Reconfigurable PCIe Data Path Transport for Dynamic Compute Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing data center architectures are inflexible, with compute nodes having fixed configurations that are not well-suited for applications requiring different numbers of CPUs and GPUs, leading to inefficient resource use and difficulties in upgrading or replacing individual components without replacing the entire module.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reconfigurable PCIe data path transport that allows for dynamic attachment and detachment of computing resources, enabling the creation of compute nodes with varying configurations by coupling appropriate resources through a low latency, reconfigurable fabric, such as an optical circuit switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If compute nodes use fixed configurations with integrated CPUs and GPUs, then system stability and simplicity are improved, but adaptability and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compute node is segmented into separate functional components (CPUs, GPUs, storage, memory) that can be independently configured and allocated. Each component type is maintained as a distinct module that can be dynamically assembled into different compute node configurations based on application requirements, resolving the contradiction between system stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed configurations to dynamic, reconfigurable architectures. Compute nodes can be dynamically assembled and disassembled by attaching or detaching different functional components (such as GPU accelerators, storage devices, or memory modules) to the base platform, allowing the system to adapt to varying workload requirements while maintaining operational stability through standardized interfaces.
2Device complexity
If compute nodes use fixed configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A universal base platform is designed with standardized interfaces and slots that can accommodate multiple types of functional components (GPUs, storage devices, memory modules, network interfaces). This universal architecture allows a single compute node platform to serve multiple application types and workloads, significantly improving resource utilization efficiency without substantially increasing device complexity through modular design.
3Ease of manufacture
If functional elements are aggregated into integrated modules, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of repair and upgrading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compute node architecture is segmented into a base platform and separate, interchangeable functional components. Each component (GPU accelerators, storage devices, memory modules) is designed as an independent module that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation enables straightforward repair and upgrading operations where individual components can be swapped without affecting the base platform or other components, while still allowing for streamlined manufacturing of standardized modules.
4Reliability
If compute nodes are designed as self-contained modules, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfigurability through hot-swappable components and standardized interfaces that maintain system reliability during configuration changes. Compute nodes can be dynamically reconfigured by attaching or detaching functional components without requiring system shutdown or affecting the stability of the base platform. The standardized interfaces and modular architecture ensure that reliability is maintained while adaptability is significantly enhanced, allowing the same base platform to reliably support multiple different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods for configuring computing system for and computing systems for PCIe communication between remote computing assets. The system uses a fabric interface device configured to receive multi-lane serial PCIe data from functional elements of a computing asset through a multi-lane PCIe bus, and to transparently extend the multi-lane PCIe bus by converting the multi-lane PCIe data into a retimed parallel version of the PCIe multi-lane data to be sent on bidirectional data communication paths. The fabric interface device is also configured so that the multi-lane PCIe bus can have a first number of lanes and the bidirectional data communication paths can have a different second number of lanes.