Bus Connecting Device Autonomous Bridge Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bus connecting devices require significant initial configuration time, which can be lengthy and necessitates software changes or physical hardware settings, especially when connecting multiple external devices to a host system.
Innovation Solution
A bus connecting device with a detecting unit to identify connected bridges before initial configuration and a setting unit to autonomously configure only the detected bridges, allowing for interrupt notifications and data transfer to hot-plugged devices without requiring software changes or external pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all bridges are configured during initial configuration, then all possible devices can be supported, but initial configuration time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting unit performs preliminary detection of connected bridges before the initial configuration process begins. By identifying which bridges are actually connected in advance, the system prepares a reduced configuration target list, avoiding the need to configure all possible bridges and thereby reducing initial configuration time while maintaining support for all device types.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete configuration on all bridges (excessive action), the system performs configuration only on the subset of bridges that are actually connected (partial action). This partial configuration approach is sufficient to support all connected devices while eliminating wasted configuration time on disconnected bridges.
2Loss of time
If software changes are made to reduce configuration time, then initial configuration time is shortened, but software compatibility and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bus connecting device performs self-detection and self-configuration by autonomously identifying connected bridges and filtering the configuration target list without requiring software modifications on the host side. This self-service capability reduces configuration time while maintaining software compatibility, as the host software continues to operate unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting unit acts as an intermediary between the physical connection state and the configuration process. It translates physical connection information into a filtered configuration target list, mediating between the need for fast configuration and software compatibility requirements by providing processed information to the configuration unit without altering host software.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical hardware settings are used to control bridge configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical hardware settings (mechanical/electrical control pins) with an information-based detection mechanism. The detecting unit uses electrical signal detection to identify connected bridges, substituting the need for physical configuration switches or external control pins, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical hardware controls, the system creates an information copy of the connection state through detection. The detecting unit generates a digital representation of which bridges are connected, which then guides the configuration process. This information copy replaces the need for physical hardware settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting unit detects a connection of an external device to a connection port and stores the connection in a bridge state storage unit. This setting is autonomously completed by a device before an initial configuration is started by a host. A data transfer unit receives initial configuration data of a link-connection bridge from the host. Data is transferred to the linked-uplink-connection bridge with reference to the bridge state storage unit, data to a bridge which is not linked up is wasted, or an Unsupported Request is returned to the host to represent the absence of the link-connection bridge.