Optical Module Memory Segmentation for DDM Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules with digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM) functions face challenges in efficiently managing data storage and access, leading to increased costs and potential memory overflow issues due to the need for large RAM spaces and predefined memory locations, which are not adequately addressed by existing standards like SFF-8472, especially with the introduction of extension tables.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves storing constant data in non-volatile memory like flash or ROM and frequently changing data in random access memory (RAM), with an access control unit managing access requests to direct the host to the appropriate memory type, and dynamically allocating memory addresses for operation status data to prevent memory overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored in predefined memory locations within EEPROM, then the host can directly access parameters by specifying predetermined memory mapped locations, but the host must be modified when the memory map changes to maintain compatibility, increasing modification costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) for storing configuration parameters and a volatile memory (RAM) for storing operation status data. This segmentation allows the host to access configuration parameters through predefined memory locations in EEPROM while operation status data can be dynamically managed in RAM, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling flexibility for future memory map changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an access control unit as an intermediary between the host and the memory system. This unit manages access requests to both EEPROM and RAM, translating host access requests into appropriate memory operations. The access control unit maintains the predefined memory map interface for configuration parameters while enabling dynamic access to operation status data, thus preserving compatibility while allowing adaptability.
2Reliability
If large RAM space is allocated to store operation status data, then memory overflow is prevented, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into non-volatile memory for configuration data and volatile memory for operation status data. By storing operation status data in a smaller RAM space rather than using large predefined memory locations, the system prevents memory overflow while reducing the overall memory capacity requirement and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of memory addresses for operation status data in RAM. Instead of using fixed predefined memory locations, the access control unit dynamically manages memory addresses based on current operation status requirements. This dynamic approach prevents memory overflow by efficiently utilizing available RAM space while reducing the total RAM capacity needed compared to static allocation methods.
3Stability of the object's composition
If EEPROM is used to store all data including operation status, then data persistence is maintained, but the service lifetime is reduced due to limited write cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into non-volatile memory (EEPROM) for configuration parameters that need persistence and volatile memory (RAM) for operation status data that changes frequently. This segmentation ensures that configuration data remains persistent while operation status data is stored in RAM with unlimited write cycles, thus extending the overall service lifetime of the optical module.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control unit automatically manages data storage by directing configuration writes to EEPROM and operation status writes to RAM. This self-service mechanism ensures that frequent writes to operation status data do not degrade EEPROM, preserving its service lifetime while maintaining data persistence where needed.
4Ease of operation
If predefined memory locations are used for operation status data, then access is simplified, but memory overflow occurs when extension tables are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage architecture into EEPROM for configuration parameters with predefined locations and RAM for operation status data with dynamic addressing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple access methods through the access control unit while preventing memory overflow by utilizing the flexible addressing capability of RAM for operation status data, especially when extension tables are introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic memory address allocation for operation status data in RAM, managed by the access control unit. Instead of using fixed predefined locations that can overflow with extension tables, the system dynamically allocates memory addresses based on current data requirements. This dynamic approach maintains access simplicity through automated address management while preventing memory overflow.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical module having digital diagnostic monitoring functions and a circuit and method to control the optical module. In an embodiment, a control circuit for an optical module including an optical receiving unit and an optical transmitting unit may comprise a first memory for storing a plurality of configuration parameters at predefined locations within the first memory, a second memory for storing a plurality of variables at dynamically allocated locations of the second memory, the plurality of variables including variables corresponding to a current operation status of the optical module, and an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive an analog signal corresponding to the current operation status and convert the analog signal to a digital value to be stored as the variable corresponding to the current operation status in the dynamically allocated location of the second memory.