Switchboard and Mid-Plane Layout for NVMeoF Ethernet Speed Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Ethernet switch on the motherboard becomes a bottleneck in data transmission due to the mismatch between the high data transmission rates of Solid State Drives (SSDs) and the Ethernet port's processing capabilities, especially with PCIe generation 4, leading to inefficiencies in existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A flexible NVMeoF system with a switchboard and mid-plane architecture that supports various Ethernet speeds from 10 Gbps to 100 Gbps, using GPIO pins and I2C bus communication to dynamically adjust Ethernet speeds, enabling seamless operation with both U.2 and future connectors like M.3 and SFF-TA-1008, and utilizing X1 PCIe lanes for control plane communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If PCIe generation 4 is used for SSD connection, then data transmission speed from SSD is improved, but Ethernet switch becomes a bottleneck due to speed mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSSD data transmission speedVSAvoidEthernet switch processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts Ethernet speed based on detected SSD PCIe generation. When PCIe Gen 4 is detected, the system configures Ethernet to run at 50Gbps instead of the standard 25Gbps, allowing the Ethernet switch to keep pace with the higher SSD transmission speeds and eliminate the bottleneck effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the Ethernet switch based on the SSD's PCIe generation. By detecting whether the SSD uses PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4, the system adjusts the Ethernet speed parameter accordingly (25Gbps for Gen 3, 50Gbps for Gen 4), optimizing the overall data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device offerings are created to support different Ethernet speeds, then compatibility with various systems is improved, but device complexity and development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEthernet speed compatibilityVSAvoidNumber of device variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by making a single NVMe over Fabric device adaptable to different Ethernet speeds (25Gbps and 50Gbps) based on the host system's capabilities. The device automatically detects the appropriate speed and configures itself, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device variants while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The NVMe over Fabric device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the host system's Ethernet capabilities and adjusting its operating speed accordingly. This self-service approach allows the device to adapt to different systems without requiring manual configuration or multiple pre-configured variants, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12556417B2Modular system (switch boards and mid-plane) for supporting 50G or 100G ethernet speeds of FPGA+SSD

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A chassis front-end is disclosed. The chassis front-end may include a switchboard including an Ethernet switch, a Baseboard Management Controller, and a mid-plane connector. The chassis front-end may also include a mid-plane including at least one storage device connector and a speed logic to inform at least one storage device of an Ethernet speed of the chassis front-end. The Ethernet speeds may vary.