PCIe Riser and Interposer Bandwidth Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information Handling Systems (IHS) face challenges in dynamically reallocating PCIe bandwidth due to the fixed nature of PCIe connections, which can lead to inefficiencies in server applications that require periodic reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The use of PCIe riser cards and interposer cards allows for manual reconfiguration of PCIe bandwidth distribution within an IHS, enabling flexible allocation of PCIe lanes without the need for hardware switching components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCIe lanes are dedicated to a PCIe connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability of PCIe bandwidth allocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PCIe baseboard connector is segmented into multiple sub-connectors (first baseboard sub-connector and second baseboard sub-connector), allowing the PCIe bandwidth to be divided into separate allocable portions. This segmentation enables flexible distribution of PCIe lanes to different devices while maintaining stable dedicated connections for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of PCIe bandwidth allocation by allowing different riser cards to be coupled to the baseboard connector at different times. The PCIe lane distribution can be changed by swapping riser cards, providing adaptability while maintaining connection stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware switching components are used to redirect PCIe lanes, then the adaptability of PCIe bandwidth distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Riser cards serve as intermediary components between the PCIe baseboard connector and PCIe devices. These riser cards contain the lane distribution logic and routing functionality, eliminating the need for complex hardware switching components within the baseboard itself. The intermediary riser card absorbs the complexity while providing clean, simple interfaces at both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The lane distribution and switching functionality is extracted from the baseboard connector and relocated to external riser cards. This extraction removes the complexity of hardware switching components from the main system architecture, allowing the baseboard to remain simple while still providing flexible PCIe bandwidth allocation through interchangeable riser cards.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments allow an IHS to be configured for different distributions of available PCIe bandwidth. An IHS is reconfigured by utilizing different PCIe riser cards that interface with the PCIe bus of the IHS and route different portions of the available PCIe lanes. PCIe bandwidth may be further distributed using an interposer card that allows a portion of the PCIe bandwidth to be routed to a PCIe device that is supported by the PCIe interposer card. The IHS may be reconfigured by manually switching the riser cards and interposer that are coupled to the IHS. The PCIe distribution is reconfigured without relying on hardware switching components that redirect PCIe lanes. The riser cards and the interposer are coupled to a PCIe baseboard connector of the IHS, where the baseboard connector is divided into two baseboard sub-connectors that each interface with the PCIe bus of the IHS.