Dynamic I/O Lane Mapping for SoC Pin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of high-speed I/O controllers in processor chipsets consumes a large number of pins, leading to pin scarcity and complex management of product variations with different customer requirements, as existing solutions rely on static multiplexing methods.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic configuration and enforcement system for mapping I/O controllers to access lanes, allowing remote agents to re-map, enable/disable lanes, and limit lane numbers, using a lane mapping module with fuse and softstrap controllers, and processors like the management engine microcontroller to adapt configurations based on SKU requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static multiplexing methods are used to map I/O controllers to pins, then pin allocation is simplified, but product variation management becomes complex and the number of SKUs grows rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane mapping that allows I/O controllers to be reassigned to different pins/lanes at runtime rather than being statically configured. The lane mapping module receives configuration data that dynamically adjusts the mapping between I/O controllers and physical lanes, enabling a single product platform to serve multiple customer requirements without creating numerous SKUs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of I/O controllers is increased to meet diverse customer requirements, then customer needs are better satisfied, but pin scarcity becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal I/O controller interface where a single physical lane can be dynamically assigned to different I/O controllers based on configuration needs. The lane mapping module enables one pin/lane to serve multiple I/O controller functions across different product configurations, effectively multiplying the utility of limited pin resources.
3Reliability
If static configuration through fuses or pin straps is used, then configuration is simple and reliable, but flexibility to adapt to different application needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lane mapping module as an intermediary layer between the physical pins/lanes and the I/O controllers. This mediator receives configuration data (which may come from various sources including fuses, pin straps, or software) and dynamically translates it into the appropriate controller-to-lane mappings, combining the reliability of hardware-based configuration with the flexibility of software-based adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for dynamic configuration and enforcement of access lanes to I/O controllers. The System may include a plurality of Input/Output (I/O) controllers and a plurality of lanes. The system may also include a lane mapping module configured to multiplex at least one of the I/O controllers to at least one of the lanes based on a configuration. The system may further include a first processor configured to detect a change request, the change request to modify the configuration from an existing configuration to a new configuration; and a second processor configured to: verify that the new configuration is valid based on a stock keeping unit (SKU) associated with the system; and, if the verification is successful, store the new configuration in non-volatile memory and reset the system.