MAC Logic Execution via Time-Annotated Command Chains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for implementing new Media Access Control (MAC) protocols on top of existing hardware and software platforms are complex and require recompilation of drivers, making it difficult to change time-critical MAC functionality at run-time without interrupting the system.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a chain of commands annotated with target execution times, allowing for time-accurate execution of MAC logic on a processor without the need for recompilation or redevelopment of drivers, where the execution times are calculated to meet the target chain execution time, enabling flexible and efficient implementation of MAC protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MAC specific functions are integrated in hardware drivers to meet timing requirements, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of modification increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming precisionVSAvoiddriver complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MAC protocol implementation into two parts: time-critical functions remain in hardware drivers with precise timing control, while non-time-critical MAC logic is extracted to a separate software layer. This allows timing precision to be maintained for critical operations while reducing driver complexity by removing modifiable MAC logic from the driver code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the MAC logic layer from the hardware driver, creating a separate software-based MAC implementation that can be modified without recompiling drivers. This extraction maintains timing precision by keeping the driver interface stable while allowing flexible MAC protocol changes in the upper software layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If new MAC functionality is implemented by developing new drivers, then timing requirements are met, but productivity and ease of implementation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming requirement complianceVSAvoidMAC implementation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic MAC implementation where the MAC logic layer can be modified at runtime without system reboot. The system maintains stable driver-hardware interactions for timing compliance while allowing flexible MAC protocol changes through a configurable software layer, enabling rapid deployment of new MAC functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary MAC logic layer between the hardware driver and the MAC protocol implementation. This intermediary layer handles protocol-specific logic while the driver maintains precise timing control, allowing rapid MAC implementation changes without affecting driver stability or timing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If MAC code is mixed with PHY specific code, then integration is improved, but adaptability and ease of modification decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode integrationVSAvoidMAC protocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the codebase into distinct layers: PHY-specific code in the hardware driver, time-critical MAC functions in the driver interface, and configurable MAC logic in a separate software layer. This segmentation maintains stable integration between layers while enabling flexible modification of MAC protocols without affecting PHY code or driver stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If drivers are recompiled to change MAC functionality, then timing precision is maintained, but loss of time and system availability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidrecompilation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of MAC logic parameters and protocols before runtime execution. The MAC logic layer is designed to accept configurable parameters without requiring driver recompilation, allowing timing-critical driver code to remain compiled and loaded while MAC protocol changes are applied dynamically through parameter updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables MAC functionality changes through parameter modifications in the software MAC logic layer rather than code changes requiring recompilation. Timing-critical driver parameters remain fixed for precision, while MAC protocol parameters can be adjusted at runtime, eliminating recompilation delays and maintaining system availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10140228B2Real-time execution of MAC control logic

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO ELECTRONICS CENT (IMEC VZW)

AI summary

A method is provided for time accurate execution of MAC logic on a processor able to drive a radio interface. In a first step, a chain of commands is received annotated with a target chain execution time. In a second step, start execution times for the commands are calculated based on the target chain execution time. Then, the chain of commands is executed on this processor at the start execution times.