Micro Server Switch Device Using SRIO for Low Latency Inter-Board Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols like TCP/IP and Ethernet consume excessive resources and fail to meet responsive performance requirements in high-density micro server applications, particularly due to high power consumption and latency issues when handling high-bandwidth connections between processors.
Innovation Solution
A micro server architecture incorporating a plurality of computer boards with embedded Serial Rapid Input Output (SRIO) modules and a switch device featuring a X86 system module, protocol conversion units, and a data switch module for efficient data communication between boards and external networks, utilizing SRIO for inter-board communication and PCI-E to gigabit Ethernet conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet protocol is adopted for point-to-point connections in micro server, then network compatibility and standardization are improved, but communication resource consumption increases and response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical communication function from the complex Ethernet protocol stack, implementing a simplified direct connection mechanism between processors that eliminates unnecessary protocol layers while maintaining essential connectivity functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional modules: SRIO interface for high-speed internal communication, Ethernet interface for external network connectivity, and a baseboard for power and peripheral connections, allowing each module to operate independently with optimized performance
2Productivity
If high-volume controller chips with high bandwidth and huge amount of interfaces are adopted, then data communication capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides communication functions across multiple simpler components: each computer board has a dedicated SRIO module for high-speed communication, the baseboard handles power distribution and peripheral connections, and the switch device manages network routing, replacing the need for a single complex high-volume controller chip
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch device as an intermediary component that mediates between the computer boards and the external network, distributing communication responsibilities and eliminating the need for complex controller chips with huge interfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet protocol is used for connections between processors, then network standardization is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential data transmission function from the power-intensive Ethernet protocol stack, implementing a lightweight direct processor-to-processor communication mechanism that maintains connectivity without the overhead of full Ethernet protocol processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from Ethernet-based packet switching to direct SRIO data transfer, fundamentally altering how data is transmitted between processors to reduce processing overhead and associated power consumption while maintaining high data rates
Data Source
AI summary
A micro server is provided. The micro server includes a plurality of computer boards, at least one switch device, and a baseboard. The plurality of computer boards are for data processing. The switch device is electrically connected to the plurality of computer boards and is for data communication between the plurality of computer boards. The baseboard is for data communication and power supply. The communication between the plurality of computer boards is through the baseboard and the plurality of computer boards communicate with the switch device and the external network by Serial Rapid I/O (SRIO).