Pass-Through Module Redirects PCIe Lanes for Motherboard Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motherboard expansion buses often lack the necessary functionality and flexibility, as they are limited by fixed allocations of high-speed serial communication lanes like PCIe, which restricts system design and user configurability, leading to costly and inflexible system designs.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through module with a routing function that redirects bidirectional lanes between active and inactive portions of a connector, allowing for the reallocation and rerouting of PCIe links, enabling functional reconfiguration of the motherboard and increased design flexibility without adding extra cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed allocations of high-speed serial communication lanes are used on motherboard expansion buses, then system stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and design flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane allocation where PCIe lanes can be reconfigured and reassigned based on system needs. The lane allocation is not fixed but can be dynamically changed through software control, allowing the same physical infrastructure to serve different functions and devices at different times, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lane allocation system where the same PCIe lanes can serve multiple different devices and functions. Through a lane allocation mechanism, the system can assign lanes to different expanders and devices as needed, making the communication infrastructure multi-functional and adaptable to various configurations without requiring dedicated fixed lanes for each device.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed lane allocations are implemented for different expanders, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic lane allocation that can be configured through software rather than requiring different hardware designs for different configurations. This allows the same manufactured motherboard to be adapted to various user needs through software-based lane assignment, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lane allocation parameters through software control rather than through hardware redesign. The physical infrastructure remains the same, but the logical allocation of lanes to devices can be changed by modifying allocation parameters, enabling flexible configuration without impacting manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality is added to motherboard expansion buses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lane allocation system that provides additional functionality through software-based configuration rather than adding separate dedicated infrastructure for each function. The same PCIe lanes can be allocated to serve different devices and purposes, providing enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated lane allocation mechanisms that can dynamically assign lanes based on system needs and device requirements. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of manual configuration and allows the system to adapt to different functionality requirements without requiring complex external intervention or additional control infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a pass-through module that includes connector pins to connect with at least one active portion of a motherboard connector and to separately connect with at least one inactive portion of the motherboard connector. A routing function on the pass-through module redirects a set of bidirectional lanes from the connector pins connected to the active portion of the motherboard connector to the connector pins connected to the inactive portion of the motherboard connector to enable a connection of the set of bidirectional lanes to at least one other motherboard resource connected to the inactive portion of the motherboard connector.