Reconfigurable FEC Module for Multi-Lane Error Correction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems are inadequate for handling high-bandwidth applications, such as social media platforms that process large amounts of multimedia data, as they require multiple FEC modules for different communication modes, leading to redundancy in hardware and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable forward-error-correction (FEC) module that can operate in multiple modes without redundant hardware, processing data from two or more communication lanes by combining or processing them separately, allowing for efficient error correction in various communication modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple FEC modules are used for different communication modes, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and hardware redundancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode adaptabilityVSAvoidhardware redundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single FEC module capable of operating in multiple communication modes (single-lane mode and multi-lane mode) by configuring its internal processing elements differently. The syndrome computation module and key equation solver can be dynamically configured to handle either single-lane or multi-lane data streams, eliminating the need for separate FEC modules for each mode while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The FEC module employs dynamic reconfiguration of its internal architecture based on the operational mode. Control logic dynamically adjusts the data path configuration, enabling the same hardware to adapt between processing single-lane data and combining/correcting multi-lane data, thereby achieving mode versatility without hardware redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple FEC modules are used for different communication modes, then communication versatility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single FEC module capable of operating in multiple communication modes (single-lane mode and multi-lane mode) by configuring its internal processing elements differently. The syndrome computation module and key equation solver can be dynamically configured to handle either single-lane or multi-lane data streams, eliminating the need for separate FEC modules for each mode while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated FEC modules into a single reconfigurable unit. By combining the syndrome computation and error correction capabilities into one shared resource that can be dynamically allocated, the system reduces component count and manufacturing costs while preserving all required communication mode support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple FEC modules are used for different communication modes, then communication versatility is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode adaptabilityVSAvoidhardware space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single FEC module capable of operating in multiple communication modes (single-lane mode and multi-lane mode) by configuring its internal processing elements differently. The syndrome computation module and key equation solver can be dynamically configured to handle either single-lane or multi-lane data streams, eliminating the need for separate FEC modules for each mode while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested architecture where the single-lane processing capability is embedded within the multi-lane processing framework. The same syndrome computation and error correction logic is reused at different levels of data aggregation, allowing the system to handle both single-lane and multi-lane modes within a compact, space-efficient single module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11265025B2Reconfigurable FEC

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

The present invention is directed to data communication systems and methods thereof. According to various embodiments, the present invention provides a communication with a reconfigurable forward-error-correction (FEC) module. The FEC module processes data received from two or more communication lanes, and depending on the mode of operation, the FEC module can combine data from the two or more communication lanes and perform error correction on the combined data, or the FEC module can processes data from the two communications lanes separately and perform error correction independently for the each of the data communication lanes. There are other embodiments as well.