Dynamic Bandwidth Throttling for ASIC and HBM Thermal Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face challenges in complying with telecommunications standards like NEBS due to excessive heat generated by ASICs and HBMs, leading to shutdowns and wastage of computing resources, as current techniques require fewer routing engines and expensive heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic bandwidth throttling in network devices by monitoring temperatures of ASICs and HBMs, selectively throttling traffic processing to prevent overheating, thereby maintaining compliance without the need for fewer routing engines or expensive heat sinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dynamic bandwidth throttling is implemented to comply with NEBS temperature standards, then temperature compliance is improved, but processing throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth throttling that adjusts traffic processing rates based on real-time temperature monitoring of ASICs and HBMs. The system transitions between different operational states (normal operation, throttled operation, shutdown) based on temperature thresholds, making the processing capability dynamic rather than static to comply with NEBS standards while maximizing throughput when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (bandwidth allocation, processing rates) based on temperature conditions. When temperatures exceed thresholds, the system modifies processing parameters to reduce heat generation, allowing compliance with temperature standards while maintaining optimal performance when temperatures are within acceptable ranges
2Temperature
If fewer routing engines are used to reduce heat generation, then temperature compliance is improved, but processing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of routing engines by implementing dynamic throttling that prevents thermal shutdowns. Instead of reducing the number of routing engines, the system maintains all engines active but adjusts their processing rates dynamically, ensuring continuous useful action while complying with temperature standards through controlled bandwidth management
3Temperature
If expensive heat sinks are installed to dissipate heat, then temperature compliance is improved, but device cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation into a controllable parameter by using temperature as a feedback signal for bandwidth management. Instead of adding expensive heat dissipation hardware, the system uses the thermal condition itself to regulate processing rates, turning a potential failure mode into a control mechanism that reduces the need for additional cooling infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may receive traffic to be processed by a routing component, and may determine temperatures of an ASIC and an HBM of the routing component at a first time. The network device may determine whether the temperature of the ASIC satisfies a first ASIC temperature threshold or a second ASIC temperature threshold, and may determine whether the temperature of the HBM satisfies a first HBM temperature threshold or a second HBM temperature threshold. The network device may selectively throttle processing of the traffic by a first quantity when the temperature of the ASIC satisfies the first ASIC temperature threshold or the temperature of the HBM satisfies the first HBM temperature threshold, or throttle the processing of the traffic by a second quantity when the temperature of the ASIC satisfies the second ASIC temperature threshold or the temperature of the HBM satisfies the second HBM temperature threshold.