to the first multiplexer rather than to the complex programmable logic device (CPLD) serving as the control element, managing multiple physical layer devices eliminates the need for numerous MDIO pins on the control element to support MDIO signal switching. This reduces the consumption of available pin resources and logic unit resources of the control element, eliminating the need for larger, more expensive CPLDs to manage multiple physical layer devices. This significantly reduces system costs and facilitates commercial product applications.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the present application, the physical addresses of multiple physical layer devices are the same, and different physical layer devices can be distinguished by their respective numbers (also called serial numbers).

[0036] Furthermore, the first multiplexer may include at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer; the primary multiplexer is connected between the processing element and the secondary multiplexer; and the secondary multiplexer is further connected to a plurality of physical layer devices.

[0037] For example, see Figure 2The first multiplexer includes a first-level multiplexer and four second-level multiplexers, namely second-level multiplexer 1 to second-level multiplexer 4. The first-level multiplexer is connected between the processing element and each second-level multiplexer; each second-level multiplexer is also connected to four physical layer devices. The control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device. The first sub-state switching instruction is used to indicate which of the four second-level multiplexers the first-level multiplexer needs to establish a signal transmission path with. The second sub-state switching instruction is used to indicate which of the four physical layer devices the second-level multiplexer needs to establish a signal transmission path with. The first-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first sub-state switching instruction; the second-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the second sub-state switching instruction.

[0038] By configuring the first multiplexer to include at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer, a "bridge" is constructed between the processing element and the physical layer devices. This helps to increase the reliability of the communication network and reduces the likelihood of a single multiplexer failure paralyzing the entire communication network. This configuration also offers high scalability and can accommodate the management needs of varying numbers of physical layer devices.

[0039] Furthermore, the number of primary multiplexers can be set to 1, and the number of secondary multiplexers can be set to N; the primary multiplexer includes a first control terminal, a first signal transmission terminal, and N second signal transmission terminals, and the secondary multiplexer includes a second control terminal, a third signal transmission terminal, and M fourth signal transmission terminals; N and M are both positive integers; the first control terminal and the second control terminal are both used as control signal input terminals, the first signal transmission terminal is used as the second communication terminal, and the fourth signal transmission terminal is used as the third communication terminal; the control element is connected to the first control terminal of the primary multiplexer and the second control terminal of the secondary multiplexer; the first signal transmission terminal of the primary multiplexer is connected to the processing element, and the second signal transmission terminal of the primary multiplexer is respectively connected to the third signal transmission terminal of each secondary multiplexer; and the fourth signal transmission terminal of the secondary multiplexer is respectively connected to different physical layer devices. The essence of this setting is to provide a specific, achievable example of how the primary multiplexer and the secondary multiplexer are specifically connected to the control element, the processing element, and multiple physical layer devices.

[0040] It should be noted that N and M may be the same or different in itself, and this application does not limit this. Figure 2 In the example, N=M=4.

[0041] Furthermore, the number of processing elements may be set to be multiple, and the communication device further includes a second multiplexer; the second multiplexer is connected between the multiple processing elements and the first multiplexer; and the control element is connected to the second multiplexer.

[0042] For example, see Figure 3 In this communication device, there are two processing elements. Both processing elements are connected to a second multiplexer and a control element, and the control element is connected to the second multiplexer. The control element can control the state of the second multiplexer to connect or disconnect the processing elements from the first multiplexer, thereby enabling each processing element to communicate with the physical layer device at different times.

[0043] Further, see Figure 3 The second multiplexer includes a third control terminal, a fifth signal transmission terminal, and multiple sixth signal transmission terminals. Multiple processing elements are connected to the multiple sixth signal transmission terminals, the fifth signal transmission terminal is connected to the first multiplexer, and the third control terminal is connected to the control element. This arrangement simplifies the circuit structure and facilitates communication between multiple processing elements and the physical layer device.

[0044] The following describes the communication control method during the operation of the communication device provided in this application.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a communication control method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the communication control method includes:

[0046] S110 , the processing component sends the serial number of the target physical layer device to the control component; the target physical layer device is any physical layer device among the multiple physical layer devices.

[0047] S120: The control component generates a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device.

[0048] S130: The first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, so as to establish a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

[0049] For example, see Figure 1If, at a certain moment, the processing element needs to communicate with physical layer device 3, it selects physical layer device 3 as the target physical layer device. The target physical layer device number (i.e., 3) is sent to the control element. The control element generates a first state switching instruction for controlling the state switching of the first multiplexer. This causes the first multiplexer to switch state in response to the first state switching instruction, thereby establishing a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device. Subsequently, the processing element and the target physical layer device can transmit signals through this signal transmission path.

[0050] With this technical solution, since the target physical layer device is directly connected to the first multiplexer rather than to the complex programmable logic device (CPLD) serving as the control element, managing multiple physical layer devices eliminates the need for numerous MDIO pins on the control element to support MDIO signal switching. This reduces the consumption of available pin resources and logic unit resources of the control element, eliminating the need for larger, more expensive CPLDs to manage multiple physical layer devices. This significantly reduces system costs and facilitates commercial product applications.

[0051] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, the first multiplexer includes at least one first-level multiplexer and at least one second-level multiplexer; the first-level multiplexer is connected between the processing element and the second-level multiplexer; the second-level multiplexer is also connected to multiple physical layer devices; the control element generates a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device, including: the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device; the control element sends the first sub-state switching instruction to the first-level multiplexer and sends the second sub-state switching instruction to the second-level multiplexer; the first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, including: the first-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first sub-state switching instruction; the second-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the second sub-state switching instruction.

[0052] For example, see Figure 2The first multiplexer includes a first-level multiplexer and four second-level multiplexers, namely second-level multiplexer 1 to second-level multiplexer 4. The first-level multiplexer is connected between the processing element and each second-level multiplexer; each second-level multiplexer is also connected to four physical layer devices. The control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device. The first sub-state switching instruction is used to indicate which of the four second-level multiplexers the first-level multiplexer needs to establish a signal transmission path with. The second sub-state switching instruction is used to indicate which of the four physical layer devices the second-level multiplexer needs to establish a signal transmission path with. The first-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first sub-state switching instruction; the second-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the second sub-state switching instruction.

[0053] By configuring the first multiplexer to include at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer, a "bridge" is constructed between the processing element and the physical layer devices. This helps to increase the reliability of the communication network and reduces the likelihood of a single multiplexer failure paralyzing the entire communication network. This configuration also offers high scalability and can accommodate the management needs of varying numbers of physical layer devices.

[0054] Furthermore, based on the above technical solution, the number of first-level multiplexers can be set to 1, and the number of second-level multiplexers can be set to N; the first-level multiplexer includes a first control terminal, a first signal transmission terminal, and N second signal transmission terminals, and the second-level multiplexer includes a second control terminal, a third signal transmission terminal, and N fourth signal transmission terminals; the control element is connected to the first control terminal of the first-level multiplexer and the second control terminal of the second-level multiplexer; the first signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer is connected to the processing element, and the second signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer is respectively connected to the third signal transmission terminal of each second-level multiplexer; and the fourth signal transmission terminals of the second-level multiplexers are respectively connected to different physical layer devices.

[0055] For example, see Figure 2 Optionally, the first control terminal of the first-level multiplexer is connected to the control element for receiving a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer. The second control terminal of each second-level multiplexer is connected to the control element for receiving a second sub-state switching instruction for itself.

[0056] The first-level multiplexer includes a first signal transmission terminal and four second signal transmission terminals. When the first-level multiplexer is in different states, the first signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer is connected to different second signal transmission terminals. After the first signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer is connected to a second signal transmission terminal, a signal can be transmitted from the first signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer to the second signal transmission terminal, or from the second signal transmission terminal to the first signal transmission terminal of the first-level multiplexer.

[0057] Similarly, in Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, any two-level multiplexer includes a third signal transmission terminal and four fourth signal transmission terminals. When the two-level multiplexer is in different states, the third signal transmission terminal of the two-level multiplexer is electrically connected to different fourth signal transmission terminals. After the third signal transmission terminal of the two-level multiplexer is electrically connected to a fourth signal transmission terminal, a signal can be transmitted from the third signal transmission terminal of the two-level multiplexer to the fourth signal transmission terminal, or from the fourth signal transmission terminal to the third signal transmission terminal of the two-level multiplexer.

[0058] Furthermore, the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device, including: the control element determines the first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and the second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device and the value of N.

[0059] Furthermore, the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for controlling the first-level multiplexer based on a result of rounding down the ratio of the number of the target physical layer device to N, and generates a second sub-state switching instruction for controlling the second-level multiplexer based on a result of modulo N of the number of the target physical layer device.

[0060] Furthermore, the second control terminals of all secondary multiplexers may be connected to the same second sub-state switching instruction output interface in the control element, so that the second sub-state switching instructions input to each secondary multiplexer are the same.

[0061] For example, see Figure 2 Since there are four secondary multiplexers, each connected to four physical layer devices, N = 4. Assuming the target physical layer device is numbered a, the processing element sends the target physical layer device number (i.e., a) to the control element. Based on a and N, the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the primary multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the secondary multiplexer.

[0062] Specifically, assume that MUX0_S[1:0] is used to represent the first sub-state switching instruction of the first-level multiplexer MUX0.

[0063] MUX0_S[1:0] = floor(a / 4)

[0064] When the value of a ranges from 0 to 3, MUX0_S[1:0] is 00. When the value of a ranges from 4 to 7, MUX0_S[1:0] is 01. When the value of a ranges from 8 to 11, MUX0_S[1:0] is 10. When the value of a ranges from 4 to 7, MUX0_S[1:0] is 11.

[0065] MUX1-4_S[1:0] represents the second sub-state switching instruction of the secondary multiplexer.

[0066] MUX1-4_S[1:0] = N % 4

[0067] When the value of a is 0, 4, 8, or 12, MUX1-4_S[1:0] is 00; when the value of a is 1, 5, 9, or 13, MUX1-4_S[1:0] is 01; when the value of a is 2, 6, 10, or 14, MUX1-4_S[1:0] is 10; when the value of a is 3, 7, 11, or 15, MUX1-4_S[1:0] is 11.

[0068] The control element transmits MUX0_S[1:0] to the first-level multiplexer MUX0 through the first control terminal, and transmits MUX1-4_S[1:0] to all the second-level multiplexers MUX1 to MUX4 through the second control terminals.

[0069] Since only one secondary multiplexer is activated by the first-stage multiplexer MUX0 at a time, multiple second-stage multiplexers can share the same set of MUX1-4_S[1:0] selection signals. In other words, the control element only needs two control signal outputs: one connected to the first control terminal of the first-stage multiplexer and the other connected to the second control terminals of each second-stage multiplexer. This allows for selection and control of the four second-stage multiplexers. Optionally, the control signal outputs on the control element can be general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins. Table 1 shows the correspondence between multiplexer MUX selections and physical layer devices. X indicates a value that is irrelevant.

[0070] Table 1

[0071]

[0072] By connecting the second control terminals of all secondary multiplexers to the same second sub-state switching instruction output interface of the control element, the number of interfaces connected to the control terminals of the secondary multiplexers on the control element can be reduced, thereby reducing the control element's consumption of available pin resources and logic unit resources. Furthermore, without significantly increasing pin and logic resources, efficient addressing and communication control of multiple physical layer devices with the same address can be achieved, reducing system design complexity and improving integration and scalability.

[0073] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the control element includes a first storage unit and a calculation unit; the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device, including: after the control element receives the number of the target physical layer device, the control element stores the number of the target physical layer device in the first storage unit to update the first storage unit; after the calculation unit detects that the first storage unit is updated, the calculation unit generates the first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and the second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device.

[0074] For example, for Figure 2 In a communication device, the first storage unit of the control element is set as the first register, represented by MUX_SELECT_REGISTER[7:0]. When the processing element sends the target physical layer device number (i.e., a) to the control element, the control element writes the target physical layer device number a into the first storage unit MUX_SELECT_REGISTER[7:0], thereby updating the first storage unit. After the computing unit detects the update of the first storage unit, it generates a first sub-state switching instruction MUX0_S[1:0] for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction MUX1-4_S[1:0] for the second-level multiplexer based on the target physical layer device number a.

[0075] Based on the above technical solutions, after the first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, it also includes: after waiting for a preset time, the processing element and the target physical layer device transmit signals through the signal transmission path.

[0076] In practice, transient effects may occur during the channel switching process of the first multiplexer, leading to unstable signal paths. Here, after a preset waiting period, the processing element and the target physical layer device begin signal transmission via the signal transmission path. Essentially, this introduces a delay mechanism to ensure that signal transmission begins only after the first multiplexer completes channel switching and enters a stable operating state. This effectively avoids signal interference or communication failures caused by transient processes, thereby improving communication reliability and stability.

[0077] Furthermore, the control element also includes a second storage unit; the second storage unit is used to store status information of the physical layer device; after waiting for a preset period of time, the processing element and the target physical layer device transmit signals through the signal transmission path, including: after waiting for the preset period of time, the control element updates the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit; after detecting that the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, the processing element transmits signals to the target physical layer device through the signal transmission path.

[0078] For example, for Figure 2 In the communication device, the second storage unit in the control element is a second register, and the second storage unit is represented by MUX_SELECT_REGISTER[7:0]. The second storage unit includes a bit indicating the current state of the target physical layer device. The bit indicating the current state of the target physical layer device is represented by MUX_READY_BIT. A value of 0 in MUX_READY_BIT indicates that the signal transmission path corresponding to the target physical layer device is in an inactive state. A value of 1 in MUX_READY_BIT indicates that the signal transmission path corresponding to the target physical layer device is in an active state.

[0079] In the initial state, the value of MUX_READY_BIT is 0. Based on the target physical layer device's serial number, the control component generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the primary multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the secondary multiplexer. The primary multiplexer adjusts its operating state based on the first sub-state switching instruction, and the secondary multiplexer adjusts its operating state based on the second sub-state switching instruction. After waiting for a preset period of time, the control component updates the status information related to the target physical layer device in the second storage unit so that the updated value of MUX_READY_BIT is 1. Upon detecting the updated value of MUX_READY_BIT, the processing component initiates signal transmission with the target physical layer device via the signal transmission path.

[0080] Furthermore, the method further includes: maintaining interrupt signal transmission between the control element and the processing element; after the control element updates the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit, the processing element detects that the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, but before performing signal transmission with the target physical layer device through the signal transmission path, the method further includes: the control element switches the interrupt signal from a first level to a second level; after detecting the change in the interrupt signal level, the processing element sends a status request about the target physical layer device to the control element; the control element returns the status information of the target physical layer device to the processing element in response to the status request; the processing element determines whether the status information of the target physical layer device is updated based on the status information of the target physical layer device.

[0081] The first level may be a high level, and the second level may be a low level; or the first level may be a low level, and the second level may be a high level.

[0082] By setting a control element, the interrupt signal is switched from the first level to the second level; after detecting the change in the interrupt signal level, the processing element sends a status request about the target physical layer device to the control element. Its essence is to trigger the processing element to detect the status of the target physical layer device through the change in the interrupt signal level, rather than periodically instructing the processing element to detect the status of the target physical layer device. This can greatly reduce useless detection operations, thereby reducing the overall system power consumption.

[0083] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, it can also be set in the communication device that the number of processing elements is multiple, and the server also includes a second multiplexer; the second multiplexer is connected between the multiple processing elements and the first multiplexer; and the control element is connected to the second multiplexer.

[0084] For example, see Figure 3 In this communication device, there are two processing elements. Both processing elements are connected to a second multiplexer and a control element, and the control element is connected to the second multiplexer. The control element can control the state of the second multiplexer to connect or disconnect the processing elements from the first multiplexer, thereby enabling each processing element to communicate with the physical layer device at different times.

[0085] Further, see Figure 3 The second multiplexer includes a third control terminal, a fifth signal transmission terminal, and multiple sixth signal transmission terminals. The multiple processing elements are correspondingly connected to the multiple sixth signal transmission terminals, the fifth signal transmission terminal is connected to the first multiplexer, and the third control terminal is connected to the control element.

[0086] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, the multiple processing elements include primary processing elements and secondary processing elements, and the method further includes: the primary processing element sends a processing element switching instruction to the control element; the control element generates a second state switching instruction for the second multiplexer based on the processing element switching instruction, and sends the second state switching instruction to the second multiplexer; the second multiplexer adjusts its working state based on the second state switching instruction to establish a signal transmission path between the secondary processing element and the first multiplexer.

[0087] For example, see Figure 3 , assuming that processing element 1 is the primary processing element and processing element 2 is the secondary processing element. In the initial state, the signal transmission path between the primary processing element and the first multiplexer is connected. When it is necessary to switch the control of the processing element over the physical layer device, the primary processing element sends a processing element switching instruction to the control element; the control element generates a second state switching instruction for switching the state of the second multiplexer. The second multiplexer adjusts its working state based on the second state switching instruction so that a signal transmission path is established between the secondary processing element and the first multiplexer, and the signal transmission path between the primary processing element and the first multiplexer is disconnected. Its essence is to provide a method for managing physical layer devices by switching multiple processing elements, meeting the user's needs for switching multiple processing elements. This method can be used when a primary processing element fails, and the secondary processing element can take over the monitoring and management of the physical layer device, which can improve the availability and reliability of communication equipment. Furthermore, as the functionality and configuration of physical layer devices become increasingly complex, some scenarios require the use of dedicated external debugging equipment for in-depth debugging and performance analysis of physical layer devices. In such scenarios, external debugging equipment can be used as a secondary processing element. Switching between multiple processing units helps maximize the performance of physical layer devices.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in this application. This communication device is suitable for use in a server. In this system, the control element is a complex programmable logic device (CPLD); there are two processing elements, of which the primary processing element is a baseboard management controller (BMC), and the secondary processing element is another management entity other than the primary processing element, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or an external microprocessor unit (MCU).

[0089] The primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) includes a GPIO interface, an I2C interface, and an MDIO interface. The secondary processing element includes an I2C interface and an MDIO interface. The control element includes six GPIO interfaces and an I2C interface. The second multiplexer is a 2:1 dual-channel MUX. The MDIO interface of the primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) and the MDIO interface of the secondary processing element are both connected to the sixth signal transmission terminal of the second multiplexer MUX. The third control terminal of the second multiplexer is connected to the GPIO 5 interface of the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)).

[0090] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first multiplexer includes one primary multiplexer and four secondary multiplexers. The primary multiplexer is a 1:4 dual-channel MUX0. The secondary multiplexers are 1:4 dual-channel MUX1 through MUX4. The first signal transmission terminal of the primary multiplexer MUX0 is connected to the fifth signal transmission terminal of the second multiplexer. The second signal transmission terminal of the primary multiplexer MUX0 is connected to the third signal transmission terminal of the secondary multiplexers MUX1 through MUX4. The fourth signal transmission terminals of the secondary multiplexers MUX1 through MUX4 are respectively connected to different physical layer devices. The first control terminal of the primary multiplexer MUX0 is connected to the GPIO 0 / 1 interface of the control element (i.e., a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)). The second control terminals of each of the secondary multiplexers MUX1-4 are connected to the GPIO 2 / 3 interface of the control element (i.e., a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)).

[0091] The control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) defines two registers. One is MUX_SELECT_REGISTER[7:0] (the first memory location). To access and configure a target physical layer device via the MDO / MDIO bus, the processing element writes the target physical layer device number, a, to this register. The other register (i.e., the second memory location) is STATUS_REGISTER[7:0]. After the multiplexer state is switched, the processing element updates the MUX_READY_BIT bit in STATUS_REGISTER[7:0] and sets it to 1.

[0092] Figure 6 This application provides a method that can be applied to Figure 5 A flowchart of a first communication control method of a communication device is given in FIG. Figure 6 , the method comprises the following steps:

[0093] S210: System initialization.

[0094] After the system is powered on, the primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) and the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) each complete their initialization operations. The control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) is responsible for implementing unified power-on and reset timing control for the physical layer device (i.e., PHY device) group, ensuring that each physical layer device (i.e., PHY device) enters its initial usable state. Simultaneously, the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) switches the first multiplexer (i.e., MUX0-MUX4) and the second multiplexer (i.e., MUX) to their default operating states according to the preset configuration. For example, this connects the primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) to physical layer device number 0 (i.e., PHY device 0), establishing the initial communication path.

[0095] S220: The primary processing element initiates an access request.

[0096] The primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC), through its management software module, automatically or in response to user instructions, initiates an access or configuration request to the physical layer device (i.e., the PHY device) with a specified number a (a ranges from 0 to 15). The PHY device with number a is designated as the target PHY device.

[0097] The main processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller BMC) sends a write command to the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device CPLD) through the I2C or SMBus interface to write the number a of the target physical layer device (i.e., the PHY device) into the internal register MUX_SELECT_REGISTER of the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device CPLD).

[0098] S230: The control element controls the multiplexer to switch.

[0099] After the control element (i.e., complex programmable logic device CPLD) detects the content update of MUX_SELECT_REGISTER, it calculates and generates the first sub-state switching instruction MUX0_S[1:0] for the first-level multiplexer and the second sub-state switching instruction MUX1-4_S[1:0] for the second-level multiplexer according to the preset algorithm.

[0100] MUX0_S[1:0] = floor(N / 4)

[0101] MUX1-4_S[1:0] = N % 4

[0102] The first-level multiplexer (MUX0) adjusts the internal selection pin level according to the first sub-state switching instruction, and the second-level multiplexers (MUX1 to MUX4) adjust the internal selection pin level according to the second sub-state switching instruction, completing the switching of the internal signal path of the first multiplexer, connecting the MDC / MDIO interface of the main-level processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller BMC) to the target physical layer device (i.e., the PHY device), and disconnecting the main-level processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller BMC) from other physical layer devices (i.e., non-target physical layer devices).

[0103] S240: The control component notifies the primary processing component that the switching is completed.

[0104] After completing the internal select pin level update of the first multiplexer, the control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) waits for a preset duration, t_stable, to ensure that transient effects from the channel switching process completely dissipate and the signal path enters a stable state. The control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) then sets the MUX_READY_BIT in the STATUS_REGISTER status register to 1, indicating that the multiplexer is now ready.

[0105] The control element (i.e., the complex programmable logic device (CPLD)) proactively sends an interrupt notification to the primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) by pulling the interrupt signal line MUX_READY_ALERT low for a preset duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds), notifying it that the MUX_SELECT_REGISTER has been updated. After receiving this interrupt signal, the primary processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) reads STATUS_REGISTER and checks whether MUX_READY_BIT is 1 to confirm that channel switching is complete and stable.

[0106] S250: The primary processing element performs an MDIO communication operation with the target physical layer device.

[0107] When MUX_READY_BIT is set to 1, the master processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) acts as the MDIO master and begins executing read or write transactions compliant with IEEE 802.3 Clause 45. Specifically, the master processing element (i.e., the baseboard management controller (BMC)) drives the MDC clock signal and sends the corresponding Clause 45 frame format on the MDIO data line to implement function configuration and register read and write operations on the target physical layer device (i.e., the PHY device).

[0108] If the primary processing element subsequently needs to switch access to other physical layer devices, the target physical layer device number is re-determined and steps S220 - S250 are repeated, thereby achieving on-demand switching access to multiple physical layer devices (ie, PHY devices).

[0109] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the method according to the above embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, and of course it can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method.

[0110] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication control device, which is applicable to the communication device provided in the present application. The communication control device includes:

[0111] a sending module, configured to control the processing element to send the number of the target physical layer device to the control element; the target physical layer device is any physical layer device among the multiple physical layer devices;

[0112] a determination module, configured to control the control element to generate a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device;

[0113] The adjustment module is used to control the first multiplexer to adjust its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, so as to establish a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

[0114] Furthermore, if the first multiplexer includes at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer; the primary multiplexer is connected between the processing element and the secondary multiplexer; and the secondary multiplexer is further connected to a plurality of physical layer devices; the determining module is configured to:

[0115] The control component generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device;

[0116] controlling the control element to send the first sub-state switching instruction to the first-level multiplexer and to send the second sub-state switching instruction to the second-level multiplexer;

[0117] Adjustment module for:

[0118] Controlling the first-level multiplexer to adjust its own working state based on the first sub-state switching instruction;

[0119] The secondary multiplexer is controlled to adjust its own working state based on the second sub-state switching instruction.

[0120] Furthermore, the control element includes a first storage unit and a calculation unit; the determination module is used to:

[0121] The control element receives the number of the target physical layer device and stores the number of the target physical layer device in the first storage unit so that the first storage unit is updated;

[0122] After detecting that the first storage unit is updated, the control calculation unit generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device.

[0123] Furthermore, the device also includes an information transmission module, which is used to:

[0124] After the first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, the control processing element performs signal transmission with the target physical layer device through the signal transmission path after waiting for a preset time period.

[0125] Furthermore, the control element includes a second storage unit; the second storage unit is used to store status information of the physical layer device; an information transmission module is used to:

[0126] After waiting for a preset period of time, controlling the control element to update the state information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit;

[0127] After detecting that the state information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, the control processing element performs signal transmission with the target physical layer device through the signal transmission path.

[0128] Furthermore, the information transmission module is used to:

[0129] controlling the interrupt signal transmission between the control element and the processing element;

[0130] After the control element updates the state information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit, and before the processing element detects that the state information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, the processing element controls the control element to switch the interrupt signal from the first level to the second level;

[0131] The control processing element sends a status request about the target physical layer device to the control element after detecting a change in the interrupt signal level;

[0132] The control element returns status information of the target physical layer device to the processing element in response to the status request;

[0133] The control processing element determines whether the status information of the target physical layer device is updated based on the status information of the target physical layer device.

[0134] Furthermore, the number of processing elements is multiple, and the communication device further includes a second multiplexer; the second multiplexer is connected between the multiple processing elements and the first multiplexer; the control element is connected to the second multiplexer; the multiple processing elements include primary processing elements and secondary processing elements,

[0135] The device also includes a switching module for:

[0136] Controlling the main processing element to send a processing element switching instruction to the control element;

[0137] The control element generates a second state switching instruction for the second multiplexer based on the processing element switching instruction, and sends the second state switching instruction to the second multiplexer;

[0138] The second multiplexer is controlled to adjust its own working state based on the second state switching instruction, so that a signal transmission path is established between the secondary processing element and the first multiplexer.

[0139] For the description of the features in the embodiment corresponding to the communication control device, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment corresponding to the communication control method, and will not be repeated here.

[0140] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the steps in any one of the above-mentioned communication control method embodiments.

[0141] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is configured to execute the steps of any one of the above-mentioned communication control method embodiments when running.

[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media that can store computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0143] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in any one of the above-mentioned communication control method embodiments are implemented.

[0144] An embodiment of the present application further provides another computer program product, including a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, wherein the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in any of the above-mentioned communication control method embodiments are implemented.

[0145] Professionals may further appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the above description has generally described the components and steps of each example according to their functions. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0146] The above is a detailed introduction to a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, a medium, and a program product provided by the present application. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principles of the present application, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a control element, a processing element, a first multiplexer, and a plurality of physical layer devices; The processing element includes a device selection signal transmitting end and a first communication end; the control element includes a device selection signal receiving end and a control signal output end; the first multiplexer includes a control signal input end, a second communication end and a third communication end; The device selection signal transmitting end of the processing element is connected to the device selection signal receiving end of the control element; The control signal output terminal of the control element is connected to the control signal input terminal of the first multiplexer; The first communication terminal of the processing element is connected to the second communication terminal of the first multiplexer, and the third communication terminal of the first multiplexer is connected to the multiple physical layer devices; The processing element is used to send the number of the target physical layer device to the control element; the target physical layer device is any one of the multiple physical layer devices; The control element is configured to generate a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device; The first multiplexer is used to adjust its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, so as to establish a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The first multiplexer includes at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer; the primary multiplexer is connected between the processing element and the secondary multiplexer; the secondary multiplexer is also connected to the multiple physical layer devices.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein: The number of the first-level multiplexers is 1, and the number of the second-level multiplexers is N; the first-level multiplexer includes a first control terminal, a first signal transmission terminal, and N second signal transmission terminals, and the second-level multiplexer includes a second control terminal, a third signal transmission terminal, and M fourth signal transmission terminals; N and M are both positive integers; the first control terminal and the second control terminal are both used as the control signal input terminal, the first signal transmission terminal is used as the second communication terminal, and the fourth signal transmission terminal is used as the third communication terminal; The control element is connected to the first control terminal of the first-level multiplexer and the second control terminal of the second-level multiplexer; The first signal transmission end of the first-level multiplexer is connected to the processing element, the second signal transmission end of the first-level multiplexer is respectively connected to the third signal transmission end of each of the second-level multiplexers; the fourth signal transmission end of the second-level multiplexer is respectively connected to different physical layer devices.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: There are multiple processing elements, and the communication device further includes a second multiplexer; the second multiplexer is connected between the multiple processing elements and the first multiplexer; and the control element is connected to the second multiplexer.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein: The second multiplexer includes a third control terminal, a fifth signal transmission terminal and a plurality of sixth signal transmission terminals; The plurality of processing elements are connected to the plurality of sixth signal transmission ends in a one-to-one correspondence, the fifth signal transmission end is connected to the first signal transmission end of the first multiplexer; and the third control end is connected to the control element.

6. A communication control method, characterized in that: The communication control method is applied to the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the communication control method includes: The processing element sends the number of the target physical layer device to the control element; the target physical layer device is any one of the multiple physical layer devices; The control element generates a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device; The first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, so as to establish a signal transmission path between the processing element and the target physical layer device.

7. The communication control method according to claim 6, wherein: If the first multiplexer includes at least one primary multiplexer and at least one secondary multiplexer; the primary multiplexer is connected between the processing element and the secondary multiplexer; The secondary multiplexer is also connected to the plurality of physical layer devices; The control element generates a first state switching instruction for the first multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device, comprising: the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device; the control element sends the first sub-state switching instruction to the first-level multiplexer and sends the second sub-state switching instruction to the second-level multiplexer; The first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, including: the first-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first sub-state switching instruction; the second-level multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the second sub-state switching instruction.

8. The communication control method according to claim 7, wherein: The control element includes a first storage unit and a calculation unit; the control element generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device, including: The control element receives the number of the target physical layer device; Storing the serial number of the target physical layer device in the first storage unit so that the first storage unit is updated; After detecting that the first storage unit is updated, the calculation unit generates a first sub-state switching instruction for the first-level multiplexer and a second sub-state switching instruction for the second-level multiplexer based on the number of the target physical layer device.

9. The communication control method according to claim 6, wherein: After the first multiplexer adjusts its own working state based on the first state switching instruction, the further comprising: After waiting for a preset time period, the processing element and the target physical layer device perform signal transmission through the signal transmission path.

10. The communication control method according to claim 9, wherein: The control element includes a second storage unit; the second storage unit is used to store the status information of the physical layer device; After waiting for a preset time period, the processing element and the target physical layer device perform signal transmission via the signal transmission path, including: After waiting for a preset time period, the control element updates the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit; After detecting that the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, the processing element performs signal transmission with the target physical layer device through the signal transmission path.

11. The communication control method according to claim 10, wherein: Also includes: Maintaining interrupt signal transmission between the control element and the processing element; After the control element updates the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit, and before the processing element detects that the status information of the target physical layer device in the second storage unit is updated, the method further includes: The control element switches the interrupt signal from a first level to a second level; The processing element sends a status request about the target physical layer device to the control element after detecting a change in the level of the interrupt signal; The control element returns the status information of the target physical layer device to the processing element in response to the status request; The processing element determines whether the status information of the target physical layer device is updated based on the status information of the target physical layer device.

12. The communication control method according to claim 6, wherein: There are multiple processing elements, and the communication device further includes a second multiplexer; the second multiplexer is connected between the multiple processing elements and the first multiplexer; The control element is connected to the second multiplexer; The plurality of processing elements include primary processing elements and secondary processing elements, and the method further includes: The primary processing element sends a processing element switching instruction to the control element; The control element generates a second state switching instruction for the second multiplexer based on the processing element switching instruction, and sends the second state switching instruction to the second multiplexer; The second multiplexer adjusts its working state based on the second state switching instruction, so that a signal transmission path is established between the secondary processing element and the first multiplexer.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: memory for storing computer programs; A processor, configured to implement the steps of the communication control method according to any one of claims 6 to 12 when executing the computer program.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication control method according to any one of claims 6 to 12.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication control method according to any one of claims 6 to 12 are implemented.

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