Ethernet Adapter Offloading TSN/AVB Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia data streaming over Ethernet networks using Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Audio Video Bridge (AVB) standards requires high-power processors to remain active, leading to increased power consumption and compatibility issues due to the need for software support of the TSN/AVB protocol stack on the Operating System.
Innovation Solution
An Ethernet adapter module with an Ethernet medium access controller (MAC) and physical layer device (PHY) that includes a processor and offload hardware for AVDECC, capable of performing audio video discovery, enumeration, connection management, and timestamping, allowing for offloading of TSN/AVB processing from the endpoint device's CPU to the adapter card, thereby reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for full OS support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-power processors are used to carry out processing functions on multimedia data in TSN/AVB systems, then processing capability and multimedia data transfer quality are improved, but power consumption increases and the endpoint cannot enter sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TSN/AVB processing functions by introducing a dedicated processing unit that handles TSN/AVB protocol stack operations separately from the main host processor. This allows the host processor to enter low-power states while the dedicated unit continues to manage time-sensitive networking functions, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated processing unit as an intermediary between the host processor and the TSN/AVB network interface. This intermediary handles the complex protocol processing, timestamping, and synchronization functions, allowing the host processor to sleep while the intermediary maintains active network connectivity and processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the complete TSN and/or AVB protocol stack is supported in software on the Operating System, then full TSN/AVB functionality is achieved, but compatibility problems arise and essential services may be lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based protocol stack implementation with a dedicated hardware processing unit that has TSN/AVB functionality built-in. This hardware implementation eliminates the compatibility issues and reliability concerns associated with software implementations, as the protocol handling is embedded in dedicated circuitry rather than dependent on operating system software quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated processing unit provides universal TSN/AVB functionality that can handle multiple protocol requirements simultaneously. By integrating the protocol stack capabilities into dedicated hardware, the system achieves reliable multi-functionality without the compatibility problems that arise from software-based implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
An Ethernet adapter module for interfacing a network endpoint device to an Ethernet network is disclosed. The Ethernet adapter module includes an Ethernet medium access controller (MAC) and an Ethernet physical layer device (PHY). The Ethernet MAC includes a processor and Time Sensitive Networking and/or Audio Video Bridging (TSN/AVB) state machines that cooperate with the processor to (1) identify a TSN/AVB request from the network endpoint device, and (2) discover a network topology along which to transfer data between the network endpoint device and a second network endpoint device in accordance with a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS). The Ethernet PHY is coupled to the Ethernet MAC and includes timestamp logic to apply a timing reference to the data being transferred.