Optical Crossbar Coupling Remote PHY and MAC Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols between PHY and MAC devices are limited by distance, requiring re-clocking and re-coding, which increases complexity, cost, latency, and reduces reliability, and do not allow for dynamic interconnection or flexible system reconfigurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical transmission path between PHY and MAC devices using optical engine devices for direct conversion of electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, eliminating the need for re-clocking and re-coding, and utilizing a crossbar for dynamic reconfiguration of network topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional electrical protocols (MII, SMII) are used between PHY and MAC devices, then data transfer can be achieved, but the devices must be located proximate one another (within approximately 1.5 ns) due to trace delay caused by propagation characteristics of copper connecting medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system (copper traces and electrical protocols) with an optical transmission system. Optical engine devices convert electrical signals from PHY devices to optical signals for transmission through optical fibers to MAC devices. This substitution eliminates the propagation delay constraints of electrical copper connections, allowing PHY and MAC devices to be located at much greater distances while maintaining signal integrity and timing synchronization through optical domain transmission.
2Length of stationary object
If optical transmission is used between PHY and MAC devices, then distance constraints are eliminated, but additional components (optical engine devices) are required for signal conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical engine devices perform multiple functions: they convert electrical signals to optical signals for forward transmission, convert optical signals back to electrical signals for reception, and maintain protocol compatibility. By integrating these multi-functional conversion capabilities into the signal path, the system achieves extended distance communication while managing complexity through versatile components that handle both transmission and reception operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reconfiguration of network topologies is implemented using crossbar, then flexibility and adaptability are enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar device acts as an intermediary between PHY devices and MAC devices, providing dynamic reconfiguration of network topologies. The crossbar receives control signals that determine the desired network configuration and automatically establishes the appropriate signal paths between devices. This intermediary approach enables flexible and adaptive network reconfiguration while managing control complexity through a dedicated switching fabric that handles topology changes without requiring complex distributed control logic across all devices.
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 solution allows for increased distances between PHY and MAC devices without new protocols, reducing latency, error rates, and cost, while enhancing reliability and flexibility in system design by enabling dynamic reconfiguration and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical engine device configured to convert electrical signals according to a protocol to be transmitted to a MAC device without re-clocking to an optical signal without re-clocking
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbar may be coupled between a plurality of PHY devices configured to provide physical layer functions according to an Open Systems Interconnection, OSI, model and a plurality of MAC devices configured to provide data link layer functions according to the OSI model. First data couplings may be provided through the crossbar between the plurality of PHY devices and the plurality of MAC devices during a first time period. Second data couplings may be provided through the crossbar between the plurality of PHY devices and the plurality of MAC devices during a second time period, with the first and second data couplings being different. Related network elements, interfaces, and networks are also discussed.