Multi-lane Serial Link Dynamic Lane Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-lane serial links experience reduced bandwidth and increased communication latency during the training period when adjusting the number of lanes, leading to unsatisfactory performance when increased bandwidth is needed.
Innovation Solution
Separating the training function from the data transmission function allows lanes currently transmitting data to continue while new lanes are added or old lanes are removed, followed by a synchronization process to minimize bandwidth reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of lanes is adjusted during training period, then bandwidth can be increased, but existing data transmission is disrupted and communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lane adjustment process into independent operations where each lane can be adjusted independently while others continue transmitting data. The training function is separated from data transmission function, allowing new lanes to be trained without interrupting existing data flow on active lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous data transmission by allowing active lanes to continue their data transmission operations while new lanes undergo training. The system ensures that the useful action of data transmission never stops, even when lane configuration changes are occurring in the background.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all lanes are shut down for training when adjusting number of lanes, then new lanes can be properly configured, but bandwidth is lost and communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lane management into independent segments where training operations on new lanes do not affect active data transmission on existing lanes. This segmentation allows the system to adjust lane configuration while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary training of new lanes in advance while active lanes continue their normal operation. By preparing new lanes beforehand without interrupting current data transmission, the system achieves adaptability while maintaining bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a multi-lane serial link is described. The method includes establishing a serial link between a number of integrated circuits across a first number of lanes. The first number of lanes are a subset of a number of available lanes on the serial link. The method also includes selecting to change a transmission state of a second number of lanes. The second number of lanes are a subset of the available lanes. The method also includes changing the transmission state of the second number of lanes while transmitting data on a number of remaining lanes. The method further includes synchronizing the first number of lanes and the second number of lanes.