Interconnect Circuit Dynamic System Controller Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor redundant computing systems, especially in aircraft flight critical systems, existing technologies require physical reconfiguration to designate a system controller for each redundant system, leading to differing hardware configurations and increased risk of common mode failures due to unique CPU architectures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where an interconnect circuit in each redundant computing system reads a channel identifier from an external cable connection, allowing it to dynamically select one of multiple processors with different architectures as the system controller, ensuring identical hardware configurations across systems while allowing differing architectures to function as system controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first CPU slot is hard configured to be the system controller, then the system controller designation is simple and deterministic, but the hardware configuration must differ between redundant systems with unique CPU architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/configuration-based system controller selection (hardwired to first slot) with an electrical/software-based selection mechanism. The interconnect circuit uses electrical signals and logic to dynamically determine which CPU becomes the system controller, allowing flexible architecture selection without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection criterion from a fixed physical parameter (slot position) to a configurable parameter (CPU architecture type). By evaluating CPU architecture characteristics through the interconnect circuit, the system can select the most appropriate processor as system controller based on architectural suitability rather than physical location.
2Reliability
If different CPU architectures are used as system controllers in redundant systems, then adaptability and failure independence are improved, but hardware configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple CPU architectures and selection scenarios. It can identify and accommodate different CPU types (e.g., Intel, PowerPC, ARM) and automatically configure the system controller designation, eliminating the need for architecture-specific hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration through the interconnect circuit, which automatically identifies CPU architectures and designates the appropriate system controller without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration complexity while maintaining reliability through architecture-appropriate controller selection.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical reconfiguration is required to change system controller designation, then control precision is maintained, but ease of operation and maintenance time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability through the interconnect circuit, which can change system controller designation through software or electrical configuration rather than physical hardware changes. This allows the system to adapt controller selection based on operational requirements while maintaining precise control through logical rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a computing system and a cable connector. The computing system includes a plurality of processors and an interconnect circuit configured to connect the plurality of processors to each other. The cable connector is configured to connect to the interconnect circuit and provide a channel identifier to the computing system, and the interconnect circuit is configured to set one of the plurality of processors as a system controller based on the channel identifier.