Pluggable Module Subcomponent Reset via Host Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable network modules require a catastrophic module-level reset when a microprocessor-based subcomponent malfunctions, disrupting data traffic, whereas a subcomponent-specific reset is needed to address malfunctions like freeze or lockup without affecting other operational elements.
Innovation Solution
A host device with subcomponent reset process logic uses a two-wire management interface to issue a reset command to the microcontroller, which asserts a hard reset to the microprocessor-based subcomponent, enabling a subcomponent-specific reset without module-level intervention, utilizing a two-wire management interface like I2C to address and reset the microcontroller, ensuring minimal disruption to data flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a module-level reset is performed to reset a malfunctioning microprocessor-based subcomponent, then the subcomponent is reset, but data traffic and other module elements are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reset function from the entire module level to the subcomponent level. The host device can now reset only the malfunctioning microprocessor-based subcomponent through a specific reset command transmitted via the management interface, while the rest of the module continues to operate normally and maintain data traffic flow.
2Reliability
If a module-level reset is performed to reset a malfunctioning microprocessor-based subcomponent, then the subcomponent is reset, but other operational elements are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The reset operation is segmented to affect only the target subcomponent rather than the entire module. The host device sends a targeted reset command through the management interface that isolates the reset effect to the specific microprocessor-based subcomponent, allowing other module elements to continue operating without interruption.
3Reliability
If a catastrophic module-level reset is used to address subcomponent malfunctions, then all subcomponents are reset, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of the reset operation to the subcomponent level, enabling selective resetting of only the malfunctioning microprocessor-based subcomponent. This eliminates the need for complete module-level reset, thereby reducing system downtime and allowing continuous operation of healthy subcomponents during the reset process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete module-level reset (excessive action), the patent applies a partial reset action that targets only the specific malfunctioning subcomponent. This partial action is sufficient to recover the faulty subcomponent while avoiding the unnecessary disruption and time loss associated with resetting the entire module.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for resetting a microprocessor-based subcomponent of a pluggable module. Specifically, a host device connected to the pluggable module determines that the microprocessor-based subcomponent needs to be reset. The host device resets the microprocessor-based subcomponent without the need for a module level reset of the pluggable module.