Ethernet Rate Adaptation Unit for Variable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.3cg standard limits data rate to 10 Mb/s, restricting the number of applications that can be supported in in-vehicle networks, as existing PHY and MAC units operate at a fixed data rate, preventing adaptation to different communication rates.
Innovation Solution
An Ethernet communications device with a rate adaptation unit that operates an Ethernet MAC unit according to an IEEE 802.3 standard and adapts the data transmission rate on a physical media to a different effective data communications rate, allowing for communication at rates between 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If IEEE 802.3cg standard is used for 10 Mb/s communication, then cost-effective single twisted-pair connection is achieved, but data transmission rate is limited and cannot support higher speed applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data rate parameter from the fixed 10 Mb/s specified in IEEE 802.3cg to variable rates between 10-100 Mb/s. The PHY layer operates at standard 10 Mb/s while the MAC layer is configured to run at higher effective data rates, achieving parameter transformation that enables higher speeds without changing the physical layer standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rate adaptation mechanism as an intermediary layer between the PHY and MAC layers. This intermediary enables translation between the standard 10 Mb/s PHY operation and higher effective data rates at the MAC layer, allowing applications to achieve higher speeds while maintaining compatibility with existing IEEE 802.3cg infrastructure.
2Reliability
If fixed data rate PHY and MAC units are used, then standard compliance is maintained, but adaptability to different communication rates is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Ethernet protocol stack into distinct PHY and MAC layers with independent data rate capabilities. The PHY layer maintains standard 10 Mb/s operation for compliance, while the MAC layer is configured for higher effective data rates, allowing each layer to operate independently at its optimal rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rate adaptation between the PHY and MAC layers. The system can dynamically adjust the effective data rate at the MAC layer while maintaining the fixed 10 Mb/s physical layer operation, enabling adaptability to different application requirements without compromising standard compliance.
3Productivity
If higher data rates are implemented without rate adaptation, then application performance improves, but compatibility with existing IEEE standards and infrastructure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the standard Ethernet interface at the MAC layer that operates at higher effective data rates, while the physical layer continues to operate according to IEEE 802.3cg standards. This copying approach allows applications to access higher speeds through the MAC layer while the PHY layer maintains standard compliance for infrastructure compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a device and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of communications involves operating an Ethernet media access control (MAC) unit according to a rate specified in an IEEE 802.3 standard and adapting to transmit data to or from the Ethernet MAC unit at an effective data communications rate on a physical media, where the effective data communications rate is different from the rate specified by the IEEE 802.3 standard.