Multi-Protocol Multiplexer for Interconnect Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems face challenges in managing complex interconnect architectures due to limited connector space and varying market segment needs, requiring different interconnect protocols for add-in cards, which existing technologies struggle to accommodate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing interface logic and a multi-protocol multiplexer to dynamically determine and process messages and data using appropriate interconnect protocols, such as non-coherent, coherent, and memory interconnect protocols, based on message type, and manage resource availability for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connector supports a single interconnect protocol, then the interconnect architecture is simple to implement, but the adapter card cannot support multiple market segment needs and the baseboard connector space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal adapter card design that can support multiple interconnect protocols (PCIe, CXL, NVLink, etc.) through a single connector. The adapter card includes a protocol selection mechanism that allows it to dynamically switch between different protocols, making one physical connector serve multiple functions and support diverse market segment needs without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter card incorporates dynamic protocol selection capability, where the protocol used can be changed based on the inserted add-in card requirements. The system includes control logic that detects the protocol type and configures the adapter card accordingly, allowing the interconnect architecture to adapt dynamically rather than being fixed to a single protocol, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
2Reliability
If multiple connectors are provided for different protocols, then each protocol has dedicated support, but the baseboard connector space is limited and resource utilization is low
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter card design enables a single physical connector to serve multiple protocol functions. By integrating protocol detection and selection logic into the adapter card, the system can provide reliable protocol-specific communication through a universal connector, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connectors and thus saving baseboard space while maintaining communication reliability for different protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple protocol support functions into a single adapter card unit. Instead of having separate physical connectors for PCIe, CXL, NVLink, and other protocols, the system combines these capabilities into one integrated adapter card that can be configured to handle different protocols as needed, effectively consolidating multiple connector functions into a single physical interface.
3Ease of operation
If protocol-specific queues are used for each interconnect protocol, then message routing is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to multiple queue management structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented queue management approach where protocol-specific queues are organized in a hierarchical structure. The message routing logic first segments messages by protocol type using protocol identification fields, then routes them to appropriate protocol-specific queue groups. This segmentation allows simple protocol-based routing decisions at the top level while maintaining organized protocol-specific queue structures, balancing routing simplicity with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary message routing layer that sits between the message source and the protocol-specific queues. This intermediary routing logic examines protocol identification fields in messages and directs them to the appropriate protocol queue group, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall routing process while maintaining organized protocol-specific queue management. The intermediary layer handles the complexity of protocol detection and queue selection, leaving simpler operations to the protocol-specific queue handlers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments may be generally direct to apparatuses, systems, method, and techniques to detect a message to communicate via an interconnect coupled with a device capable of communication via a plurality of interconnect protocols, the plurality of interconnect protocols comprising a non-coherent interconnect protocol, a coherent interconnect protocol, and a memory interconnect protocol. Embodiments also include determining an interconnect protocol of the plurality of interconnect protocols to communicate the message via the interconnect based on the message, and providing the message to a multi-protocol multiplexer coupled with the interconnect, the multi-protocol multiplexer to communicate the message utilizing the interconnect protocol via the interconnect with the device.