Multi-Protocol Retimer With Dual Data Paths For Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retimer technologies face challenges such as high latency, multiple protocol support issues, and inter-operability problems across different physical layers, leading to performance losses and increased costs in computer systems like PCIe and USB.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol capable retimer with two data paths and a converged Link Training and Status State Machine that can switch between paths based on protocol requirements, allowing for low-latency data transfer and efficient protocol initialization across various interconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate retimer with physical multiplexer is used to separate different PHYs in Type-C connector, then multiple protocol support is achieved, but device complexity, board real-estate, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol support functionality into a single retimer device by integrating multiple physical layers (PHYs) and multiple data paths (including bypass paths) within one unified retimer structure. This eliminates the need for separate retimers with multiplexers, thereby reducing device complexity, board real-estate, and power consumption while maintaining multi-protocol adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer is designed with universal functionality to support multiple protocols (e.g., USB 3.1, PCIe Gen 4, UPI) through integrated multiple PHYs and configurable data paths. The single retimer can adapt to different protocol requirements by selecting appropriate data paths and configuring its internal architecture, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If a single data path is used for all traffic, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases during protocol training and initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer path into multiple independent paths: a bypass data path for normal operational traffic and a training data path for protocol initialization and equalization. This segmentation allows the bypass path to handle time-critical data transfer without waiting for training completion, while the training path independently handles protocol-specific initialization, thereby reducing overall latency without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer dynamically switches between different data paths based on operational requirements. During protocol training and initialization, traffic is routed through the training data path; during normal operation, traffic uses the bypass data path. This dynamic path selection optimizes performance by ensuring low latency during data transfer while maintaining proper protocol compliance during training phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-protocol retimer apparatus and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for performing retiming between first and second devices according to a plurality of protocols comprises: a receiver operable to receive data; a transmitter to transmit data; a first data path coupled to the receiver and the transmitter and operable to transfer data received from the receiver to the transmitter during protocol specific training, where the first data path comprises control circuitry to control protocol specific training of one or both of the transmitter and receiver in response to an indication of one protocol of the plurality of protocols; and a second data path coupled to the receiver and the transmitter, the second data path having a lower latency than the first data path and for use in transferring data received from the receiver to the transmitter after protocol specific training.