Host Bus Adapter Internal Memory Configuration

Solution Overview

Problem

In high-speed networks with long links, conventional host bus adapters require external non-volatile memory for frame staging, leading to increased costs and processing delays.

Innovation Solution

A host bus adapter with internal memory that can be configured in two modes: as dedicated RAM for the main processor or as dual-purpose RAM for both processor operations and frame storage, eliminating the need for external memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If external non-volatile memory devices are used to store frames received from the network, then frame storage capability is provided, but processing latency increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe storage capabilityVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame storage function with the existing internal memory of the host bus adapter by enabling the internal memory to operate in a second mode where it serves both as RAM for the main processor and as storage for received frames. This eliminates the need for separate external memory devices and reduces processing latency by keeping frame storage within the adapter's internal memory space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal memory is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in different modes. In the second mode, it universally serves both as random access memory for processor operations and as frame storage memory, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated external frame storage devices and reducing overall system cost and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If external non-volatile memory devices are used to store frames received from the network, then frame storage capability is provided, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe storage capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame storage function with the existing internal memory of the host bus adapter by enabling the internal memory to operate in a second mode where it serves both as RAM for the main processor and as storage for received frames. This eliminates the need for separate external memory devices and reduces processing latency by keeping frame storage within the adapter's internal memory space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal memory is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in different modes. In the second mode, it universally serves both as random access memory for processor operations and as frame storage memory, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated external frame storage devices and reducing overall system cost and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If internal memory is configured as dedicated RAM for the main processor, then processor operations are optimized, but frame storage capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor operation speedVSAvoidframe storage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic memory allocation by enabling the internal memory to switch between different operational modes. The memory can be configured in a first mode as dedicated RAM for processor operations or in a second mode as dual-purpose memory for both processor operations and frame storage. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for either processor speed or frame storage capability depending on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the internal memory by configuring it to operate in different modes. By modifying the memory's operational state from dedicated RAM to dual-purpose memory, the system can simultaneously support both high-speed processor operations and frame storage functions without requiring separate physical memory components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7668978B1Method and system for storing frames in networks

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

Method and system for an adapter operationally coupled to a host system and a network is provided. The adapter includes an internal memory that can be configured in a first mode to operate as a dedicated random access memory used by a main processor of the adapter; or configured in a second mode to operate both as a random access memory used by the main processor and also used for storing information received from the network. The method includes enabling the second mode of the internal memory so that the internal memory is configured to operate both as random access memory for the main processor and for storing information received from the network.