Idle Sequence Bitwise Complement Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in sending frequent flow control data without using unique symbols or designated packets, particularly during idle time in high-throughput packet communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication link is configured to implement frequent flow control by modifying the basic idle code word sequence with bitwise complement code words, which are transmitted during inter-packet gaps to indicate buffer fullness, allowing the receiving device to adjust packet transmission accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique symbols or designated packets are used to send flow control data, then flow control reliability is improved, but communication throughput and spectral efficiency deteriorate due to additional overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flow control data transmission with the existing idle sequence structure. Instead of using separate unique symbols or designated packets, the flow control information is embedded within the idle sequences that already occur during inter-packet gaps. The idle sequence is modified by replacing certain code words with their bitwise complements to encode buffer fullness information, thereby combining flow control functionality with the existing idle time utilization without adding separate overhead channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The idle sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains communication link synchronization, indicates link status, and conveys flow control information about buffer fullness. By making the idle sequence multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated signals for flow control, thereby improving throughput while maintaining reliable flow control through the same communication channel.
2Productivity
If flow control data is transmitted during idle time, then flow control frequency is improved, but signal complexity increases due to modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the idle sequence by replacing specific code words with their bitwise complements. This parameter modification encodes flow control information (buffer fullness status) directly into the idle sequence structure. The receiving device detects these changes by comparing received idle sequences with expected sequences, enabling frequent flow control updates during inter-packet gaps without requiring complex additional signaling mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If bitwise complement code words are used to indicate buffer fullness, then flow control information accuracy is improved, but sequence modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bitwise complement (inversion) of code words to encode buffer fullness information. Instead of using additional bits or complex encoding schemes, the system inverts specific code words in the idle sequence to indicate different buffer states. This inversion method provides clear, unambiguous flow control information that is easily detectable by the receiving device through simple comparison with the expected idle sequence, achieving high accuracy with relatively simple implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementing flow control without using unique symbols or designated packets, comprising: sending, from a first device to a second device, high throughput packet communication. Temporarily storing the high throughput packet communication in a buffer of the second device. Calculating, by the second device, a basic idle code word sequence known to the first device. Producing an idle sequence by replacing certain M code words of the basic idle sequence with M bitwise complement code words. Transmitting the idle sequence, wherein the M bitwise complement code words are indicative of the fullness of the buffer. Receiving the idle sequence by the first device, and determining, based on a difference between the idle sequence and the basic idle sequence, that the buffer is full or expected to get full, and thus the first device stop sending packets to the second device.