Shared Interface Packet Compression for Co-Processor Bandwidth Bottlenecks

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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, and increasing bandwidth typically requires costly replacements of 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 either the data packet header, payload, or entire packets are compressed before transmission, allowing efficient data transfer without increasing interface bandwidth or adding circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is transmitted uncompressed over the shared interface, then the interface bandwidth is fully utilized for raw data transfer, but the co-processor cannot be fully utilized due to bandwidth limitations and bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveco-processor utilizationVSAvoidbandwidth efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the data from its original uncompressed state to a compressed state before transmission. The software components compress data packets (modifying the data density parameter) before sending them across the shared interface, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth utilization and allowing the co-processor to be fully utilized without requiring physical bandwidth upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the bandwidth of the shared interface is increased to eliminate bottlenecks, then data transfer efficiency improves, but physical components must be replaced which increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinterface hardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the bandwidth expansion function through software-based compression. Instead of physically increasing the interface bandwidth by replacing hardware components, the system uses software compression algorithms to effectively multiply the available bandwidth, achieving the same result as hardware upgrades without the associated cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/hardware approach of increasing physical bandwidth with a software-based compression system. Rather than replacing physical interface components to achieve higher bandwidth, the system uses software compression to achieve the same effect, replacing a hardware-centric solution with a software-centric one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If multiple software components transmit data simultaneously over the shared interface, then processing capability is fully utilized, but bandwidth limitations create bottlenecks that reduce overall system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware processing capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by compressing data packets before they are transmitted across the shared interface. The software components compress the data in advance (before transmission), reducing the time required for data transfer and eliminating the bottleneck that would otherwise delay processing and reduce overall system automation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10318470B1Systems and methods for data transfer over a shared interface

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 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.