Interface Device Link-Speed Selection by Configuration State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface devices and computing systems lack the ability to adaptively control link speed based on configuration operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors during link setup and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a link controller that determines link speed based on entry factors during configuration, allowing for adaptive speed setting and managing link states through a Link Training and Status State Machine (LTSSM) to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If link speed is fixed during configuration operations, then device complexity is reduced, but link efficiency and system performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link controller dynamically adjusts link speed based on the configuration state entry factor. When entering configuration state from L0 substate, the link speed is maintained at the higher first speed. When entering from other states, the link speed is reduced to the second speed. This dynamic speed adjustment optimizes link efficiency without requiring complex structural changes to the device.
2Productivity
If link speed is dynamically adjusted based on configuration states, then link efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link controller changes the operational parameter (link speed) based on the configuration state entry factor. The controller determines whether to operate at a first speed or second speed by detecting the entry factor into the configuration state. This parameter-based control achieves dynamic adaptation with minimal additional complexity, as it leverages existing state machine infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The link controller uses feedback from the configuration state entry factor to adjust link speed. By monitoring which substate transitions into the configuration state, the controller receives information about the current operational context and adjusts speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent speed selection without requiring complex predictive algorithms.
3Reliability
If link speed is reduced during configuration operations, then errors are reduced, but link efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The link controller applies different speed qualities to different operational contexts. When entering configuration state from L0 substate (a stable operational state), the higher first speed is maintained to preserve link efficiency. When entering from other states (potentially less stable), the second speed is used to reduce errors. This localized quality adjustment optimizes both reliability and efficiency for specific operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device includes: a plurality of ports for forming a plurality of lanes; and a link controller for setting a speed of a link including the plurality of lanes by determining the speed of the link, based on a cause of entrance into a configuration state of the link.