Optical Transceiver Microcode Update for Feature Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceivers lack flexibility in operation, as their controller circuits are primarily state machines, limiting their functionality and requiring inflexible hardware updates, which does not cater to varying customer-specific feature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A host computing system communicatively coupled with an optical transceiver, allowing users to purchase and update specific features by accessing and executing microcode corresponding to desired operational features over a network, enabling dynamic adjustment and customization of transceiver behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical transceivers use fixed hardware state machines for control, then operational speed is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to customer-specific features deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed hardware state machines to a dynamic software-based control system. The controller executes microcode that can be updated remotely, allowing the transceiver's operational characteristics to change dynamically based on customer needs without physical hardware modifications. This enables features like configurable temperature thresholds and custom diagnostic routines to be implemented through software updates alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based state machine control system with a software-based microcode execution system. Instead of changing hardware circuits to add features, the system substitutes software microcode that can be downloaded and installed remotely. This substitution allows flexible feature addition while maintaining the original hardware structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hardware complexity.
2Ease of operation
If optical transceivers require hardware updates to add features, then reliability is maintained, but ease of operation and update speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating software copies (microcode) that can be distributed and installed remotely. Instead of physically shipping hardware updates, the system copies the necessary control logic as microcode files that can be downloaded over networks. This copying approach enables easy remote updates while maintaining system reliability through verified installation processes and the ability to retain previous versions if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a host computer and network infrastructure that mediates between the customer and the transceiver. The host computer serves as an intermediary that manages the download, validation, and installation of microcode updates. This intermediary layer simplifies the update process for end users while maintaining system reliability through controlled update deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical transceivers are designed with fixed functionality, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different customer needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single hardware platform that can perform multiple different functions through software microcode. The controller is designed to execute various microcode routines that provide different operational features, making the same physical transceiver adaptable to multiple customer requirements. This universal design maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling customizability through software configuration rather than hardware variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the operational parameters and behavior of the transceiver to be modified through software microcode updates. Instead of manufacturing different hardware versions with different fixed parameters, the system changes operational parameters dynamically through software. This enables features like adjustable temperature thresholds, custom logging intervals, and varied diagnostic routines without affecting manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An environment that facilitates the purchasing and updating of specific operational features in an optical transceiver (or optical transmitter or optical receiver). The environment includes a host computing system (hereinafter referred to as the “host”), a network, a remote computing site, and an optical transceiver having a system memory and at least one processor. The host determines what specific operational feature is desired. A request to purchase the specific operational feature is sent over the network from the host to the remote computing site. The remote computing site responds to this request by providing the host information by which microcode corresponding to the purchased specific feature may be accessed. The host may then access the feature specific microcode. Finally, the host provides the feature specific microcode to the optical transceiver memory where it may later be executed by the processor.