Optical Transceiver Microcode Controller Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceivers lack flexibility in controlling operational features, as their controller circuits are typically implemented as state machines, limiting their ability to adapt to diverse customer requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory and a processor that receives and executes custom microcode from a host computing system, allowing users to identify and implement specific operational features by aggregating microcode, which is then executed to perform desired functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If controller is implemented as state machine, then operation speed is fast, but flexibility and adaptability to customer requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static state machine controller to a dynamic processor-based controller that can execute different microcode programs. The processor can be reprogrammed with different microcode to adapt to various customer requirements, while maintaining fast operation through efficient instruction execution. This resolves the contradiction by making the controller both fast (through processor execution) and flexible (through reprogrammability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the controller's operational parameters through different microcode programs. Instead of changing the hardware structure, the system changes the software parameters (microcode instructions) to adapt to different customer needs. This allows the same hardware to operate in multiple modes with different functionalities, achieving both speed and flexibility.
2Device complexity
If controller functionality is limited to hardware structure, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using microcode programs that can be copied and loaded into the processor. Different customer requirements are met by copying appropriate microcode programs from storage into the processor's instruction memory. This allows easy customization without changing the physical hardware structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling operation flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom operational features are added, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the controller functionality into separate microcode programs, each implementing specific operational features. Instead of having one complex monolithic controller, the system segments functionality into modular microcode modules that can be independently developed, stored, and loaded. This reduces overall device complexity by allowing selective loading of only the features needed for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single processor-based controller that can perform multiple functions through different microcode programs. The same hardware structure serves multiple purposes by executing different instruction sets, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each feature and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver (or optical transmitter or optical receiver) that includes a memory and a processor, which receives and executes custom microcode from a host computing system (hereinafter referred to simply as a “host”). A user identifies desired optical transceiver operational features, each of which may be implemented using specific microcode. The memory receives custom microcode that aggregates all the specific microcode of the identified operational features from the host. The processor may later execute the custom microcode and cause the transceiver to perform the operational features.