Information Processing Apparatus Serial Bus Module Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Serial buses have a point-to-point circuit topology, making it difficult to replace modules compared to parallel buses, which have a multi-drop circuit topology, and also face challenges in increasing data transfer speeds.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with first modules connected in parallel and second modules connected in series by a serial bus, allowing for easy replacement and high-speed data transfer, featuring a third module for controlling operations and including slave and master communication circuits for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modules are connected by a parallel bus with multi-drop circuit topology, then modules can be easily replaced, but the entire bus is occupied during access and transfer rate cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bus architecture into multiple independent serial bus channels, each operating as a separate point-to-point connection. This allows simultaneous access to multiple modules without occupying a single shared bus, thereby increasing overall data transfer capacity while maintaining modular replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional parallel bus mechanical/electrical connection system with a serial communication protocol system. This substitution enables higher transfer rates through sequential bit transmission while maintaining the physical modularity needed for easy module replacement.
2Productivity
If modules are connected by a serial bus with point-to-point circuit topology, then transfer rate increases, but module replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal serial bus interfaces that can operate in multiple configurations - both as endpoint connections for high-speed data transfer and as pass-through connections for module replacement. The standardized interface design allows the same physical connection to serve both high-performance communication and easy maintenance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the connection state. When modules are properly connected, the system operates in high-speed serial mode for optimal data transfer. When module replacement is needed, the system dynamically reconfigures to allow hot-swapping without requiring system shutdown, thus adapting to operational needs in real-time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of connected modules increases in a parallel bus, then more functionality is available, but signal waveform becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting all modules to a single parallel bus, the system segments the connection into multiple serial bus channels. Each channel maintains point-to-point connectivity with clean signal waveforms, while the aggregate system supports a large number of modules through hierarchical or daisy-chained configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the parallel signal transmission mechanism with serial transmission. This replacement eliminates the signal distortion problem inherent in parallel buses with many connected modules, as serial transmission uses differential signaling and controlled impedance routing that maintains waveform integrity regardless of the number of devices on the network.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus (1) includes first modules (20) including an arithmetic circuit (22) configured to perform a predetermined calculation, and a plurality of second modules (30) capable of having at least one of the first modules (20) connected thereto in parallel and capable of being connected in series with each other by a serial bus (51).