PCI Express Switch Dynamic Lane Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCI Express switch chipsets cannot accommodate both workstation and server configurations on the same motherboard due to differing lane allocations, as they typically support only 17 physical lanes connected to two connectors, limiting flexibility in allocating lanes for devices like video graphics adapters and redundant network or storage adapters.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic lane allocation method that identifies installed devices, assigns lanes based on device types, user preferences, and historic traffic data to dynamically allocate lanes among multiple PCI Express connectors, allowing for flexible configurations such as allocating lanes to three or more connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCI Express switch chipsets are configured for workstation use with a single 16-lane connector, then video graphics adapter performance is optimized, but the system cannot support server configurations requiring multiple connectors for redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane allocation where the PCI Express switch can reconfigure lane assignments between connectors based on detected device types and system configuration needs. The switch dynamically adjusts which lanes are active and connected to which connectors, transforming a static hardware configuration into a flexible, software-controlled system that can adapt between workstation and server modes without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (lane allocation, connector activation) based on detected configuration requirements. By monitoring inserted devices and their performance needs, the switch modifies lane assignments and connector configurations in real-time, enabling the same hardware to optimize for either high-performance video graphics (workstation mode) or redundant adapter support (server mode)
2Reliability
If PCI Express switch chipsets are configured for server use with multiple connectors, then system redundancy is improved, but video graphics adapter performance is reduced due to lane distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The switch dynamically consolidates lanes to a single connector when a high-performance video graphics adapter is detected, temporarily reconfiguring the multi-connector architecture into a single high-bandwidth connection. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain server-grade hardware configuration while achieving workstation-grade video performance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies lane allocation parameters based on device priority and type. When video graphics adapters are detected in connectors capable of receiving them, the switch changes the operational state to concentrate all 16 lanes to that single connector, temporarily sacrificing multi-connector redundancy for maximum video performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of PCI Express connectors is increased to support multiple devices, then device connectivity is improved, but the number of physical lanes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the physical lanes universal by allowing the same 16 lanes to serve multiple connectors through dynamic reconfiguration. Instead of dedicating specific lanes to specific connectors, the switch enables any lane to be assigned to any connector based on real-time needs, allowing a single set of lanes to fulfill multiple connector roles across different operational modes
4Stability of the object's composition
If lane allocation is fixed at hardware level, then configuration stability is improved, but flexibility in adapting to different system requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed hardware lane allocation into a dynamic, software-controlled configuration system. The switch monitors inserted devices, determines their performance requirements, and automatically reconfigures lane assignments accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains stability during operation while enabling adaptation between different system configurations without hardware changes
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, and computer program products for dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors are disclosed that include identifying whether a PCI Express device is installed into each PCI Express connector, and assigning a portion of the lanes to each PCI Express connector having a PCI Express device installed into the PCI Express connector. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include identifying a device type for each PCI Express device installed into the plurality of PCI Express connectors. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include creating allocation rules that specify the allocation of lanes to the plurality of PCI Express connectors. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include receiving user allocation preferences that specify the allocation of lanes to the plurality of PCI Express connectors.