Modular Array Computer with Optical Intercell Communications

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Large enterprises face challenges in predicting and meeting long-term computing needs, making it uneconomical to purchase hardware with provisions for future expansion, as existing expandable systems require pre-existing interconnect structures.

Innovation Solution

A modular computing system with optically communicating cells arranged in arrays, where each cell is electrically isolated and communicates via short optical pathways through a sheet metal frame, allowing for expansion without initial interconnect structures, using identical array interface components with semiconductor lasers and detectors for efficient data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If expandable systems include pre-existing interconnect structures for modular components, then future expansion capability is enabled, but initial hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuture expansion capabilityVSAvoidinitial hardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the computing infrastructure into independent modular cells that can be individually added or removed. Each cell contains complete functional components (processors, memory, storage) and interfaces, allowing the system to be segmented into discrete units that don't require pre-configured interconnect structures for expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electrical interconnect structures with optical communication pathways. Laser diodes and photodetectors transmit data optically between cells, eliminating the need for complex electrical routing and interconnect hardware that would otherwise be required for future expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware is purchased with provisions for future expansion, then expansion flexibility is maintained, but initial economic efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion flexibilityVSAvoidinitial economic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static configuration requiring all future interconnects to be built upfront to a dynamic architecture where cells are added on-demand. The optical interface automatically establishes communication pathways when cells are physically connected, allowing the system to adapt its interconnect structure dynamically as cells are added or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each cell contains self-contained interfaces (laser diodes, photodetectors, routing logic) that automatically establish optical communication when placed in the array. The system self-configures communication pathways without requiring pre-installed interconnect structures or complex setup procedures, allowing cells to service their own integration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If optical communication pathways are implemented between cells, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical communication system uses variable parameters including pulse duration, laser power levels, and detection sensitivity to optimize the balance between data transfer speed and power consumption. The system can adjust transmission parameters dynamically based on communication distance, data priority, and power availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Data transmission uses periodic pulsed optical signals rather than continuous illumination. The laser diodes emit brief pulses of light synchronized with data clock cycles, allowing the system to achieve high data transfer rates while minimizing average power consumption by keeping the optical sources off between pulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible and cost-effective expansion of computing capacity by allowing cells to be added without pre-existing interconnects, maintaining efficient data transfer and minimizing power requirements through optical communication.

Implementation Method 1

Each includes a sheet-metal sheath 21, flexible PC board 23, optical transmitters (semiconductor lasers) 25 and optical detectors 27 mounted thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from semiconductor lasers: Laser

Implementation Method 2

optical transmitters (semiconductor lasers) 25 and optical detectors 27 mounted thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7519245B2Modular array computer with optical intercell communications pathways

Publication Date: 2009.04.14 VALTRUS INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides an array of computer cells in which adjacent computer cells communicate over optical pathways.