Dynamic Link Width Switching for Continuous Serial Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed serial interfaces face issues with power consumption and bandwidth inefficiency due to non-adaptive link width adjustments based on dynamically changing traffic volumes, leading to interruptions and reliability problems during link width switching.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adjusting link width by sending indication packets and bit streams to enable new channels for data communication without interrupting the existing channel, allowing seamless transition and alignment of link widths between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If link width is increased to provide sufficient bandwidth for high traffic volume, then bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link width adjustment where the link width is changed from a fixed configuration to a variable one that adapts to traffic conditions. The system includes a bandwidth manager that monitors traffic volume and dynamically adjusts the link width between different service directions, allowing the system to optimize between bandwidth and power consumption based on actual demand rather than using a static maximum width
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the link width parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can take different values (e.g., 1, 2, 4 lanes) depending on traffic conditions. The bandwidth manager adjusts this parameter independently for different service directions, enabling the system to match the physical layer configuration with actual bandwidth requirements and reduce power consumption when full width is not needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If link width switching is performed to adapt to changing traffic, then adaptability is improved, but data stream transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link width adjustment process into independent adjustments for different service directions. The bandwidth manager can adjust the link width in one service direction without affecting the other direction, allowing the system to perform adaptive switching while maintaining continuous data transmission in the unaffected direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by first notifying the peer device of the intended link width change through indication packets before actually performing the switching. This advance notification allows the receiving end to prepare for the change, and the system can coordinate the switching timing to minimize or eliminate data transmission interruptions
3Reliability
If channel training is performed during link width switching, then link reliability is improved, but data stream transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs channel training in advance before the actual data transmission resumes after link width switching. The training sequence is sent beforehand to establish proper synchronization and equalization on the new link width configuration, so that when data transmission restarts, the channel is already trained and ready, minimizing the interruption time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by using the unaffected service direction to continue data transmission while the other direction undergoes link width switching and channel training. This allows the training process to occur without completely stopping all data communication, as one service direction can maintain continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a link width adjustment method and apparatus. The method includes: sending, to a second-end apparatus through a first channel, a first packet indicating to perform link width switching; receiving a second packet that is returned by the second-end apparatus and that indicates that the link width switching is agreed on; sending, to the second-end apparatus through a second channel, a first bit stream to test the second channel for data communication; and sending a data stream to the second-end apparatus through the first channel and the second channel.