PCI Express Link Bandwidth Management via Dynamic Width Speed Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCI Express bus link bandwidth management is inflexible, requiring system reboot or link disable to change link width/speed, leading to inefficient bandwidth allocation and power waste, especially for applications with varying data traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic link bandwidth management that monitors change conditions and adjusts link width and speed without disabling the link or powering down the system, prioritizing either width or speed changes based on negotiation priorities, allowing for real-time optimization of bandwidth without entering a link down state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If link width/speed is changed by disabling the link or powering down the system, then the link bandwidth can be adjusted, but the transition time increases and system operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the link bandwidth dynamic by allowing width and speed changes during normal operation without disabling the link. The negotiation mechanism enables the link to adapt its bandwidth dynamically based on application needs, transitioning from static preset bandwidth to dynamic adjustable bandwidth while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (width and speed) of the PCI Express link during normal operation. By monitoring application bandwidth needs and negotiating parameter changes without entering link down state, the system achieves fast bandwidth adjustment while maintaining continuous data transmission.
2Ease of operation
If preset maximum link bandwidth is allocated for all applications, then system operation is simple, but power consumption increases for applications with low data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth adjustment that adapts to actual application needs. The system monitors bandwidth requirements and negotiates link width/speed changes accordingly, transitioning from static maximum bandwidth allocation to dynamic demand-based allocation, reducing power consumption for low-traffic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors application bandwidth needs and performs self-adjustment through negotiation between link partners. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual bandwidth configuration while optimizing power consumption based on actual traffic demands.
3Ease of operation
If preset maximum link bandwidth is used, then bandwidth allocation is simple, but bandwidth efficiency decreases for applications with varying data traffic demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic bandwidth adjustment that responds to application needs in real-time. By monitoring bandwidth utilization and negotiating parameter changes, the system optimizes bandwidth efficiency for different application types while maintaining ease of operation through automated negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where bandwidth usage is monitored and used to trigger negotiation for width/speed adjustments. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically optimize bandwidth allocation based on actual traffic patterns, improving efficiency without complex manual configuration.
4Loss of time
If link width/speed negotiation is performed during normal operation, then bandwidth can be adjusted quickly, but the negotiation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares negotiation capabilities in advance during link initialization, storing supported width/speed combinations. When bandwidth adjustment is needed, the pre-prepared negotiation mechanism can quickly execute without extensive setup, reducing transition time while managing complexity through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for link bandwidth management between two devices in communication through a bandwidth-adjustable bus in a computer system determines which of a speed negotiation priority and a width negotiation priority is higher when the change condition is activated. An original width of the bus is changed to a target width first while remaining an original speed of the bus unchanged when the width negotiation priority is higher, and then optionally changing the original speed to a target speed. On the other hand, an original speed of the bus is changed to the target speed first while remaining the original width of the bus unchanged when the speed negotiation priority is higher, and then optionally changing the original width to the target width. The bus operates at a target bandwidth with the target width and the target speed without disabling the link state or powering down the computer system.