Reconfigurable Interconnection Node Firmware Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing platforms face obsolescence, limited manufacturing sources, and difficulties in integrating sub-systems from different manufacturers due to different protocols, making it challenging to communicate and synthesize data effectively, and predicting future system configurations.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable interconnection node with system interface modules and mezzanine modules that can communicate with external systems via different interface specifications, allowing firmware reconfiguration without physical hardware changes, and utilizing processing cards with reconfigurable hardware to interface with external systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware is designed for specific interface specifications, then compatibility with current systems is ensured, but adaptability to future systems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to future systemsVSAvoidhardware reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of interface modules through firmware updates, allowing the system to adapt to different interface specifications without physical hardware changes. The interface module can transition between different operational states corresponding to different external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters through firmware reconfiguration rather than hardware modification. The interface module's behavior and compatibility parameters can be altered by loading different firmware images, enabling adaptation to new interface specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface modules are used to support different external systems, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple external systemsVSAvoidinterface module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal interface module that can function with multiple different external systems through firmware reconfiguration. A single physical module can serve multiple purposes by loading appropriate firmware, eliminating the need for separate dedicated modules for each system type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of maintaining separate physical hardware for different interface specifications, the system uses firmware copies or images that replicate the functional characteristics of different interface modules. These firmware copies can be loaded onto the same physical hardware to achieve different interface capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If firmware reconfiguration is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of data exchange may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware reconfigurabilityVSAvoiddata exchange reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit monitors the operational status of interface modules and can verify firmware configuration correctness. This feedback loop enables detection and correction of configuration errors to maintain data exchange reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements validation and verification procedures before applying firmware reconfiguration to ensure compatibility and correctness. Testing and verification steps are performed in advance to prevent potential reliability issues with data exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If physical hardware is modified to support new interface specifications, then compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface specification compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware modification with software-based firmware reconfiguration. Instead of mechanically changing circuit boards or hardware components to support new interface specifications, the system uses firmware updates to achieve the same functional changes, significantly simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11782864B2Reconfigurable interconnection node

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 AURA TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Reconfigurable interconnection nodes and interface modules are provided. The reconfigurable interconnection node includes a circuit board with a processing unit executing instructions stored on memory to provide operating system software, at least one bus, and at least one bus connector. The reprogrammable interconnection node also includes at least one system interface module operably connected to the circuit board via the at least one bus, wherein the system interface module is configured to communicate with or exchange data with at least a first external system.