PCIe Proxy Devices for Multi-Root Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCIe systems lack the ability to share IO resources effectively across multiple hosts in multi-root computing environments, leading to inflexibility and the need for expensive, complex non-transparent bridges to facilitate resource sharing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of proxy devices and a proxy configuration manager that copy the configuration space of target endpoint devices, allowing multiple servers to access and share endpoint functions without requiring MR-aware switches or endpoint devices, using a scalable PCIe fabric with proxy interrupt conveyance for error handling and address translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-transparent bridges are used to share IO resources in multi-root systems, then resource sharing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proxy devices as intermediary components between root complexes and endpoint devices. These proxy devices act as mediators that enable resource sharing by translating and forwarding transactions between multiple root complexes and shared endpoint devices, eliminating the need for complex non-transparent bridges while maintaining multi-root access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the IO virtualization functionality into separate proxy devices that can be independently deployed. Each proxy device handles specific endpoint functions, allowing the system to share IO resources through multiple simple proxy components rather than a single complex bridge structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If MR-aware switches and endpoint devices are deployed to support multi-root topology, then resource sharing capability is improved, but hardware cost and availability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates proxy devices that copy the configuration space and functionality of endpoint devices. This allows standard endpoint devices to be shared across multiple root complexes without requiring expensive MR-aware hardware, as the proxy devices replicate the necessary configuration and transaction handling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs proxy devices as disposable intermediary components that can be easily deployed and removed. These proxy devices provide the necessary multi-root functionality at lower cost compared to MR-aware switches and endpoints, making the system more economically viable and hardware-available
3Ease of operation
If standard PCIe devices are used without IO virtualization capability, then device compatibility is maintained, but resource sharing flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy devices serve as intermediaries that translate standard PCIe transactions into shared access patterns. This allows standard PCIe devices to maintain full compatibility with existing software and drivers while enabling flexible resource sharing through the proxy layer, without requiring modifications to the endpoint devices themselves
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for executing embedded functions in endpoint devices by proxy in a shared PCI Express subsystem. The shared subsystem comprises a plurality of proxy devices coupled to a PCIe fabric, wherein each one of the proxy devices is associated with an endpoint device and coupled to a controlling server through a PCIe link. An associated proxy device comprises a copy of the configuration space of the target endpoint device. Embedded functions of an endpoint device can be accessed by controlling servers through the associated proxy devices. Devices in the shared subsystem use PCI protocol to communicate. The duplication of the endpoint configuration space in the proxy device is administrated by a proxy configuration manager. The proxy device translates destination addresses in upstream and downstream transactions. A proxy interrupt conveyance mechanism relays interrupt messages from an endpoint device to the controlling server via the associated proxy device.