Optical Module for CXL Standard with Rate Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face challenges in handling high-bandwidth and low-latency data transfer required for modern applications such as artificial intelligence and multimedia file sharing, especially with the evolving Compute Express Link (CXL) standard, which needs additional functionalities for efficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A network apparatus with a central processing unit incorporating both PCIe and CXL blocks, utilizing high-speed communication links in PAM4 modulation format with low latency and a retimer or gearbox for adjusting data transfer rates, allowing for flexible and modular data transfer between processing and memory devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If PCIe standard is used for short range communication, then high bandwidth is achieved, but latency and adaptability to evolving standards like CXL are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidadaptability to CXL standard

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module is designed to support multiple communication standards including PCIe and CXL through configurable protocol layers. The module can adapt its operation mode based on the connected device requirements, enabling a single hardware platform to serve multiple purposes and future-proofing the system against evolving standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical module incorporates dynamic rate adjustment capabilities with retimer or gearbox components that can adjust data transfer rates in real-time. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for different protocols and communication conditions, transitioning between PCIe and CXL modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high-speed optical communication is implemented, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidoptical module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module employs a nested architecture where electrical interface components are integrated within the optical module, which in turn contains protocol adaptation layers. This nested design allows high-speed optical communication capabilities to be packaged within a modular unit that presents a simplified interface to the host system, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical module serves as an intermediary device between the electrical PCIe/CXL interface and the optical communication medium. By placing protocol adaptation and signal conversion functions in this intermediate layer, the complexity of high-speed optical communication is isolated from both the host processor and the optical infrastructure, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If retimer or gearbox is added for rate adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rate adjustmentVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retimer and gearbox components are pre-configured with optimization profiles for different protocols (PCIe, CXL). Rate adjustment and signal conditioning are performed in advance based on the detected protocol type, allowing the system to quickly adapt to different data transfer rates without requiring complex real-time decision-making during data transmission, thereby minimizing latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient interconnection of computing clusters for shared computational resources, providing high-speed optical communication with low latency and flexibility in switching between communication modes, compatible with existing protocols and standards.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing high-speed communication links in PAM4 modulation format

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPAM4 modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal regeneration:

Data Source

PatentUS11736596B1Optical module for CXL standard

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

An optical module includes first circuitry configured to receive data transmitted from a host over an electrical communication link at a first data rate, the data transmitted from the host being either one of PCIe data and CXL data and change a data rate for transmission of data from the optical module, the data transmitted from the optical module being transmitted at a second data rate different from the first data rate. Second circuitry is configured to convert the data transmitted from the host at the first data rate from an electrical format to an optical format for transmission from the optical module at the second data rate and convert data received from an optical receiver at the second data rate from the optical format to the electrical format for transmission from the optical module to the host at the first data rate via the first circuitry.