SerDes Wrapper Hash Checks for Radiation-Induced Lane Faults
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed serializer/deserializer (SerDes) devices in satellite applications face challenges due to ionizing radiation, leading to single event effects that cause data loss and require lengthy reset times, which is not tolerable in all applications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pair of SerDes lanes and an error detection system that uses hash codes and a parity lane for error detection and correction, allowing for rapid detection and reconstruction of invalid lanes, enabling quick reset and minimizing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional SerDes design is used in satellite applications, then the device can operate in space environment, but ionizing radiation causes single event effects that lead to data loss and require lengthy reset times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing error detection codes (EDC) and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) mechanisms that proactively detect radiation-induced errors before they cause complete lane failure. The system pre-calculates and transmits checksums with data packets, enabling immediate error identification without waiting for traditional loss-of-lock detection, thus reducing reset time from milliseconds to microseconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a comprehensive error detection and status reporting system that continuously monitors SerDes lane health. The receiving device calculates CRC on incoming packets, compares with transmitted checksums, and immediately feeds back error status to the transmitting device. This closed-loop feedback enables rapid detection and response to radiation effects, minimizing data loss and reset requirements.
2Loss of time
If rapid detection and reset of invalid SerDes lanes is implemented, then data loss is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the error detection function into modular components: transmitter-side EDC/CRC calculation, channel transmission of checksums, receiver-side verification, and status feedback mechanisms. This modular segmentation allows systematic implementation of rapid error detection without overwhelming system complexity, enabling each component to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary mechanisms in the form of error detection codes and status indicator signals that mediate between the physical SerDes lane and the higher-layer error management functions. These intermediaries translate complex radiation effects into simple detectable patterns (checksum mismatches, loss-of-lock signals), simplifying the overall error detection system while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Reliability
If robust error detection and correction systems are added to mitigate radiation effects, then reliability improves, but engineering effort and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing error detection and correction mechanisms that serve multiple functions: detecting single-event upsets, identifying loss-of-lock conditions, triggering rapid resets, and providing status feedback for higher-layer protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each error type, thereby reducing overall engineering effort while maintaining comprehensive radiation hardening.
Data Source
AI summary
Light-weight, configurable error detection in a satellite communication system that detects invalid SerDes lanes via hash codes appended to packets of data in the lanes. An indication can be passed back upstream about the invalid lane so that the lane can be reset. Error correction can be provided by reconstructing the bit data in the invalid SerDes lane based on parity information in an optional parity lane.