Repeater-Based Selective Communication Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
As computing systems become more complex, the interconnect architecture to couple and communicate between components also increases in complexity to meet bandwidth requirements, but existing solutions struggle to balance performance with power efficiency across different market segments, such as servers and mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of a repeater to selectively enable first and second communication paths, allowing for the bridging of signals between chips and USB Type-C connectors, enabling efficient communication and power delivery while reducing the pin count and power consumption on the System on a Chip (SoC).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple communication paths are enabled simultaneously to meet bandwidth requirements, then data transfer performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by enabling the SoC to selectively activate first or second communication paths based on real-time operational requirements. The system transitions from static multi-path configuration to dynamic path selection, activating only the necessary communication path for current tasks, thereby maintaining high data transfer performance while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different communication path configurations. The SoC dynamically adjusts which communication path (first or second) is active based on bandwidth requirements, effectively changing the system state to optimize the balance between data transfer performance and power consumption for different market segments.
2Productivity
If interconnect architecture complexity increases to meet bandwidth requirements, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interconnect architecture into distinct first and second communication paths with dedicated controllers. By dividing the complex interconnect into manageable segments that can be independently controlled and activated, the system achieves high bandwidth capability when needed while reducing effective complexity through selective activation of only required path segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The SoC is designed with universal communication capability that can operate through either the first or second communication path depending on requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated controller to manage multiple communication paths, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capability across different market segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A port of a first integrated circuit is coupled to a first communication path. Configuration information is communicated between a connector coupled to a second device and a second integrated circuit through the port and the first communication path. The port is decoupled from the first communication path. The port is coupled to a second communication path. Data is communicated between the connector and the second integrated circuit through the port and the second communication path.