Optical Transceiver Microcode Update Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceivers have inflexible controllers that are limited by their hardware structure, making it difficult to change their functionality without replacing the hardware.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor and persistent memory with a microcode loader mechanism that allows for dynamic updates of microcode, enabling the optical transceiver to change its functionality without altering its hardware, by writing different microcode to the persistent memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If controllers are implemented in hardware as state machines, then operation speed is fast, but functionality is inflexible and limited to hardware structure
Solution Approach 1:
The controller functionality is segmented into two parts: a hardware state machine for fast operation and a microcode component for flexible functionality. The microcode is stored in persistent memory and can be updated independently, allowing the system to maintain high-speed hardware operation while gaining software-based adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller transitions from a static hardware-only implementation to a dynamic hybrid architecture where microcode can be loaded and updated during operation. This allows the controller's functionality to change dynamically without hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between fixed hardware speed and flexible functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is replaced to change functionality, then new functionality is achieved, but downtime increases and complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the entire hardware controller, the invention uses a microcode copy that can be loaded into persistent memory. This microcode copy provides the functionality changes needed without requiring physical hardware replacement, thereby eliminating downtime and simplifying the update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes functionality by altering the microcode parameters stored in persistent memory rather than changing hardware parameters. This allows functionality updates through software parameter changes, which can be done quickly without hardware replacement, reducing downtime and operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If microcode update process is simplified, then user convenience is improved, but reliability of update mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing microcode in persistent memory before it is needed for execution. The microcode loader mechanism prepares and validates the microcode in advance, ensuring that updates can be applied reliably without compromising system operation. This preliminary preparation maintains both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcode loader mechanism incorporates feedback loops that verify the integrity and completeness of microcode updates. The system monitors the update process, validates the loaded microcode, and ensures proper execution, providing reliable updates while maintaining user-friendly operation through automated verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dynamically updating an optical transceiver (or optical transmitter or optical receiver) that has at least one processor, a persistent memory, and a microcode loader mechanism. The persistent memory includes microcode comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, control at least one component of the optical transceiver, transmitter, or receiver. In order to implement the invention, data is written to the persistent memory of the optical transceiver to indicate that an updating of microcode currently stored on the persistent memory is to occur. The optical transceiver processes received microcode, which contains instructions that are structured such that when executed by the at least one processor of the optical transceiver, the execution of the instructions affects the operation of the optical transceiver. Then, the processed representation of the received microcode is written to the persistent memory. The optical transceiver then determines that all of the microcode that is to be written to the persistent memory during the update has been written to the persistent memory. Finally, the persistent memory is altered to reflect that the update is complete.