Ethernet Controller Message Filtering Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet controllers in wired networks are computationally intensive due to the need for software to evaluate and copy messages, leading to long processing times, whereas fieldbus systems like CAN or FlexRay efficiently process messages by pre-analyzing and storing them in dedicated memory locations.
Innovation Solution
An Ethernet controller with a message memory that checks received data packets for predefined properties and stores them in reserved locations based on operating parameters, allowing for efficient message processing and storage, reducing the need for software evaluation and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software evaluates and copies messages in Ethernet controllers, then message processing can be performed, but processing time increases and computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring message filters and evaluation criteria in the Ethernet controller hardware before messages arrive. The controller pre-analyzes incoming messages against predefined properties (such as source address, destination address, protocol type) and only passes relevant messages to the software driver, eliminating the need for software to evaluate every message and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the message evaluation and filtering function from the software domain and places it in the hardware domain of the Ethernet controller. By implementing dedicated filter logic in hardware, the controller can perform preliminary message analysis independently, separating the time-critical filtering task from the software processing chain and thereby reducing overall processing time.
2Ease of operation
If software drivers process all incoming messages, then comprehensive message handling is achieved, but computational load on the processor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the Ethernet controller to autonomously perform message filtering and preliminary processing without requiring software intervention for every message. The controller's built-in filters automatically evaluate messages against predefined criteria and only forward relevant messages to the software driver, allowing the hardware to serve itself in handling routine filtering tasks and reducing the processor's computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering layer in the Ethernet controller that stands between the physical message reception and the software processing. This intermediary hardware filter acts as a mediator that pre-processes messages, evaluating them against configured properties before passing them to the software driver, thereby reducing the volume of messages requiring software processing and lowering computational load.
3Productivity
If dedicated memory locations are reserved for specific messages based on operating parameters, then message storage efficiency improves, but message latency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating specific memory locations in the Ethernet controller's message memory for storing messages with particular properties or operating parameters. Instead of a uniform storage approach, the controller provides dedicated storage spaces tailored to different message types (e.g., different source addresses, protocols, or priority levels), optimizing storage efficiency for each message category while enabling rapid retrieval and reducing latency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing messages with at least one Ethernet controller having a message memory (96), in which the at least one Ethernet controller checks a received message for the presence of at least one property, and in which the received message is stored in the message memory (96) if this at least one property applies to the message.