Ethernet Controller Offloading TSN AVB Processing to Host CPU

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia data streaming over Ethernet networks using Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Audio Video Bridging (AVB) standards requires high-power processors, leading to increased power consumption and compatibility issues, as they need to remain active for data transfer, and requires software support on the Operating System, which can cause compatibility problems.

Innovation Solution

An Ethernet adapter module with an integrated medium access controller (MAC) and physical layer device (PHY) that includes offload hardware for AVDECC, timestamp logic, and support for TSN/AVB standards, allowing for offloading of TSN/AVB processing, discovery, enumeration, and connection management from the host CPU to the adapter card, enabling low-power operation and reducing the need for OS-level support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-power processors are used to carry out processing functions on multimedia data in TSN/AVB systems, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases and the system cannot enter sleep mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TSN/AVB processing functions into two parts: time-sensitive functions (timestamping, synchronization, QoS) are handled by dedicated hardware in the Ethernet controller, while non-time-sensitive functions are handled by the host CPU. This segmentation allows the host CPU to enter low-power states while time-sensitive operations continue through hardware automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The Ethernet controller is equipped with self-service capabilities through integrated hardware that automatically performs timestamping, synchronization, and QoS enforcement without requiring continuous host CPU intervention. The controller can autonomously manage TSN/AVB protocols, allowing the system to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete TSN/AVB protocol stack is supported in software on the Operating System, then protocol compliance is improved, but compatibility problems increase and essential services may be missing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol complianceVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hardware intermediary layer in the Ethernet controller that implements TSN/AVB protocol functions independently of the operating system software. This hardware mediator ensures consistent protocol compliance across different OS platforms, eliminating compatibility issues while maintaining full protocol support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based TSN/AVB protocol implementation with hardware-based implementation in the Ethernet controller. This substitution eliminates the variability and compatibility problems associated with software implementations while ensuring reliable and consistent protocol compliance across different systems and operating systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional Ethernet adapters are used for TSN/AVB data transfer, then hardware compatibility is improved, but processing efficiency decreases due to lack of integrated TSN/AVB functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges TSN/AVB protocol processing functions directly into the Ethernet controller hardware, combining what were previously separate functions (Ethernet framing and TSN/AVB protocol handling) into a single integrated device. This merging improves processing efficiency by eliminating the need for software-based protocol handling while maintaining compatibility with standard Ethernet infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11044296B1Ethernet controller with integrated TSN/AVB control point and time slave

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

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.