PCIe Device Function Type Controller for Dynamic Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCIe devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and device size, and existing solutions require hardware modifications to efficiently arrange functions, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A PCIe device that reduces power consumption and device size by utilizing a software method to configure functions, such as a function type controller determining the operation type of each function based on host-provided setting information, allowing for flexible operation between physical, virtual, and disable function types without hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hardware modifications are used to arrange functions, then function arrangement efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware modifications with software-based function type setting. Instead of physically reconfiguring hardware to arrange functions, the system uses a function type controller that determines function types (physical function, virtual function, or disable) through software settings information provided by a host, thereby achieving flexible function arrangement without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of functions through software control rather than hardware modification. The function type controller adjusts function types by receiving setting information from the host, enabling dynamic parameter changes that determine how each common function operates without altering the physical hardware structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functions are configured in the PCIe device, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic function configuration where the function type controller can change function types based on host-provided setting information. Functions can be dynamically set to physical function type, virtual function type, or disabled, allowing the system to adapt functionality to actual needs and reduce power consumption by disabling unnecessary functions rather than maintaining all functions permanently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses common functions that can operate in multiple modes (physical function, virtual function, or disabled). This multi-functionality allows a single hardware component to serve different purposes based on software configuration, reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each function type and thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware modifications are made to configure functions, then function type arrangement is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware modifications with software-based configuration. The function type controller determines function types through software settings information from the host, eliminating the need for complex hardware modification processes during manufacturing and significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining flexible function type arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) device includes a plurality of common functions performing operations associated with a PCIe interface according to a function type of each of the plurality of common functions, each of the plurality of common functions being programmable to be a function type selected from a plurality function types, and a function type controller determining the function type of each of the plurality of common functions based on function type setting information provided from a host. Each function type may be a physical function type, a virtual function type, or a disable function type.