Rotator-Based Serial-Parallel Conversion for Dense Switch Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing bandwidth of transponder switches in optical networks leads to complex design and layout challenges due to the need for efficient serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial data conversions, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversion system using rotator circuits and register components that reduce the number of connections required, allowing for efficient conversion of serial bit streams into parallel data units and back, simplifying the circuit layout by using fewer connections and delay circuits to manage data streams effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the bandwidth of the transponder switch increases, then the data conversion capability improves, but the design and layout complexity of the switching circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching circuitry into multiple independent rotator circuits, each handling a specific data stream. This segmentation allows each circuit module to be designed and laid out independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capability through parallel operation of multiple rotator circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where rotator circuits are nested within the transponder switch fabric, and register circuits are nested within each rotator circuit. This nesting allows compact integration of multiple functions within the switch, enabling high bandwidth conversion while managing circuit layout complexity through organized hierarchical placement
2Productivity
If multiple serial data streams are converted to parallel data, then the switching efficiency improves, but the number of connections and circuit elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator circuits are designed to perform multiple functions: they simultaneously implement serial-to-parallel conversion, data switching, and parallel-to-serial conversion for multiple data streams. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing the total number of connections and circuit elements while maintaining high switching efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically configurable rotator circuits that can adapt their connection patterns based on the switching requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same circuit structure to handle different numbers of data streams and connection patterns, reducing the need for fixed dedicated connections for each possible configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversion devices may provide for efficient conversion of serial bit streams into parallel data units (and vice versa). In one implementation, a device may include delay circuits, each of which being configured to receive a serial data stream. A rotator circuit may receive the delayed serial data streams and rearrange bits in the serial data streams. Register circuits may receive the output of the rotator circuit and collectively output, in parallel, a number of bits of one of the serial bit streams.