Stacking Switch Unit Automatic Master-Slave Role Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch units require multiple connection interfaces to control multiple units, leading to a large number of connection ports and circuit area occupation, limiting their scalability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A stacking switch unit method that automatically determines master or slave roles via signal levels and data from master/slave control ports during boot-up, allowing for efficient stacking and configuration of multiple switch units as a single unit with reduced port usage through signal ports and processing circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection interfaces are used to control multiple switch units, then the control capability is improved, but the circuit area and number of connection ports increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switch units are merged into a single logical switching system through stacking technology. The master switch unit consolidates control functions, allowing multiple physical switch units to be managed as one logical unit, thereby improving control capability without requiring separate control interfaces for each unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking interface serves multiple functions: it establishes physical connections between switch units, transmits control signals, synchronizes firmware/software, and enables inter-unit communication. This multi-functional interface reduces the need for separate dedicated connections for each control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection interfaces are used to control multiple switch units, then the control capability is improved, but the number of connection ports increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidnumber of connection ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking interface acts as an intermediary between the master switch unit and slave switch units. It transmits control signals, configuration data, and firmware between units, enabling centralized control through a single logical interface while physically connecting multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automatic master/slave determination is implemented during boot-up, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoidboot-up procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking system performs self-configuration during boot-up by automatically determining master and slave roles based on hardware identifiers or pre-assigned addresses. This eliminates the need for manual configuration by operators, improving ease of operation while the automation handles the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Master/slave roles and configuration parameters are determined during the boot-up procedure before the switching system becomes operational. This preliminary configuration ensures that the system is properly organized and ready for operation without requiring subsequent manual intervention or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11757772B2Stacking switch unit and method used in stacking switch unit

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A method used in a stacking/stackable switch unit includes: providing a plurality of signal ports of the stacking/stackable switch unit, the signal ports having at least one master/slave control port corresponding to at least one operation function of the stacking/stackable switch unit; during a boot-up procedure, automatically determining whether the stacking/stackable switch unit is a master or a slave according to at least one signal level of the at least one master/slave control port and/or content of at least one bit obtained from the at least one master/slave control port.