Shared Interface Data Compression for Processor-Co-Processor Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shared interfaces between processors and co-processors often experience bandwidth limitations, leading to bottlenecks that prevent full utilization of co-processors, especially when multiple software components generate significant traffic, making it costly to increase bandwidth by replacing physical components.

Innovation Solution

Implementing data compression techniques by software running on processors to reduce the amount of data transmitted across the shared interface, where both the processor and co-processor compress and decompress data packets, thereby efficiently transferring data without increasing interface bandwidth or adding circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is transmitted uncompressed across the shared interface, then data transfer simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases causing bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies compression algorithms to transform data from its original uncompressed state to a compressed state, changing the parameter of data size. This allows the same information to be transmitted using fewer bits, directly reducing bandwidth consumption and improving data transfer efficiency across the shared interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs data compression before transmission occurs. By pre-compressing the data packets before they enter the transmission pipeline, the system reduces the volume of data that needs to be transmitted, thereby preventing bandwidth bottlenecks before they occur rather than addressing them during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If physical components are replaced to increase interface bandwidth, then data transfer capacity improves, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface bandwidthVSAvoidphysical component replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes a software-based compression solution for a hardware-based bandwidth increase. Instead of replacing physical interface components to achieve higher bandwidth, the system uses software compression algorithms to achieve the same effective result by reducing the actual data volume transmitted over the existing physical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from modifying physical parameters (bandwidth through hardware replacement) to modifying data parameters (size through compression). This allows achieving higher effective throughput without changing the physical interface characteristics, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If compression is applied to data packets, then bandwidth utilization improves, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidcompression processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs compression as a preliminary step before data transmission, allowing the compression processing to be completed in advance rather than during transmission. This preliminary action ensures that the compressed data is ready for immediate transmission, minimizing the impact on overall system performance and allowing better resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11620250B2Systems and methods for data transfer over a shared interface

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

A method for compressing is provided. The method includes compressing, via a processor, a portion of a first data packet to generate a second data packet having a compressed portion. The method includes transmitting the second data packet having the compressed portion via an interface to a co-processor. The processor and the co-processor are communicatively coupled via the interface. The method also includes unpacking, via the co-processor, the compressed portion of the second data packet to restore the first data packet.