Integrated Circuit Error Management Module for Ethernet Partition Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In embedded systems with multiple processor cores and Ethernet communication modules, hardware errors can lead to the simultaneous shutdown of all communication channels, even if the error is isolated to one partition, disrupting other partitions' communication.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a central error management module with separate hardware paths allows for the selective switching off of individual Ethernet communication channels, preventing faulty messages from being transmitted while allowing other partitions to continue communicating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Ethernet transmission function is immediately deactivated at the xMII interface in the case of an error, then faulty messages are prevented from being transmitted, but all communication channels are switched off simultaneously even if the error relates to only one partition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error management functionality by introducing separate hardware paths from the central error management module to individual Ethernet communication channels. Each partition's communication channel can be independently controlled, allowing the system to isolate errors to specific partitions rather than affecting the entire Ethernet interface. This segmentation enables selective deactivation of only the affected communication channel while maintaining operation of other partitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware paths are provided from the central error management module for switching off individual Ethernet communication channels, then targeted exclusion of affected partitions is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism within the error management module that mediates between the central error detection logic and individual communication channels. This intermediary structure provides standardized control interfaces that manage the complexity of multiple hardware paths, allowing selective channel deactivation through a unified error management architecture rather than requiring complex point-to-point control logic for each channel.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit. The circuit includes a communication module including shared ports, and an error management module for managing at least one case of an error. The circuit is configured to communicate on multiple internal communication channels via the ports. The error management module includes at least one hardware path for selectively switching off the individual communication channels in the case of an error.