Device Chain Flow Control via Downstream Token Passing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient data flow between multiple peripheral devices coupled to a host leads to collisions, logjams, and inadequate bandwidth allocation in electronic systems, particularly in radial and multi-drop configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system where at least one device in a chain regulates data flow by sending a token in downstream data packets, allowing devices downstream to send upstream data packets, ensuring well-regulated upstream data flow and suitable bandwidth allocation through a host interface port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peripheral devices are coupled to a host in radial or multi-drop configurations, then device connectivity is improved, but data flow efficiency deteriorates due to collisions and logjams
Solution Approach 1:
A host interface acts as an intermediary between the host and multiple peripheral devices, managing data flow through a chain of devices. The interface implements flow control mechanisms including token passing and bandwidth allocation to regulate upstream and downstream data traffic, preventing collisions while maintaining multi-device connectivity.
2Productivity
If token-based flow control is implemented in a chain of devices, then bandwidth allocation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data flow control system is segmented into discrete functional components: token generation at the host interface, token passing between devices in the chain, and token consumption at downstream devices. Each device in the chain independently manages token receipt and transmission, dividing the complex flow control function into manageable segments that simplify implementation while achieving efficient bandwidth allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for device to device flow control. In one or more embodiments, a system configured for device to device flow control includes a host and a chain of devices, including one or more memory device, coupled to each other and configured to communicate with the host device through a same host port. In one or more embodiments, at least one device in the chain is configured to regulate the flow of data by sending a token in downstream data packets, the token allowing devices downstream from the respective at least one device to send an upstream data packet to the respective at least one device.