Adaptive DTR Control for High-Speed IO Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
System on a Chip (SoC) devices often have a dynamic temperature range (DTR) that is lower than their ambient operating temperature range (TaOTR), limiting their functionality and adaptability in applications like Edge and Automotive segments, where high-speed IPs/SoCs require resets due to temperature variations, defeating the purpose of a wide temperature range support.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive DTR control mechanism is implemented, utilizing a DTR control manager that initiates retraining/recalibration of high-speed IO links without link resets, leveraging existing PHY recalibration frameworks and system-level parameters like ambient temperature and fan speed, to extend the dynamic temperature range to the full operating range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-speed IPs/SoCs use traditional temperature management, then device stability is maintained within limited DTR, but functionality is lost requiring resets when temperature varies beyond certain limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link retraining and recalibration mechanisms that adapt to changing temperature conditions in real-time. The system continuously monitors temperature variations and dynamically adjusts link parameters, enabling the SoC to maintain functionality across the full ambient temperature range without resets, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (link training, recalibration) based on temperature conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than resetting the entire link, the system maintains reliability while extending adaptability across the full temperature range, transforming the static temperature limitation into a dynamic manageable parameter
2Adaptability or versatility
If SoC supports wide ambient temperature range, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but link stability deteriorates due to temperature variations causing resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary link retraining and recalibration actions before temperature variations cause link failures. By proactively detecting temperature changes and initiating corrective actions in advance, the system maintains link stability while supporting wide ambient temperature ranges, preventing resets before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature conditions and link status. This feedback loop enables the system to detect temperature variations and trigger appropriate link maintenance actions, maintaining stability across wide temperature ranges by responding to environmental changes in real-time
3Reliability
If link retraining is performed frequently to maintain stability across temperature range, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to link interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic link retraining and recalibration at optimized intervals based on temperature变化 patterns. Rather than continuous or excessive retraining, the system performs maintenance actions periodically when temperature thresholds are reached, maintaining reliability while minimizing interruptions to data transfer and preserving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for implementing an adaptive Dynamic Temperature Range (DTR) control mechanism to extend dynamic temperature range. A DTR control manager is provided to initiate retrain/recalibrate high-speed IO (input-output) links without link reset and extend the dynamic temperature range to the entire operating range based on thermal and other conditions. The DTR control manager ensures optimized retraining/recalibration of the link, which is based on system level parameters (like ambient temperature, fan speed, thermal zone of the devices etc.) and other environmental conditions. In some embodiments the mechanism or algorithm of the DTR control manager can be implemented in a BMC (Baseboard Management controller) or the like and hence enables the adaptive DTR solution in an operating system (OS) agnostic and seamless manner.