Interposer-Based Device Connection for Data Processing Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing systems face limitations in providing computer implemented services due to the finite number of hardware components, which can be overcome by selectively adding devices with varying form factors, requiring an interposer and discovery process to establish compatible connections.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an interposer and discovery process to identify device types, reconfigure buses, and establish point-to-point connections, allowing devices with different standards (such as PCIe and EDFSS) to connect directly to the data processing system, enabling the use of a wider array of hardware components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices with varying form factors are selectively added to expand hardware capabilities, then the types and quantity of computer implemented services can be expanded, but compatibility issues arise requiring interposers and discovery processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with devices of varying form factorsVSAvoidcomplexity of connection establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An interposer device is introduced as an intermediary component between the data processing system and devices with varying form factors. The interposer provides standardized interfaces that bridge compatibility gaps, allowing devices with different form factors (such as PCIe and EDFSS) to connect to the data processing system without requiring complex custom connection logic in the main system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A discovery process is implemented that automatically identifies the type of device attached to the data processing system before establishing connections. This preliminary identification action allows the system to pre-configure appropriate communication protocols and connection parameters, simplifying the overall connection establishment process despite the variety of supported form factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If an interposer and discovery process are implemented to manage device connections, then compatibility with varying form factors is enhanced, but the complexity of the connection establishment process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple device standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of bus reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic bus reconfiguration capabilities that automatically adapt the communication bus based on the discovered device type. The bus topology and communication protocols are dynamically adjusted during operation to match the specific requirements of connected devices, allowing the system to support multiple standards (PCIe, EDFSS, etc.) without requiring static complex configuration for each possibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12174772B2System and method for connecting devices having variable form factors to data processing systems

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing operation of data processing systems are disclosed. The data processing systems may include a limited number of hardware components. To increase the usable number or types of hardware components, an add-in card or other device may be attached to the data processing system. To facilitate connection of a variety of types of devices having varying form factors, an interposer may be used. The data processing system may modify a communication topology based on whether a device or the interposer is connected to it to establish communication channels.