Cross-channel data link using caboose packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cross-channel data links in redundant or parallel processing systems require significant resources for data replication, leading to reduced processing power due to frequent data duplication and interrupts during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of caboose packets to manage data transmission order and storage, allowing data to be stored once in a receive buffer without duplication until requested by a processing module, reducing unnecessary data copies and processor interrupts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is replicated and copied multiple times during transmission between processing systems, then data communication reliability is improved, but processing power and system resources are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving system pre-allocates receive buffer memory locations before data transmission begins. The caboose packet establishes the mapping between data blocks and buffer locations in advance, allowing data to be stored directly to predetermined locations without interruption or duplication, thus maintaining reliability while preserving processing power
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically copying data multiple times through replication, the patent uses a caboose packet to create a virtual copy or map that points to the actual data location in the receive buffer. This allows the receiving system to access data without duplicating it, resolving the contradiction between reliability and processing power
2Reliability
If data is copied multiple times during transmission, then data availability is improved, but system resources and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The caboose packet creates a virtual reference or map that points to the actual data location in the receive buffer, eliminating the need for physical data duplication. This allows multiple systems to access the same data without replicating it, reducing system resources while maintaining data availability
Solution Approach 2:
The receive buffer with caboose packet mapping serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores data, provides location mapping, enables data sharing across systems, and eliminates the need for multiple copies. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between data availability and resource consumption
3Measurement precision
If interrupts are generated frequently during data reception, then data processing accuracy is improved, but total processing power available is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving system pre-configures receive buffer memory locations and establishes data block mapping before data transmission begins. The caboose packet provides the mapping information in advance, allowing data to be stored directly to predetermined locations without triggering frequent interrupts, thus maintaining processing accuracy while preserving total processing power
Solution Approach 2:
The data reception and storage process becomes self-organizing through the caboose packet mapping mechanism. The system automatically knows where to store data and how to map it without requiring continuous processor intervention or interrupts, eliminating the trade-off between accuracy and processing power
Data Source
AI summary
A particular method includes sending outgoing data in a first outgoing data block from a first processing system to a second processing system. The method also includes updating a first data structure at the first processing system. The first data structure indicates an order of transmission of the first outgoing data block relative to one or more other outgoing data blocks. When a first frame ends, an outgoing caboose packet is generated based on the first data structure. The outgoing caboose packet including information identifying the order of transmission of the first outgoing data block and the one or more other outgoing data blocks during the first frame. The method also includes sending the outgoing caboose packet from the first processing system to the second processing system.