Inter-Processor Communication Using Ethernet TCP/IP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-processor communication methods, such as RS-422 and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), require separate high-priced control boards, complicate hardware design, and reduce system flexibility and expandability, making them costly and less competitive in the market.
Innovation Solution
Implementing inter-processor communication using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) with an Ethernet interface module, message process module, and common application programming interface (API) module to facilitate data transmission and reception, enabling flexible and cost-effective communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control boards (HIPA, HINA, ATM switch boards) are used for inter-processor communication, then communication stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates inter-processor communication functionality directly into the processor board by incorporating an Ethernet interface module and TCP/IP communication module within the processor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate control boards (HIPA, HINA, ATM switch boards) while maintaining communication stability through standardized Ethernet protocols and reliable TCP/IP stack implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor board is designed with multi-functional capabilities by incorporating Ethernet interface and TCP/IP communication modules that can handle various communication protocols and functions. This universal design allows the same processor board to perform both processing tasks and communication control, replacing multiple specialized boards with a single versatile unit.
2Reliability
If separate control boards are used for inter-processor communication, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining communication control functions directly into the processor board design, the system reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The Ethernet interface module and TCP/IP communication module are integrated into the processor board's circuit board, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
3Speed
If bus structure is used for communication, then communication speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bus-based mechanical connection system with Ethernet network communication using TCP/IP protocols. Instead of using physical bus structures with multiple signal lines, the system uses Ethernet cables and standardized network protocols to achieve high-speed communication while significantly reducing hardware design complexity and the number of signal lines required.
4Speed
If ATM method is used for high-speed communication, then communication speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameters from ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) to Ethernet with TCP/IP. This parameter change allows the system to achieve comparable or sufficient communication speeds for inter-processor communication while using standardized, cost-effective Ethernet infrastructure instead of expensive ATM switch boards and MUX/DEMUX devices.
5Quantity of substance
If more signal lines are used in bus structure, then communication capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex bus structure with multiple signal lines with Ethernet network communication. Instead of routing numerous signal lines between processors, the system uses Ethernet cables with standardized connectors, significantly reducing the number of wires and connections required while maintaining or improving communication capacity through higher bandwidth Ethernet protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing inter-processor communication (IPC) using transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) in a communication system, including: an Ethernet interface module for providing an interface between an Ethernet device driver and an interprocessor communication (IPC) module, determining a type of a received message, transmitting the received message to a message process module if the type of the received message is non-frame data, and queuing the received message in a corresponding mailbox corresponding to frame data if the type of the received message is the frame data; a message process module for queuing the non-frame data received through the Ethernet interface module in a corresponding mailbox; and a common application programming interface (API) module for providing an interface for basically performing data transmission and reception through the message process module, mailbox management, interprocessor communication (IPC) buffer management and an interprocessor communication (IPC) control function.