Interface Device Clocking Based on Elastic Buffer Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface devices struggle with inefficient data transmission due to fixed transmission parameters that do not adapt to varying link characteristics, leading to potential buffer overflows or underflows and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The interface device adaptively determines transmission parameters such as clock frequency ranges and skip ordered-set intervals based on the status of its own and connected buffers, using a buffer status monitor and controller to optimize data transmission and minimize buffer pre-underflow or pre-overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed transmission parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying link characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission parameter adjustment by monitoring buffer status (fill level) and adaptively modifying clock frequency ranges and skip ordered-set intervals. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamic parameters that respond to real-time link conditions, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and device complexity through controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the interface device monitors its own buffer status and the connected device's buffer status, then uses this information to adjust transmission parameters. The feedback loop includes detecting buffer fill levels, determining appropriate parameter adjustments, and implementing those adjustments to optimize data transmission while preventing buffer overflows or underflows.
2Speed
If higher clock frequency is used, then data transmission speed is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the clock frequency range based on buffer status and link characteristics. Instead of using a fixed high frequency that causes electromagnetic interference, the system modulates the clock frequency parameter in response to actual transmission needs, thereby maintaining high transmission speed when possible while reducing electromagnetic interference when buffer conditions require lower frequencies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmission parameter adjustment is implemented, then adaptability to link characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional interface device that can operate under various link characteristics through a single integrated parameter adjustment mechanism. The same buffer status monitoring and parameter adjustment system handles multiple scenarios including different data rates, buffer fill levels, and link conditions, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Interface devices and systems that include interface devices are disclosed. In some implementations, a device includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data, a lane margining controller in communication with the transceiver and configured to control the transceiver to transmit, through a margin command, to an external device, a request for requesting a state of an elastic buffer of the external device, and control the transceiver to receive the state of the elastic buffer of from the external device, and a port setting controller adjust a clock frequency range of a spread spectrum clocking scheme based on the state of the elastic buffer.