Signal Bridging Unpopulated Processor Interconnect

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multiprocessor systems with unpopulated processor interfaces, the lack of an installed application processor limits the system's ability to access and utilize peripheral interfaces, resulting in reduced capabilities and performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for signal bridging using an unpopulated processor interconnect, where a printed circuit board with conductive traces is installed in the processor interconnect, communicatively coupling the bootstrap processor to peripheral interfaces, thereby enabling communication and utilizing the processing capabilities of the bootstrap processor to support peripheral devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a processor interface is left unpopulated to reduce system cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the system loses the ability to access peripheral interfaces and other components coupled to that processor interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaccess to peripheral interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A bridging apparatus is installed in the unpopulated processor interface to act as an intermediary device. This apparatus includes a processor socket that receives a processor die or integrated circuit, which then provides access to peripheral interfaces and other system components that would otherwise be inaccessible when the processor interface is unpopulated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridging apparatus includes a processor die or integrated circuit that replicates or copies the functionality of a full application processor for the specific purpose of providing interface access. This copied functionality allows peripheral devices to communicate with the system without requiring a complete application processor installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full application processor is installed to maintain full system capabilities, then access to peripheral interfaces is maintained, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to peripheral interfacesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of installing a full application processor with complete functionality, the bridging apparatus installs a processor die or integrated circuit with only the specific local quality needed - the ability to provide interface access to peripheral devices. This localized functionality reduces cost while maintaining the specific capability required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bridging apparatus uses a cost-effective processor die or integrated circuit that provides the necessary interface access functionality at a lower cost than a full application processor. This cheaper component is sufficient for the specific purpose of maintaining peripheral interface access without the full capabilities and cost of a complete application processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12007928B2Signal bridging using an unpopulated processor interconnect

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

Signal bridging using an unpopulated processor interconnect, including: communicatively coupling an apparatus to a plurality of first signal paths between a bootstrap processor (BSP) and a processor interconnect of a circuit board; communicatively coupling the apparatus to a plurality of second signal paths between the processor interconnect and a peripheral interface of the circuit board; and communicatively coupling the BSP to the peripheral interface via one or more third signal paths in the apparatus.