Heterogeneous PHY Architecture for PCIe and Low-Power Protocol Bridging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols like PCIe are not scalable for low-power devices, such as mobile devices, as they were developed with focus on high-speed performance without regard to power efficiency, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heterogeneous physical layer architecture that supports both PCIe and low-power communication protocols like M-PHY, enabling seamless communication between devices with different power consumption levels by using a bridge or switch with multiple protocol stacks and physical units, allowing for bridging between conventional PCIe-based and non-PCIe-based logic, and incorporating features like dynamic bandwidth scalability and asymmetric link configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If PCIe communication protocol is used for high-speed communication, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection capability that allows the communication device to switch between PCIe and low-power protocols based on real-time requirements. The device can dynamically adjust the communication protocol being used, selecting high-speed PCIe when performance is critical and low-power protocols when energy efficiency is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication device that supports multiple communication protocols simultaneously. By incorporating both PCIe protocol stacks and low-power protocol stacks within the same device, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing it to operate with different protocols depending on the specific communication needs and power constraints of the connected devices
2Productivity
If PCIe protocol is used for desktop computers, then communication performance is improved, but scalability to mobile devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication device that supports multiple communication protocols simultaneously. By incorporating both PCIe protocol stacks and low-power protocol stacks within the same device, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing it to operate with different protocols depending on the specific communication needs and power constraints of the connected devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication functionality into separate protocol stacks that can operate independently. Each protocol stack (PCIe and low-power protocols) is implemented as a distinct module, allowing the system to selectively activate only the necessary protocol for each communication session, thus improving adaptability to different device types including mobile devices
3Use of energy by moving object
If low-power communication protocols are used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection capability that allows the communication device to switch between PCIe and low-power protocols based on real-time requirements. The device can dynamically adjust the communication protocol being used, selecting high-speed PCIe when performance is critical and low-power protocols when energy efficiency is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol stacks are integrated in a single device, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functionality into separate protocol stacks that can operate independently. Each protocol stack (PCIe and low-power protocols) is implemented as a distinct module, allowing the system to selectively activate only the necessary protocol for each communication session, thus improving adaptability to different device types including mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
A device to process data packets for communication across PHY layers which are of different respective communication protocols. In an embodiment, the device includes a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack which are each for a PCIe™ communication protocol. The first protocol stack and a second protocol stack may interface, respectively, with a first physical (PHY) layer and a second PHY layer of the device. The first protocol stack and the second protocol stack may exchange packets to facilitate communications via both the first PHY layer and the second PHY layer. In another embodiment, the first PHY layer is for communication according to the PCIe™ communication protocol and the second PHY layer is for communication according to another, comparatively low power communication protocol.