Multi-port Serdes Transceiver with Ring Bus and Automatic Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data links require flexible and efficient switching between multiple serializer/deserializer (SERDES) links in a low power configuration, with the ability to operate at various data rates and perform bit error testing, while existing solutions lack the necessary flexibility and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port SERDES transceiver chip with configuration logic that enables/disables ports, includes packet bit error rate testing (BERT) for error monitoring, and a substrate layout with a ring bus structure for efficient communication between serial and parallel ports, allowing connection of any port to another and supporting multiple data protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Serdes links are implemented with switching capability, then flexibility and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-port Serdes transceiver where a single device provides multiple Serdes links (first link, second link, etc.) with the ability to switch between them. The configuration logic enables the same hardware infrastructure to serve multiple functions: normal data transmission, failover redundancy, and dynamic link switching, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple Serdes links and switching logic into a single integrated circuit device. Rather than implementing separate switching devices for each link, the invention merges the transceiver functions and switching control into one unified chip, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the flexibility to switch between multiple links
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Serdes links are implemented with switching capability, then flexibility and redundancy are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration logic monitors the operational status of Serdes links and periodically evaluates whether switching is necessary. Rather than maintaining all links in an active state continuously, the system activates switching capabilities only when needed (upon detecting link failures or during reconfiguration), thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and activates only the necessary Serdes links and switching functions based on current operational needs. When a primary link is functioning properly, the secondary links and switching logic remain in a low-power or inactive state, consuming minimal power. The system activates additional links only when failures are detected, thus achieving flexibility without continuous high power consumption
3Reliability
If configuration logic is added for automatic fail detection and port switching, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration logic is designed to autonomously detect link failures and perform switching operations without external intervention. The system self-monitors the status of Serdes links, automatically detects failures, and switches to backup links when needed, thereby improving reliability while keeping the control logic integrated and manageable within the existing device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration logic continuously monitors the operational status of Serdes links and uses this feedback to make real-time switching decisions. When link quality degrades or failures are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic switching to alternative links, enhancing reliability. The feedback loop is integrated into the existing control structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity
4Measurement precision
If packet BERT is implemented for error monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packet BERT (Bit Error Rate Tester) functionality is merged with the existing Serdes transceiver structure. Rather than implementing BERT as a separate external testing device, the patent integrates error monitoring and packet generation capabilities directly into the transceiver chip, allowing precise error measurement without adding significant external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The packet BERT implementation provides multiple functions: error monitoring, packet generation, and link quality assessment. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware infrastructure to serve both data transmission and testing purposes, improving measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate dedicated testing equipment that would increase overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port Serdes transceiver includes multiple parallel ports and serial ports, and includes the flexibility to connect any of the parallel ports to another parallel port or to a serial port, or both. Furthermore, the transceiver can connect any of the serial ports to another serial port or to a parallel port. The transceiver further includes a switch, a logic core, and a bus. The switch is selectively coupled to at least a first port and a second port. The switch activates the first port and deactivates the second port based on satisfaction of a condition associated with the first port. The logic core operates the serial and parallel ports, and the bus connects the ports. The bus can be described as a “ring” structure (or donut “structure”) around the logic core, and is configured between the logic core and the ports. The ring structure provides efficient communication between the logic core and the ports.