Run-Time Filter Reconfiguration in High-Speed Data Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-speed data channel filters struggle to adapt to environmental changes during run-time, leading to inefficiencies and potential shutdowns due to changing interference conditions, as they are typically configured only during a training interval and lack the ability to dynamically adjust to new interference patterns.

Innovation Solution

A physical layer transceiver with a reduced number of filter segments, each configurable to correspond to specific link segments, includes control circuitry to detect and adjust filter configurations in response to changing transmission conditions, using rover filter segments that can be selectively moved or adjusted to address new interference without causing signal discontinuities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If filters are configured only during training interval, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environmental changes during run-time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter configuration complexityVSAvoidadaptability to environmental changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter configuration is made dynamic by enabling runtime adjustment of filter parameters based on detected environmental changes. The system transitions from static pre-configured filters to dynamically adaptable filters that can modify their characteristics during operation to respond to changing interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the system detects transmission conditions during run-time and uses this information to adjust filter configurations. The control circuitry monitors environmental changes and feeds this information back to modify filter parameters, creating a closed-loop adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If filter segments are increased to cover all link segments, then filtering coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple independent filter segments that can be selectively activated. Instead of deploying a single comprehensive filter or all segments simultaneously, the system segments the filtering function and activates only the specific segments needed for current transmission conditions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial filtering action by activating only the necessary portion of filter segments required for current environmental conditions. Rather than using full filtering capacity at all times, the system employs just enough filtering to address detected interference, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If rover filters are configured during training interval only, then setup time is reduced, but ability to respond to new interference patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration setup timeVSAvoidresponse to new interference patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of rover filters during the training interval, establishing initial filter positions and parameters. This preliminary setup reduces configuration time, while runtime detection capabilities enable subsequent adjustments to respond to new interference patterns without requiring complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rover filter configuration transitions from static pre-setup to dynamic runtime adjustment. The system enables rover filters to move and reconfigure themselves during run-time based on detected interference patterns, maintaining the speed benefits of quick initial setup while gaining the adaptability to respond to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If filter configuration is adjusted in response to environmental changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental changesVSAvoidfilter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting environmental changes and adjusting its own parameters without external intervention. The control circuitry monitors transmission conditions and autonomously modifies filter settings, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust filter configuration based on detected environmental changes. The control circuitry receives feedback about transmission conditions and uses this information to modify filter parameters, creating an adaptive system that balances complexity with responsiveness to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4169169B1Environmentally-aware run-time configuration of filters in a high-speed data channel
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD
  • EP4169169B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4169169B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4169169B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A physical layer transceiver, for connecting a host device to a wireline channel medium having a cable length, includes a host interface for coupling to a host device, a line interface for coupling to the channel medium, and filter circuitry operatively coupled to the line interface. The filter circuitry includes a plurality of filter segments, fewer in number than a total number of link segments in the cable length. Individual filter segments in the plurality of filter segments are configurable to correspond to individual link segments and are separately controllable from other filter segments. Control circuitry detects a change of transmission conditions in a particular link segment, and upon detection of the change of transmission conditions, changes a configuration of one of the plurality of filter segments to cause an alteration in filtering of signals in the particular link segment at which the change of transmission conditions is detected.