Segmented Bus Topology Multiplexer Addressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer bus architectures, such as I2C buses, are limited in the number of addressable devices they can support, reaching a maximum of 112 nodes due to 7-bit address space constraints, which becomes a bottleneck for systems requiring a larger number of addressable devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a segmented bus topology using multiplexers and data structures to organize and switch between multiple bus segments, allowing for increased addressability by assigning unique segment numbers and using primitives to describe switching operations, thereby optimizing device addressing and reducing unnecessary switching operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a traditional single bus topology is used, then the system structure is simple, but the number of addressable devices is limited to 112 nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of addressable devicesVSAvoidbus topology structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus topology is divided into multiple segments (first bus segment, second bus segment, etc.), each capable of addressing additional devices. This segmentation allows the system to exceed the traditional 112-node limit by creating separate addressable regions that can be accessed through controlled switching between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiplexers are introduced as intermediary devices to manage communication between the controller and multiple bus segments. These multiplexers act as switches that selectively connect the controller to different segments based on address information, enabling expanded device addressing while maintaining structured control over the complex multi-segment topology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple bus segments are implemented to increase addressable devices, then the number of addressable devices increases to 128 or more, but the bus topology complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of addressable devicesVSAvoiddevice addressing and switching management

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes segment assignments and multiplexer routing configurations before operation. By organizing devices into predefined segments and configuring multiplexer switch matrices in advance, the system simplifies runtime addressing operations, allowing the controller to efficiently manage expanded device addresses without complex real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9965425B2Segmenting bus topology

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

One embodiment is a method that segments a bus topology to increase addressable devices that can attach to a bus. Switching occurs between different segments on the bus having multiple bus segments linked together.