MIB Data Broadcast via Microcontroller and FPGA
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of obsolete Ethernet switch ICs in industrial process control and automation systems, such as the BROADCOM BCM5338M, which lack the MIB Autocast feature, necessitates redesigning control firewall devices to maintain backwards compatibility, introducing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inexpensive microcontrollers and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to read MIB statistic data from Ethernet switches, encapsulate it in Ethernet frames, and transmit during vacant time slots, ensuring backwards compatibility without additional hardware or increased latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obsolete Ethernet switch IC (BCM5338M) with MIB Autocast feature is replaced with an updated Ethernet switch IC, then the system achieves component obsolescence resolution, but the MIB Autocast functionality is lost and backwards compatibility is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary component between the Ethernet switch IC and the network. The microcontroller reads MIB data from the Ethernet switch registers, encapsulates it in Ethernet frames, and transmits it during vacant time slots. This intermediary enables the updated Ethernet switch IC (without native MIB Autocast) to provide the same functionality, maintaining backwards compatibility while allowing component replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MIB Autocast functionality is implemented using external components (microcontroller and FPGA), then backwards compatibility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller is designed to perform multiple functions: reading MIB data from Ethernet switch registers, encapsulating data in Ethernet frames, determining vacant time slots by monitoring the Ethernet bus, and transmitting MIB data. By making the microcontroller multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining backwards compatibility.
3Loss of information
If MIB data is transmitted continuously, then complete MIB information is provided to external devices, but network latency increases and vacant time slots are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the patent implements periodic MIB data transmission by identifying and utilizing vacant time slots in the Ethernet bus schedule. The microcontroller monitors the Ethernet bus to detect when no data transmission is occurring, then transmits MIB data during these periodic opportunities. This approach provides complete MIB information while minimizing impact on network latency, as transmission occurs only during naturally occurring idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a microcontroller (404) configured to read from a Management Information Base (MIB) register (410) of an Ethernet switch (402) to obtain MIB statistic data (412) regarding a first Ethernet port of the Ethernet switch. The microcontroller is configured to transmit the obtained MIB statistic data to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (406). The FPGA is configured to receive and store the obtained MIB statistic data in a buffer memory (418). The FPGA is configured to encapsulate the obtained MIB statistic data in an Ethernet frame (426). The FPGA is configured to determine a vacant time slot during which the Ethernet switch is not transmitting data to an external device (524). The FPGA is configured to transmit the Ethernet frame to the external device during the vacant time slot.