Network Interface Data Paths for Terabit Offload Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network interface devices face challenges in providing increased specialization for specific applications and supporting higher data rates, with a need for improved data processing capabilities and efficient data transfer mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A network interface device with data path circuitry comprising a host data path unit (DPU) and network DPU, command channels, event channels, and data channels, along with data processing offload pipelines and direct memory access adaptors, to facilitate efficient data movement and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network interface devices are specialized for specific applications and configured for higher data rates, then data processing capability and transfer speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface device is divided into multiple data path units (DPUs), each configured to perform specific data processing functions. This segmentation allows specialized processing capabilities while managing complexity by distributing functions across independent units rather than requiring a single complex processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DPUs are designed with configurable data path circuitry that can be programmed to perform different data processing operations. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to adapt to various application requirements, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data processing operations are performed by the host device processor, then flexibility in handling various applications is maintained, but processor load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in data handlingVSAvoidprocessor load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Data processing operations are extracted from the host device processor and transferred to dedicated data path units within the network interface device. This extraction reduces the processor load on the host device while maintaining flexibility through configurable DPUs that can be programmed for different processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The data path units act as intermediary processing elements between the network interface and the host device processor. These intermediaries handle data processing operations locally, reducing the burden on the main processor while maintaining the ability to perform versatile data handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4460765B1Network interface device

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 XILINX INC

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AI summary

A network interface device (109) has data path circuitry (102,) configured to cause data to be moved into and/or out of the network interface device (109). The data path circuitry comprises: first circuitry (128) for providing one or more data processing operations; and interface circuitry (126) supporting channels. The channels comprises command channels receiving command information from a plurality of data path circuitry user instances (101), event channels providing respective command completion information to the plurality of data path user instances (101); and data channels providing the associated data.