Memory Buffer Timer Circuit for Ethernet Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices in Ethernet networks face challenges in managing the timing of data transmission and reception, leading to increased communication latency due to simultaneous writing and reading from buffers, which affects data packetization and extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit and timer system that manages the timing of data movement into and out of memory buffers, using user-configurable time intervals to ensure data is read from buffers soon after it is written, thereby reducing latency and preventing simultaneous access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in a buffer for Ethernet packet transmission, then data can be managed for packetization, but communication latency increases due to timing management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing signals generated by a timer circuit that periodically enable or disable buffer access at predetermined intervals. This periodic action creates a structured timing framework where data writing and reading operations occur in alternating time slots, ensuring reliable packetization while minimizing latency through predictable, rhythmic buffer access patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing circuit generates timing signals in advance that pre-coordinate the buffer access schedule before data transmission begins. By establishing the timing framework beforehand, the system prepares the buffer access sequence ahead of time, allowing data to be transferred as soon as it arrives without waiting for ad-hoc timing decisions, thus reducing communication latency.
2Productivity
If simultaneous writing and reading from buffers is allowed, then data transfer efficiency improves, but data integrity is compromised due to concurrent access conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer access operations into distinct time slots controlled by timing signals. Instead of allowing simultaneous access, the buffer is divided into time-separated access periods where writing occurs in one time slot and reading occurs in another. This segmentation prevents concurrent access conflicts while maintaining high data transfer efficiency through continuous alternating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches buffer access modes between writing and reading based on real-time timing signals. The timing circuit continuously generates signals that dynamically enable or disable buffer access for different operations, allowing the system to adaptively coordinate data flow without static restrictions, thus preserving data integrity while maximizing transfer efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples may include an apparatus including a memory to store ingressing data or egressing data, a timer to generate a timing signal responsive to a user-configurable time interval, and a circuit to move the ingressing data or the egressing data from the memory at least partially responsive to the timing signal generated by the timer. Various examples may include a method including receiving a data packet at a network-facing interface, writing data of the data packet into a memory, receiving a timing signal, and responsive to the timing signal, providing the data from the memory at a device-facing interface. Various examples may include a method including receiving data at a device-facing interface, writing the data to a memory, receiving a timing signal, and responsive to the timing signal, providing a data packet including the data at a network-facing interface. Related devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.