Smart NIC Power-On Adaptation via Dynamic Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in powering smart network interface cards from different manufacturers using a single main board, as they have varying requirements for clock signals, power signals, and reset signals, especially in AI and big data server applications.
Innovation Solution
A method where a main board obtains power on indication and interface bandwidth information from a target smart network interface card, adjusts its working state, sends clock and power control signals, and performs bandwidth bifurcation to match the card's requirements, enabling power-on and operation of smart network interface cards from different manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a main board is designed to support smart network interface cards from different manufacturers with varying power requirements, then the adaptability of the main board is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to handle multiple clock signal, power signal, and reset signal configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the clock signal frequency (100MHz or other frequencies), power signal presence, and reset signal configuration based on the detected power-on requirements of different smart network interface cards. The main board changes these parameters to match the specific card's requirements, enabling compatibility across multiple manufacturers without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the main board's signal output configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines which cards require clock signals in S5 state versus S0 state, and adjusts power and reset signal delivery accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows a single main board design to support multiple card types from different manufacturers
2Reliability
If the main board provides clock signals, power signals, and reset signals in both S5 and S0 states to support all smart network interface cards, then the reliability of powering on cards is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of signal delivery based on the target card's power-on requirements. Instead of always providing all signals in both states, the system detects the specific requirements and adjusts which signals are provided in which state, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable power-on for each card type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting the power-on requirements of inserted smart network interface cards and using this information to determine the appropriate signal configuration. The system receives feedback about which cards are present and their requirements, then adjusts clock, power, and reset signal delivery accordingly, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method for powering on a smart network interface card. The method includes: obtaining power on indication information and interface bandwidth information from a target smart network interface card by a main board (S102); adjusting a working state to a target working state by the main board according to the power on indication information (S104); sending a clock control signal and a power control signal to the target smart network interface card by the main board, and causing the target smart network interface card to be powered on according to the clock control signal and the power control signal that are received (S106); and performing bifurcation on a communication bandwidth by the main board according to the interface bandwidth information, and obtaining a target bandwidth type, where the target bandwidth type is configured to match the bandwidth type of the target smart network interface card (S108).