Channelized Buffer Memory Architecture for Network Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory architectures for network devices require substantial resources to manage pointer values and buffer memory, leading to inefficiencies in channel data handling and increased routing congestion.
Innovation Solution
A dual-port memory device with a first stage using distributed memory for storing pointer values and a second stage using block RAM, allowing for efficient channelized access by concatenating pointer values with channel numbers to form access addresses, thereby reducing the need for multiplexers and minimizing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate channel buffers with multiplexers are used to handle data for multiple channels, then channel data handling capability is improved, but memory resource consumption and device complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate channel buffers into a single shared buffer memory structure. Instead of having distinct buffers for each channel (CH 0, CH 1, ..., CH n-1), a single buffer accommodates all channels, with buffer locations determined by concatenating channel numbers with offset values. This consolidation reduces the overall memory resources required while maintaining the ability to handle multiple channels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared buffer structure serves multiple channels universally, rather than being dedicated to a single channel. The buffer can be accessed by any channel by forming the appropriate access address through concatenation of the channel number and offset, allowing one buffer to perform the function of multiple separate buffers, thereby reducing device complexity and memory consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate channel buffers with multiplexers are used to handle data for multiple channels, then channel data handling capability is improved, but routing congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex multiplexer routing by merging channel access into a unified buffer structure. The direct address formation through concatenation of channel numbers and offsets provides straightforward access paths to the shared buffer, reducing routing congestion compared to the multiplexer-based architecture where data must be routed through multiple switching stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pointer values and buffer memory are provided for each channel, then channel data handling capability is improved, but the amount of resources required increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage requirements for all channel buffers into a single shared memory resource. Instead of allocating separate buffer memory and pointer values for each channel, the system uses one shared buffer with pointers that reference locations within this unified structure, dramatically reducing the total quantity of memory resources required while preserving full channel handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a first memory stage for storing a plurality of pointer values associated with a plurality of buffers, wherein the plurality of buffers is associated with a plurality of logical channels. The device further comprise a second memory stage, wherein an access address to the second memory stage is formed from a concatenation of one of the plurality of pointer values and a channel number corresponding to one of the plurality of logical channels.