Image Processing Controller Interface Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing controllers require separate interfaces such as PCI and PCIe, leading to increased manufacturing costs and development burdens due to the need for switches or bridges to accommodate different data transfer speeds, and do not ensure compatibility at the software level between these interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An image processing controller with a first interface for high-speed data transfer, a second interface for lower-speed data transfer, a communication path connecting both interfaces, and a first-in first-out memory, along with a specifying unit to determine the transmission destination based on received addresses, allowing direct data transfer between the interfaces without the need for additional switching components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces (PCI and PCIe) are mounted on the image processing controller to support different data transfer speeds, then the controller can accommodate various devices, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for switches or bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing controller is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both PCIe mode and PCI mode. The controller includes a PCIe interface unit that can function as a standard PCIe interface or be converted to provide PCI interface functionality through a conversion unit, allowing a single device to serve multiple interface types without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each interface standard.
Solution Approach 2:
A conversion unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the PCIe interface unit and the system bus. This conversion unit can convert PCI interface signals to PCIe interface signals and vice versa, enabling the controller to accommodate both PCI and PCIe devices without requiring separate switches or bridges, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switches or bridges are added to convert data between PCI and PCIe interfaces, then interface compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion unit is merged with the image processing controller itself rather than being a separate external component. The controller integrates the PCIe interface unit, conversion unit, and system bus interface into a single unified device, eliminating the need for separate switches or bridges and thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining interface compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing controller is designed as a universal device that can handle both PCIe and PCI protocols. By incorporating the conversion capability directly into the controller, the system eliminates the need for additional dedicated conversion components, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity.
3Speed
If a high-speed PCIe interface is mounted on the image processing controller, then data transfer speed is improved, but compatibility with legacy PCI devices requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion unit serves as an intermediary that translates between PCIe high-speed protocols and PCI legacy protocols. This allows the system to maintain the high-speed PCIe interface for modern devices while providing backward compatibility with legacy PCI devices through signal conversion, without requiring separate interface cards or additional complex switching infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is segmented into functional units: a PCIe interface unit for high-speed operations, a conversion unit for protocol translation, and a system bus interface. This segmentation allows the high-speed PCIe functionality to operate independently while the conversion unit handles legacy compatibility requests, enabling speed improvement without forcing legacy device complexity onto the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A first interface receives image information and an output destination address from a first external device. A second interface transmits image information to a second external device at a lower communication speed than the first interface. A communication path connects the first interface and the second interface to exchange data, on which a first-in first-out memory is provided. Upon the first interface receiving the address, when the second interface is specified as a transmission destination based on the address, a transmitting unit transmits the image information to the second interface through the communication path and the first-in first-out memory.