Peer-to-Peer Supplemental Computing Nodes for Scalable Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing and server architectures struggle to meet the increasing demands for memory and computing power, particularly with the adoption of generative AI and machine learning, as unitary chip designs are limited by space and power constraints, and adding more compute nodes increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A novel design that incorporates an external, off-chip, or off-server apparatus with peer-to-peer connections in a daisy chain topology, enabling linear scalability of compute and memory, and allowing for modular, tailored additions of memory expanders and near memory compute nodes without altering the host computing nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If more primary host computing nodes are utilized to satisfy increased demand for memory and compute, then computing power and memory capacity are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments computing resources into separate functional modules: host computing nodes for computation and external supplemental nodes for memory and compute. This segmentation allows independent scaling of memory and compute capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as nodes can be added to the external apparatus without modifying the host architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary external apparatus that mediates between the host computing node and the supplemental resources. This intermediary layer provides standardized interfaces (PCIe, CXL) that simplify the connection and management of additional nodes, reducing the complexity burden on the host system while enabling flexible resource expansion.
2Quantity of substance
If more primary host computing nodes are utilized to satisfy increased demand for memory and compute, then memory capacity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts memory and compute functions from the host computing node and places them in separate external supplemental nodes. This extraction allows the host to maintain a simpler, less expensive design while still accessing large amounts of memory and computing power through the external apparatus, reducing overall system cost compared to adding equivalent capacity within the host.
Solution Approach 2:
The external supplemental nodes are designed with multi-functionality, serving as both memory expanders and compute nodes depending on configuration needs. This universality allows a single addition to the external apparatus to provide multiple functions, reducing the total number of components needed and thereby lowering system cost while achieving the required memory and compute capacity.
3Device complexity
If unitary chip designs are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to scale memory and computing power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static unitary chip design to a dynamic modular architecture where the external supplemental apparatus can be configured and scaled based on实际需求. The peer-to-peer interfaces and standardized connections enable flexible reconfiguration of the system topology, allowing dynamic adaptation to varying memory and compute requirements without redesigning the host chip architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the system architecture from a two-dimensional chip layout to a three-dimensional hierarchical structure with host nodes at one level and supplemental nodes at another level, connected through standardized interfaces. This dimensional transition enables scalable resource allocation in the external apparatus while maintaining simplicity in the host chip design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and scalability.
4Power
If host computing nodes are modified to incorporate additional memory and compute, then resource capacity is improved, but hardware and software alternations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The external supplemental apparatus acts as an intermediary that provides additional memory and compute resources without requiring modifications to the host computing node hardware or software. The standardized interfaces (PCIe, CXL) enable the external nodes to be integrated through existing host protocols, avoiding implementation complexity while still achieving the desired resource capacity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The external supplemental nodes are designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow them to function with any compatible host system without requiring host-specific customizations. This universality eliminates the need for hardware or software alternations in the host while still enabling the host to access enhanced memory and compute capabilities through the external apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
New and advanced computing tools and operations require increasingly large amounts of memory and computing power. Disclosed herein are novel apparatus and methods the provide a scalable, modular, and adaptable design that enables any desired configured of additional nodes to be connected to and used to host computing nodes. The design does not require changes to the hardware, software, or protocols of the host computing nodes which can view the additional nodes as a unitary source of supplemental compute and memory. The disclosed design includes the connection of additional nodes in a peer-to-peer topology that enables a chain interconnected of multiple additional nodes share a single connection to a host node. This avoids the limitations imposed by individual node space and configurations on the amount of compute and memory that can be provided to host nodes.