PCI Control Instructions for Adapter Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for communicating with adapters in computing environments, such as PCI or PCIe adapters, lack efficient control instructions for loading and storing data directly from and to the adapters, leading to limitations in data manipulation and access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specific control instructions, including PCI Load, PCI Store, and PCI Store Block instructions, which utilize a function handle to access adapter functions, ensuring authorized access and efficient data transfer without relying on memory-mapped I/O, and allowing for larger block sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If memory-mapped I/O is used for adapter communication, then data access is enabled, but data manipulation capabilities are limited and access efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of adapter communication by introducing specialized control instructions (PCI Load, PCI Store, PCI Store Block) that operate differently from traditional memory-mapped I/O. These instructions modify key parameters including data transfer efficiency, block size capabilities, and direct adapter access methods, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling data access and maintaining high transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control instructions as intermediary mechanisms between the CPU and adapter. These control instructions serve as a mediator that enables efficient data manipulation and transfer by providing specialized operations specifically designed for adapter communication, rather than relying on generic memory-mapped I/O operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic I/O communication methods are used, then adapter access is possible, but data manipulation capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the I/O communication functionality into specialized control instructions tailored for different data transfer scenarios. By dividing the communication protocol into distinct operations (PCI Load for reading, PCI Store for writing, PCI Store Block for bulk transfers), the system provides both broad adapter access capability and specific data manipulation ease for each operation type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control instructions that can adaptively handle different data transfer requirements. The control instructions dynamically adjust to various adapter types and communication needs, providing versatile adapter access while maintaining ease of data manipulation through optimized instruction sequences and parameter handling
3Ease of operation
If standard load/store operations are used, then simple data access is enabled, but support for larger data blocks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the PCI Store Block instruction that performs excessive action by enabling transfer of data blocks larger than what standard load/store operations can handle. This partial action approach allows the system to maintain simple access syntax while extending capability to handle larger quantities of data through a single optimized instruction rather than multiple smaller operations
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication with adapters of a computing environment is facilitated. Instructions are provided that explicitly target the adapters. Information provided in an instruction is used to steer the instruction to an appropriate location within the adapter.