Optical Bus System Two-Phase Enablement for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In processor memory systems, maintaining electrical signal integrity is challenging due to distortion caused by wire-based transport media, which worsens with increased signaling speed and number of receivers, hindering high data transfer rates and memory capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optical bus system that uses an optical enablement signal to selectively power only the target receiving device during data transmission, reducing unnecessary optical power consumption by dividing transactions into two phases: one for addressing and another for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical signals are broadcast to all memory modules, then all modules can receive the signal, but optical power consumption increases proportionally with the number of modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first broadcasting an optical enablement signal to all memory modules before transmitting the actual data signal. This enablement signal activates only the target memory module's receiver, allowing subsequent data transmission to be received only by the intended module. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the system in advance to enable selective reception, thereby maintaining reliable signal delivery while dramatically reducing optical power consumption.
2Device complexity
If electrical signals are used for data transmission, then existing wire-based infrastructure can be utilized, but signal integrity degrades with increased signaling speed and number of receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system with an optical signal transmission system. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals in the bus interface, the system achieves significantly better signal integrity and reduced distortion, especially at high signaling speeds and with increased fan-out. This substitution maintains functionality while resolving the signal integrity degradation problem inherent in electrical wire-based transmission.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of memory modules is increased to enhance memory capacity, then memory capacity increases, but optical power consumption increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables scalable memory capacity by implementing a two-phase transmission protocol where an initial enablement signal activates only the target module. This allows the system to support increased numbers of memory modules without proportionally increasing optical power consumption, as only one module's receiver needs to be active during data transmission at any given time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces optical power requirements, minimizing signal loss and distortion, and enhances data transfer efficiency while maintaining signal integrity across multiple receivers.
Implementation Method 1
The optical bus can include a plurality of waveguides, each optically coupled at a first end to the source
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for transmitting optical signals from a source to a plurality of receiving devices. In one method embodiment, an optical enablement signal is transmitted from the source to the plurality of receiving devices. The target receiving device responds to receiving the optical enablement signal by preparing to receive one or more optical data signals. The source transmits the one or more optical data signals to the target receiving device. The remaining receiving devices do not receive the one or more optical data signals.