Interface Bridge Credit Synchronization for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface bridge devices face challenges in converting data between different communication interfaces, leading to data transmission delays and the need for large buffer memories due to asynchronous credit management between devices, resulting in increased latency and costs.
Innovation Solution
An interface bridge device with a conversion circuit that synchronizes credits between different communication interfaces, ensuring equivalent data transmission capabilities, thereby preventing waiting states and reducing latency by converting credits in real-time and effectively using remaining credits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If credit management is performed asynchronously between different communication interfaces, then device compatibility is improved, but data transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion circuit as an intermediary component between the first and second communication interfaces. This conversion circuit performs credit conversion according to conversion rules, translating credit units and states between the two different communication interfaces. The intermediary enables asynchronous credit management to function synchronously in terms of data flow control, thereby maintaining device compatibility while reducing transmission latency caused by asynchronous waiting states.
2Reliability
If large buffer memories are used to handle credit conversion between interfaces, then data transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of credit representation by introducing conversion rules that translate credit units and states between different communication interfaces. Instead of using large buffer memories to accommodate credit differences, the system transforms credit parameters (units, states, and values) according to predefined conversion rules. This parameter transformation approach maintains data transmission reliability by properly managing credit states while avoiding the need for expensive large-capacity buffer memories.
3Productivity
If credit conversion is performed without synchronization, then processing speed is improved, but data link transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing credit conversion rules in advance before actual data transmission occurs. These conversion rules predefine how credit units and states should be transformed between the first and second communication interfaces. By having the conversion logic prepared beforehand, the system can perform rapid credit conversion during operation without compromising data link transparency, as the conversion process follows predetermined transparent rules that maintain the integrity of the data flow control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device includes a conversion circuit that converts data that conforms to a first communication interface standard into data that conforms to a second communication interface standard, first and second flow control units that execute respectively a first flow control that conforms to the first communication interface standard on the first device, and a second flow control that conforms to the second communication interface standard on the second device, first and second communication circuits that receive data from and transmit data to the first device under control of the first flow control unit and the second device under control of the second flow control unit, respectively. Data is transmitted from the second to the first device in accordance with first and second credits used in the first and second flow controls, respectively, and a data amount associated with the first credit is equivalent to a data amount associated with the second credit.