PCIe Device Function Type Controller Software Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCIe devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and device size, and they require hardware modifications to efficiently arrange functions, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A PCIe device with a function type controller that determines the function type of each common function based on software settings from the host, allowing for efficient arrangement of functions without hardware modifications, and reducing power consumption by decreasing the PCIe gate count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hardware modifications are used to arrange functions in PCIe devices, then function arrangement efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware modifications with software-based function type setting information to control PCIe device functions. The host device sends function type setting information to dynamically configure common functions, eliminating the need for physical hardware changes and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional arrangement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic function configuration where common functions can be programmatically assigned to different function types (physical function, virtual function, or disabled) based on runtime settings from the host. This dynamic approach allows flexible function arrangement without fixed hardware configurations, improving adaptability while simplifying manufacturing
2Adaptability or versatility
If full PCIe gate count is maintained for all function types, then functional versatility is improved, but power consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements common functions that can be programmatically configured to perform different function types (physical function, virtual function, or disabled) based on function type setting information from the host. This universal design allows a single hardware structure to serve multiple functional roles, reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each function type and thereby reducing power consumption and device size while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of common functions by setting function types through software control rather than fixed hardware configurations. By dynamically adjusting function type parameters based on host requests, the system maintains versatility while activating only the necessary functional components, reducing overall power consumption and device footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) device includes a common function performing operations associated with a PCIe interface according to a function type, the common function being programmable to be a function type selected from a plurality function types, an access identification information controller generating first access identification information for allowing an access to the common function, and providing the first access identification information to an assigned system image to which the common function has been assigned, a data packet receiver receiving a data packet including target identification information indicating a target system image from the target system image, and an access allowance determiner determining whether or not to allow the target system image to access the common function based on the first access identification information and the target identification information.