PCIe Switch Architecture for Multi-Host SR-IOV Device Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for multiple PCIe hosts to share Single Root Input/Output Virtualization (SR-IOV) devices are complex, costly, and require specialized software, which can lead to interference and failure issues due to processor cooperation.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a control circuit to emulate individual PCIe devices for each host, enabling them to share SR-IOV devices without specialized software, using hardware and firmware to manage inter-domain bridging and non-transparent access, abstracting complexity and maintaining exclusive control for each host.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex virtual intermediary software is used to enable multiple PCIe hosts to share SR-IOV devices, then device sharing capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PCIe switch as a hardware intermediary device that mediates access between multiple PCIe hosts and SR-IOV devices. The switch contains an embedded hypervisor that manages resource allocation and transaction routing, replacing complex software intermediaries with a standardized hardware-based solution that reduces system complexity while maintaining device sharing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based virtual intermediary systems with hardware-based PCIe switch architecture. By implementing the hypervisor and resource management functions in hardware rather than software, the system eliminates the need for complex operating system-level virtualization layers, reducing computational overhead and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized virtual intermediary software is deployed on each host to manage SR-IOV device sharing, then device sharing is enabled, but processor resources and computational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sharing capabilityVSAvoidprocessor resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces CPU-intensive software virtualization with hardware-based PCIe switch architecture that performs transaction routing and resource management in hardware. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized software running on each host processor, significantly reducing processor resource consumption while maintaining device sharing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCIe switch contains an embedded hypervisor that autonomously manages resource allocation, transaction routing, and access control without requiring external software intervention from host processors. This self-service capability allows the switch to handle virtualization tasks independently, freeing host processors from computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fabric mode switches with proprietary routing are used to connect multiple PCIe hosts to SR-IOV devices, then device sharing is achieved, but cost and computational resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sharing capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal PCIe switch architecture that can handle multiple functions including device sharing, transaction routing, and resource management within a single standardized component. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized fabric mode switches with proprietary routing, reducing cost while maintaining device sharing capability through standardized PCIe protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If virtual intermediary software is used to ensure processor cooperation among hosts, then device sharing safety is improved, but system complexity and software maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor cooperation safetyVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based cooperation mechanisms with hardware-enforced access control and transaction management in the PCIe switch. The embedded hypervisor and hardware routing logic ensure safe processor cooperation through deterministic hardware behavior, eliminating the complexity of software-based coordination and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250284654A1System for Multiple PCIe Hosts to Share SR-IOV Devices with Standard Host Drivers

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 MICROCHIP TOUCH SOLUTIONS LIMITED

AI summary

An apparatus includes a plurality of upstream PCIe ports, each connecting to a host, and a downstream PCIe port connecting to a Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) device shared by the hosts. The apparatus provides access to virtual functions (VFs) of the SR-IOV device associated with a physical function (PF). A control circuit enumerates the SR-IOV device in an internal PCIe partition, emulates a first VF as a first individual PCIe device to a first host connected through a first upstream PCIe port, emulates a second VF as a second individual PCIe device to a second host connected through a second upstream PCIe port, and implements inter-domain bridging of PCIe transactions between the hosts and the VFs of the SR-IOV device.