Flexible Routing Engine for PCIe Switch Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PCI Express switch technology requires costly and time-consuming silicon re-fabrication for correcting errors or adding new routing features, delaying device time-to-market and limiting the implementation of non-standard routing features.
Innovation Solution
A flexible routing engine in a switch that uses a switch manager running firmware to interpret configuration request transaction layer packets and update routing tables, allowing for dynamic configuration of routing behaviors without the need for new silicon revisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing functions are hard-coded into the switch during silicon fabrication, then routing reliability is improved, but any errors or needed feature additions require expensive and time-consuming silicon re-fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing function into two parts: a hard-coded switching fabric that provides reliable packet forwarding, and a separate programmable routing engine that handles routing logic. This allows the routing behavior to be changed without modifying the silicon fabric, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a routing engine as an intermediary component between the root complex and the switching fabric. This routing engine can be programmed with different routing algorithms and features, allowing the system to adapt to new requirements without re-fabricating the silicon, while the underlying fabric maintains its reliable packet switching capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If silicon re-fabrication is performed to correct errors or add features, then routing function accuracy is improved, but time-to-market and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic routing engine that can be programmed and reconfigured after silicon fabrication. This allows routing function accuracy to be improved by updating the routing engine software rather than re-fabricating silicon, eliminating the time loss associated with manufacturing cycles while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a programmable routing engine that can be replicated and updated through software copies rather than physical silicon copies. This allows rapid deployment of routing function corrections and feature additions without the expensive and time-consuming process of silicon re-fabrication, directly addressing the time-to-market concern.
3Productivity
If standard PCIe routing functions are implemented in hard-coded silicon, then device performance is improved, but implementation of non-standard routing features becomes impossible without new silicon revisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal routing engine that can execute multiple routing algorithms and support both standard and non-standard PCIe routing features through programmability. The hard-coded switching fabric provides high-performance packet switching, while the programmable routing engine adds versatility for non-standard features without compromising device performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for a flexible routing engine in a PCIe switch. The system may include a switch manager that is enabled, through firmware, to configure one or more routing tables associated with a switch stack of a PCIe switch. The method may include receiving a configuration transaction layer packet at the switch manager of a PCIe switch, running firmware at the switch manager to identify a desired behavior of a switch stack of the switch and updating one or more routing tables associated with switch stack.