SERDES Bypass Path for PCS Data Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

Physical links require training before data transmission, which consumes time and power, especially when data volume is low, and existing USB signaling methods like LFPS have limited usage and fixed patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for bypassing the physical layer by encoding data for transmission over a serial low-speed link using SERDES transmission and receive bypass paths, allowing direct data transfer between physical coding sub-layers without training the physical layer circuits, utilizing SERDES transmission and receive bypass paths to encode and decode data directly on GPIO pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical layer training is performed before data transmission, then reliable data transmission is ensured, but time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidlink training time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data transmission function from the traditional PHY training sequence by introducing a bypass path that allows data to be sent directly from the PCS layer without going through the SERDES PHY training process. This separates the data transmission pathway from the training pathway, enabling selective bypass of training when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection between two operational modes: normal mode where PHY training is performed for reliable transmission, and bypass mode where data is transmitted directly through the PCS layer. The system dynamically switches between these modes based on data volume and transmission requirements, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If physical layer training is performed before data transmission, then reliable data transmission is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidPHY training power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data transmission function from the traditional PHY training sequence by introducing a bypass path that allows data to be sent directly from the PCS layer without going through the SERDES PHY training process. This separates the data transmission pathway from the training pathway, enabling selective bypass of training when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection between two operational modes: normal mode where PHY training is performed for reliable transmission, and bypass mode where data is transmitted directly through the PCS layer. The system dynamically switches between these modes based on data volume and transmission requirements, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If LFPS signaling is used for low-speed communication, then power savings are achieved, but signaling capability is limited by fixed patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignaling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass path is designed to handle multiple functions: it can transmit data packets, convey control information, and enable communication in low-power states. By making the PCS-to-PCS path universally applicable for different types of information transfer, the system replaces the limited LFPS signaling with a more versatile data path that maintains low-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the serial link by introducing a bypass mode that operates at different data rates and protocols compared to normal SERDES operation. This allows the system to adapt its transmission characteristics based on the specific communication needs, overcoming the fixed-pattern limitation of LFPS while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11132327B2Method and apparatus for physical layer bypass

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for physical layer bypass data transmission between physical coding sub-layers (PCS) includes encoding the data for transmission over a serial low-speed link. The data is transmitted from a first PCS via a serial connection over a serializer/deserializer (SERDES) transmission bypass path The data is received by a second PCS via a SERDES receive bypass path.