SERDES Multiplexer Rerouting for Switch IC Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large network switches often require discarding the entire integrated circuit (IC) when a single circuit, such as a SERDES module, malfunctions, leading to wastefulness and high costs due to the extensive integration of circuitry.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with multiple SERDES modules and multiplexer modules within ICs, allowing for rerouting and remapping of data paths when a module fails, thereby isolating the faulty module and maintaining functionality across all ports without discarding the entire IC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circuitry is extensively integrated into a single IC, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but reliability decreases because a single malfunction requires discarding the entire IC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic IC into multiple separate ICs, each containing a subset of SERDES modules and associated circuitry. This allows individual ICs to be replaced or bypassed when malfunctioning, while the overall switch system continues to operate using remaining functional ICs. The segmentation enables granular fault isolation without compromising the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the architectural parameter from a single integrated IC to multiple distributed ICs connected through a crossbar switch fabric. This parameter change transforms the system from one where a single point of failure kills the entire device to one where redundancy and reconfigurability provide continued operation despite individual component failures.
2Device complexity
If all circuitry is integrated into one IC, then device size and component count are reduced, but adaptability decreases because faulty modules cannot be isolated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the switch circuitry into multiple separate ICs, the patent enables selective activation and deactivation of individual ICs based on their operational status. The control logic can dynamically reconfigure which ICs are active, providing adaptability to handle faults while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through standardized interfaces and modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability where the control logic can change the operational state of different ICs in real-time based on detected faults. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain functionality by activating standby or alternative ICs when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a SERDES module malfunctions in an integrated IC, then the entire IC must be discarded, but this increases loss of substance and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SERDES modules into separate, independent ICs rather than keeping them integrated within a single large IC. This extraction enables the removal and replacement of only the specific IC containing the malfunctioning SERDES module, preventing waste of the entire IC and reducing material loss while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production processes.
4Reliability
If multiple ICs are used instead of one, then reliability and fault isolation improve, but device complexity and interconnection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal crossbar switch fabric that can route signals between any combination of the multiple ICs. This universal switching infrastructure provides a standardized, flexible interconnection method that simplifies the complexity of connecting multiple ICs, as the same crossbar fabric handles all inter-IC communications regardless of which specific ICs are active or their configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A first integrated circuit (IC) includes a first set of M serializer/deserializer (SERDES) modules configured to communicate with a first set of M SERDES modules of a switch IC of a switch, respectively, where M is an integer greater than 1. The first IC includes a first set of N SERDES modules configured to communicate with a first set of N ports of the switch, respectively, where N=(M−1). The first IC includes a first set of N multiplexer modules configured to communicate with (i) the N SERDES modules in the first set of N SERDES modules, respectively, and (ii) the M SERDES modules in the first set of M SERDES modules of the first IC. Each of the N multiplexer modules is configured to communicate with a pair of SERDES modules in the first set of M SERDES modules of the first IC.