Removable I/O Controller Link Card for Multiprocessor Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dual processor and multicore processor architectures lack flexibility and reliability, particularly in accommodating dynamic reconfiguration of communication links and I/O accessibility, which limits their performance and fault tolerance in multiprocessor systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses an I/O controller link card to removably couple I/O controllers, allowing for flexible reconfiguration of primary and secondary I/O slots to enhance electrical coupling between multicore processors, thereby increasing flexibility and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed topology configuration is used in multicore multiprocessor architecture, then manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but flexibility and adaptability for dynamic reconfiguration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the I/O controller system into separate, independently configurable units. Each I/O controller can be independently coupled to processors and I/O devices, allowing individual controllers to be configured or replaced without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration of the topology while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the topology of the multicore multiprocessor system can be changed during operation. I/O controllers can be dynamically coupled or decoupled from processors and I/O devices, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements, fault conditions, or performance needs without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If communication links are factory configured, then initial system setup is simplified, but dynamic reconfiguration for performance optimization and fault tolerance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple pre-configured communication pathways and coupling options during manufacturing, but leaves the actual selection and activation of these pathways to be determined later based on operational needs. I/O controllers are pre-equipped with multiple interface capabilities that can be selectively activated, allowing the system to respond to fault conditions or performance requirements without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changing of topological parameters such as which processors are coupled to which I/O controllers, which I/O devices are accessible through which controllers, and the active communication pathways. These parameter changes can be made dynamically to optimize performance or maintain functionality under different operational conditions and fault scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of PCIe slots is limited, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but I/O accessibility and communication capabilities between devices on different I/O hubs are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes I/O controllers universal by equipping them with multiple interface types and coupling capabilities. A single I/O controller can interface with multiple different types of processors and I/O devices, and can be configured to provide access through multiple PCIe slots. This multi-functionality increases I/O accessibility without requiring a proportional increase in the number of physical slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces I/O controllers as intermediary devices that mediate communication between processors and I/O devices. Rather than requiring direct connections between all processors and all I/O devices, the controllers act as intermediaries that manage and route communications, effectively increasing accessibility while managing complexity through centralized control.
4Reliability
If communication links are statically configured, then system stability is improved, but ability to respond to component failure and reconfigure topology is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundant communication pathways and alternative coupling configurations that are prepared in advance but remain dormant during normal operation. When a component failure occurs, these pre-prepared alternative pathways can be activated to maintain system functionality, providing fault tolerance without compromising normal system stability or requiring complex real-time decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for increasing flexibility, I/O accessibility, and reliability of multicore, multiprocessor architecture, a first input/output (I/O) controller and a second I/O controller are coupled by an I/O controller link card. The first I/O controller is coupled to at least one multicore processor. A plurality of primary I/O slots and a plurality of secondary I/O slots are respectively coupled to the first I/O controller and the second I/O controller. The I/O controller link card is removably insertable in adjacent slots spanning one of the primary I/O slots and one of the secondary I/O slots, thereby providing a flexible link to electrically couple the first I/O controller and the second I/O controller.