Single-Chip PCIe Virtualization for Lower-Latency Ethernet Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Ethernet switches with PCIe endpoints face latency and complexity issues due to the inclusion of a separate PCIe root complex function, which adds additional latency and complexity to the system.

Innovation Solution

A switch with integrated virtualizer and forwarder components that convert data packets into PCIe signals, eliminating the need for a discrete PCIe switch and implementing a root complex function within the switch itself.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate PCIe root complex function is inserted between the Ethernet switch and PCIe endpoints, then PCIe virtualization (SR-IOV) compliance is achieved, but system latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCIe virtualization complianceVSAvoidsystem latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the PCIe root complex function directly into the Ethernet switch chip, eliminating the need for a separate PCIe switch device. This integration combines the Ethernet switching fabric and PCIe root complex into a single unified architecture, reducing the number of intermediate components and signal path delays while maintaining SR-IOV virtualization compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate PCIe switch device is used to implement root complex function, then PCIe virtualization is enabled, but system complexity and dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCIe virtualization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates the Ethernet switch and PCIe root complex into a single integrated device, eliminating the dependency on a separate PCIe switch component. This reduces system complexity by removing an entire device from the architecture while preserving all virtualization capabilities through the integrated root complex function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an additional PCIe root complex function is added to the Ethernet switch, then SR-IOV compliant virtualization is achieved, but the Ethernet switch has additional dependency on external PCIe Switch device

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSR-IOV virtualization supportVSAvoiddependency on external device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the Ethernet switch to perform multiple functions including both Ethernet switching and PCIe root complex operations within a single device. This multi-functional approach allows the switch to handle both Ethernet frame forwarding and PCIe transaction routing independently, eliminating the need for external PCIe switch dependency while maintaining SR-IOV compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250238388A1DEVICE AND METHODS FOR SINGLE-CHIP PCIe VIRTUALIZATION

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A switch may include one or more input ports, a forwarder, a virtualizer and one or more control units. The switch may receive a data packet at an input port and the forwarder may send the data packet to the virtualizer. The virtualizer may convert the data packet into a PCIe signal and may transmit the PCIe signal to the one or more control units.