Non-Transparent Bridge Window Mapping for Scalable PCIe Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCIe Non-Transparent Bridges (NTBs) face limitations in address range scalability and configuration efficiency due to small address ranges and time-consuming configuration writes, which impact bandwidth and performance in connecting multiple component domains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing scalable windows and modifiable mapping in NTBs using partitions and a common lookup database to enable efficient address translation and remapping writes without polling, allowing for flexible and high-performance communication between multiple domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional configuration write operations are used to modify address ranges in NTB, then configuration changes can be made, but the operation becomes slow and time-consuming due to completion requirements and control path procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates multiple address ranges (first, second, third address ranges) in the NTB before runtime operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for slow configuration writes during actual data transfer operations, as the address translation structures are already in place and can be immediately utilized for high-speed data movement between component domains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small address ranges are used in NTB, then domain rules are followed, but the number of address ranges is insufficient for devices intending to connect to host or fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address space into multiple distinct address ranges (first, second, third address ranges) within the NTB. Each address range can be independently configured and utilized for different data transfer purposes. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple devices and fabrics simultaneously, greatly increasing the address range capacity and adaptability without violating domain rules.
3Productivity
If traditional NTB configuration methods are used, then domain rules are maintained, but bandwidth and performance are impacted due to time-consuming configuration operations
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-configuring multiple address ranges in the NTB before runtime operations, the system eliminates the need for repeated slow configuration writes during data transfer. The address translation structures are prepared in advance, enabling immediate high-speed data movement between component domains without bandwidth consumption from control path operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous high-speed data transfer operations by having all address ranges pre-configured and ready. Once the NTB is initially set up with multiple address ranges, data transfer can proceed continuously without interruption from configuration operations, maximizing productivity and minimizing bandwidth waste on control procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods herein are for a Non-Transparent Bridges (NTBs) that are scalable and configurable to use equally sized or spaced windows and a common lookup database for remapping writes without completions. The equally sized or spaced windows in the address space are addressable by a starting address and a size to support communication between host machines or endpoints. The common lookup database is to allow selection of one the windows associated with a mapping between address spaces of different domains and is also to accept remapping writes through the at least one NTB to modify the mapping without need for a completion to be returned to a source of the remapping writes.