Retimer Low-Latency Path Control for Stable Link Establishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retimers in communication devices suffer from high insertion loss and data transmission latency, leading to inefficiencies and potential device abnormalities due to independent path control methods, particularly when transitioning to low latency paths.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling retimer paths using bitstreams that include capability and control information, allowing devices to manage retimer entry and exit from low latency paths effectively, avoiding device abnormalities and ensuring smooth communication link establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the retimer independently enters the low latency path without control, then data transmission latency is reduced, but device abnormalities occur and communication link establishment is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the retimer sends capability information about low latency path support to communication devices, and receives control information back to determine whether to enter the low latency path. This bidirectional communication ensures the retimer only enters low latency mode when properly authorized, preventing device abnormalities while maintaining latency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires communication devices to first send control information indicating permission before the retimer can enter the low latency path. This preliminary authorization step prevents unauthorized entry that would cause device abnormalities, while still allowing low latency operation when properly controlled.
2Ease of operation
If the retimer sends indication bitstream to communication devices to indicate staying in link establishment phase, then the retimer can independently enter low latency path, but communication devices may become abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capability information and control information as intermediary signals exchanged between communication devices and the retimer. These standardized intermediaries enable the retimer to control its path entry without directly controlling device behavior, thereby preventing device abnormalities while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If complex processing is performed by the retimer on received data, then data relay and jitter filtering are achieved, but data transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between normal processing path and low latency path based on real-time needs. The retimer can dynamically enter low latency mode when quality is sufficient and exit when needed, providing flexible adaptation that reduces latency without compromising data transmission quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A retimer path control method includes: receiving a first bitstream, where the first bitstream includes a first field, the first field includes capability information of a retimer, and the capability information indicates whether the retimer supports a low latency path; and sending a second bitstream to the retimer, where the second bitstream includes a second field, the second field includes first enter control information, the first enter control information indicates whether the retimer enters the low latency path, and the low latency path is a path with lowest latency in data transmission paths of the retimer. The path of the retimer can be effectively controlled.