Optical Module Lane Mapping for Multi-Protocol Port Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical sub-systems face inefficiencies due to manual switches and mechanical failures in configuring optical ports, leading to resource waste and compatibility issues with different communication protocols, and existing systems struggle to adapt to new protocols without physical intervention.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic lane assignment system that automatically assigns optical lanes based on the communication protocol of the optical module, reducing mechanical complexity and enabling adaptation to new protocols without physical intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual switches are used to configure optical ports, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switches with an automated lane assignment system that dynamically configures optical ports. The system automatically detects the communication protocol of connected optical modules and assigns appropriate lanes without requiring physical switch manipulation, thereby eliminating mechanical failure points while maintaining configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sub-system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the communication protocol of connected optical modules and assigning lanes accordingly. The system monitors connection status and reconfigures ports without external intervention, making the configuration process self-service and eliminating the need for manual switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for optical ports, then adaptability to different protocols is limited, but device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to new protocolsVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic lane assignment where the system continuously monitors connection status and automatically reconfigures optical ports based on the detected communication protocol. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle different protocols (NRZ, PAM4, etc.) without requiring manual reconfiguration or physical changes, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (lane assignments, communication modes) based on detected protocol types. When an optical module is connected, the system identifies the protocol and adjusts the configuration parameters accordingly, enabling seamless adaptation to different communication standards without physical intervention or complex manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If optical ports are not properly configured, then resource utilization is reduced, but ease of operation is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidease of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the status of connected optical modules and automatically adjusts lane assignments based on detected protocol types and connection quality. This closed-loop control ensures optimal resource utilization by dynamically allocating lanes according to actual usage requirements, while the automation maintains ease of operation by eliminating manual configuration needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12506542B2Dynamic lane assignment for optical modules in optical sub-systems
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)
  • US12506542B2 patent drawing
  • US12506542B2 patent drawing
  • US12506542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system can include an optical interface with a first set of lanes and a processing device operatively coupled to the optical interface. The processing device can perform the operations: responsive to an optical module coupling to a port of the optical interface, determining module information from the optical module, the module information identifying a second set of lanes of the optical module. Further operations include, determining, based on the module information, a communication mode between the optical interface and the optical module and automatically assigning, based on the communication mode, a lane of the first set of lanes to a lane of the second set of lanes.