PCI-E Chassis Multi-Host Control via Reconfigurable Switch Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Compact PCI-E (cPCI-E) and PXI-E chassis face limitations such as bandwidth bottlenecks, inefficient lane usage, and restricted flexibility due to fixed lane widths and specific module types, which hinder optimal resource utilization and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reconfigurable switch fabric and multi-link PCI-E modules that allow peripheral slots to receive multiple upstream hosts, enabling independent control of peripheral modules and forming multiple logical chassis within a single physical chassis, along with the ability to connect multiple links through a single slot for improved flexibility and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cPCI-E and PXI-E chassis use a single system controller to control all peripheral modules, then the chassis structure is simple, but bandwidth bottlenecks occur and performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single system controller into multiple system controllers (first system controller and second system controller). Each system controller can independently control different peripheral modules, eliminating the bandwidth bottleneck of a single controller while maintaining manageable chassis structure through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables peripheral slots to serve multiple functions: they can receive peripheral modules controlled by the first system controller, or receive cabled host adapters that provide additional upstream hosts for controlling other peripheral modules. This multi-functionality increases throughput while keeping the chassis structure flexible rather than overly complex.
2Productivity
If cPCI-E and PXI-E chassis slots have fixed lane widths, then the chassis structure is simple, but lane usage efficiency is poor when peripheral modules require fewer lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic lane allocation where the lane width assigned to each peripheral module can be adjusted according to its actual requirements. The switch fabric can dynamically configure lane assignments, allowing slots to provide different lane widths (e.g., x8, x4, x2) to different peripheral modules, thereby improving lane usage efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chassis slots are limited to specific module types, then the chassis structure is simple, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes peripheral slots universal by enabling them to receive different types of modules: peripheral modules for data processing, cabled host adapters for additional host connectivity, and cabled target adapters for downstream device connection. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the switch fabric's reconfigurable nature prevents the need for complex slot-specific restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic slot functionality where the same physical slot can be dynamically configured to work with different module types based on system requirements. The reconfigurable switch fabric allows slots to switch between controlling downstream devices, connecting to upstream hosts, or serving as peripheral slots, thereby enhancing flexibility without adding physical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If system slots are always treated as downstream slots when connected to cabled PCI-E modules, then the chassis structure is simple, but flexibility and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system slot's functionality dynamic rather than fixed. The system slot can be configured as a downstream slot when connected to a cabled target adapter, or as an upstream slot when connected to a cabled host adapter. The reconfigurable switch fabric enables this dynamic role switching, increasing slot functionality flexibility while the configuration management keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the system slot to reverse its traditional downstream-only role by enabling it to function as an upstream slot when connected to cabled host adapters. This inversion of the conventional downstream-only assignment allows the system slot to provide upstream connectivity, thereby increasing flexibility without requiring additional physical slots.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) compatible chassis comprises a plurality of peripheral slots each configured to receive a peripheral module, a system slot configured to receive a first upstream host to control at least one of the peripheral modules and a reconfigurable switch fabric configured to allow at least one of the peripheral modules to receive a second upstream host to control other peripheral modules independent of the first upstream host.