Multiplexed Sideband Signaling for Multi-Port NVMe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-port NVMe data storage devices require multiple sideband signal pins for each port, consuming storage space and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implement a single set of sideband signal input pins reused through a multiplexer (mux) to send signals to each port, utilizing a time division multiplexing scheme or system management bus (SMBus) interface to reduce the number of pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated sideband signal pins are provided for each port in a multi-port data storage device, then each port can operate independently and reliably, but the number of pins increases, consuming storage space and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of sideband signal pins is designed to serve multiple PCIe ports through a multiplexer, allowing the same physical pins to be reused across different ports at different time intervals. This multi-functional approach reduces the total pin count while maintaining support for multiple ports
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer implements time-division multiplexing where sideband signals are periodically switched between different PCIe ports. Each port receives sideband signals at different time intervals, creating a periodic signal distribution pattern that allows pin reuse while maintaining port functionality
2Reliability
If multiple sideband signal pins are used for each port, then signal integrity and control are maintained, but the bill of materials cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sideband signal pins are designed as universal resources that can be dynamically allocated to different PCIe ports based on current operational needs. This reduces the total number of pins required in the bill of materials while maintaining signal integrity through dedicated multiplexer routing
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple port-specific sideband signal requirements are merged into a single shared set of physical pins. The multiplexer combines the signal paths from multiple ports into one common pin set, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while preserving individual port signal integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated pins are allocated for each port, then port independence is ensured, but available storage space in the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer enables sideband signal pins to serve multiple PCIe ports sequentially, maintaining port independence through time-division isolation while reducing the physical pin count. This frees up space that would have been occupied by additional dedicated pins
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a spatial arrangement where each port has dedicated pins to a temporal arrangement where pins are shared across ports over time. This dimensional shift from space to time allows pin reuse while maintaining the functional independence of each port
Data Source
AI summary
Rather than having dedicated sideband signal pins for each port in a multi-port data storage device, a single set of sideband signal input pins can be used on a multiplexer (mux) so that the sideband signals can be reused and sent to each port. In so doing, a total number of pins is reduced which leads to a reduced bill of manufacture (BOM) and more available storage space in the data storage device.