Interrupt Control System MSI Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCI-based interrupt control systems require interrupt signal lines, limiting efficiency and flexibility, while systems not supporting PCI Express cannot utilize Message Signal Interrupts (MSIs), necessitating hardware and OS upgrades.
Innovation Solution
An interrupt control system with a conversion unit that recognizes MSIs and converts them into signal-line-based interrupts, allowing for the incorporation of signal-line-based interrupts into MSI-based control systems, enhancing performance by combining MSI and signal-line-based interrupts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If PCI-based interrupt control systems use interrupt signal lines, then interrupt control is achieved, but control elements cannot be efficiently mounted onto substrate and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical interrupt signal line system with a software-based MSI message system. Instead of physical signal lines carrying interrupt requests, the system uses message packets transmitted through the PCI Express protocol, eliminating the need for dedicated interrupt signal wiring and reducing substrate complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an MSI message as an intermediary between the interrupt source and the interrupt controller. The message signal interrupt acts as a mediator that carries interrupt information through the PCI Express bus without requiring direct signal line connections, thereby simplifying the physical wiring while maintaining interrupt control functionality.
2Productivity
If systems use Message Signal Interrupts (MSIs), then interrupt control efficiency is improved and wiring is simplified, but hardware and OS upgrades are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interrupt control functionality into two parts: an MSI-capable component that generates and processes message signal interrupts, and a legacy component that uses traditional interrupt signal lines. This segmentation allows the system to adopt MSI technology incrementally without requiring complete hardware replacement, as different components can operate in different interrupt modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interrupt control mechanism that can handle both MSI and traditional interrupt signal line modes. The system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting both interrupt architectures simultaneously, which allows gradual adoption of MSI technology while maintaining compatibility with existing hardware and operating systems that have not been upgraded.
Data Source
AI summary
An interrupt control system is provided where a signal-line-based interrupt system can be incorporated into interrupt control using MSIs (Message Signal Interrupts). The interrupt control system includes a first PCI interface, a second PCI interface, a PCI bridge serving as a bridge between the first PCI interface and the second PCI interface, and a control circuit for controlling an interrupt signal. The PCI bridge recognizes a message signal interrupt issued from the first PCI interface to the second PCI interface and transfers the message signal interrupt to the control circuit, and the control circuit is provided with an interrupt conversion unit for converting the message signal interrupt into an interrupt signal and outputting it via a signal line.