PCIe Bus Routing for Dynamic GPU Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interface buses for computing devices lack the ability to efficiently manage and allocate additional communications and power resources to peripheral devices, particularly graphics adapters with multiple graphics processing units, and struggle to distribute video signals effectively to system-mounted display connectors.
Innovation Solution
A PCIe-compatible interface bus with a routing complex that connects a processor to multiple interface slots, including standard and extended slots, allowing for configurable resource allocation based on peripheral device properties, and a multiplexer/demultiplexer system to manage video signals from multiple graphics processing units to display connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard interface bus is used to connect peripheral devices, then basic communication functionality is provided, but additional power and communication resources cannot be efficiently allocated to devices with multiple graphics processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The interface bus is segmented into standard interface slots and extended interface slots, allowing different resource allocation modes. The routing complex is divided into multiple routing components that can independently configure connections based on device requirements, enabling flexible resource allocation without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an extended interface slot that adds additional communication and power resources beyond the standard interface. This dimensional expansion allows high-performance devices with multiple graphics processing units to access additional lanes and power capacity without affecting the standard interface functionality for regular devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface slots are provided for peripheral devices, then device connectivity is improved, but resource allocation management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The routing complex implements dynamic resource allocation by continuously monitoring device presence and configuration requirements. When a device is detected in an extended interface slot, the routing components dynamically reconfigure to allocate additional communication lanes and power resources. This dynamic adaptation simplifies management by automatically adjusting resources based on actual device needs rather than requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface bus system performs self-configuration through automatic device detection and resource allocation. The routing complex autonomously determines which devices require additional resources and configures the appropriate switching patterns without external intervention, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining multiple interface slots for enhanced connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interface resources are allocated to extended interface slots, then additional power and communication channels are provided, but resources may be wasted when devices are not concurrently connected
Solution Approach 1:
The routing complex incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the connection status of devices in extended interface slots. When a device is detected in an extended slot, the system activates additional power and communication resources. When the device is removed or does not require extended resources, the system automatically deactivates those resources and reallocates them to other slots, ensuring no energy waste while maintaining full communication capacity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a processor, a PCIe-compatible interface bus that includes a root that is connected to the processor, and a routing complex that is connected to the root and is controlled by the processor. The computer also includes a first interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, a second interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, and an extended interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches. The switches are configured based on properties of a first peripheral device to define a first switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected only to the first interface slot and to define a second switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected to both of the first interface slot and the extended interface slot.