Stream Parser Context Switching for TDM Data Parsing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network controllers face inefficiencies in parsing incoming time division multiplexed (TDM) data traffic, as they must store and reassemble packets before processing, leading to delays and resource wastage, and existing packet parsers are inflexible and unsuitable for TDM data streams, slowing down data flow.

Innovation Solution

A 'stream parser' apparatus that extracts and pre-processes data from incoming TDM data streams without stopping the flow, using a context switch module, logic unit, and programmable channel configuration memory to handle multiple channels simultaneously and perform granular parsing, allowing data to flow through for efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional network controllers store and reassemble packets before processing, then packet reconstruction can be performed, but processing delays increase and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stream parser performs preliminary parsing actions on individual bytes and bits as they arrive in the TDM stream, extracting protocol information before packets are fully reassembled. This allows the network controller to have parsing information ready in advance, eliminating the need to wait for complete packet reconstruction and reducing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the packet parsing function into two independent parts: a stream parser that handles byte-level parsing of individual TDM channels, and a network controller that handles packet-level processing. This segmentation allows parsing to occur independently of packet reassembly, resolving the contradiction between reliable parsing and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If dedicated hardware packet parsers are added to relieve the main processor, then initial data link processing speed improves, but the parsers are inflexible and unsuitable for TDM data streams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata link processing speedVSAvoidprotocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stream parser is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple TDM channel formats and protocols through a single integrated architecture. The context switch module enables it to adapt between different channel configurations without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol, providing both speed and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stream parser uses dynamic context switching to adapt its behavior based on the current TDM channel configuration. The logic unit can switch between different parsing contexts corresponding to different protocols or channel formats, allowing the hardware to maintain high processing speed while remaining flexible and adaptable to various data stream types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If conventional packet parsers slow down the incoming data flow to perform parsing, then parsing accuracy improves, but data processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparsing accuracyVSAvoiddata processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stream parser enables continuous parsing action on incoming TDM data without interrupting or slowing down the data flow. By parsing individual bytes as they arrive in the stream, the system maintains continuous useful action on the data while preserving accuracy, eliminating the trade-off between parsing precision and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If the network controller waits for complete packets before parsing, then packet integrity is ensured, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket integrityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stream parser performs preliminary parsing of protocol information from individual bytes as they arrive in the TDM stream, before complete packets are reassembled. This preliminary action ensures that parsing can proceed independently of packet arrival, maintaining both integrity through proper byte-order tracking and reduced processing time through early parsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stream parser acts as an intermediary between the TDM data stream and the network controller. It receives raw bytes from the TDM channels, performs parsing and protocol analysis, then provides processed information to the network controller, eliminating the need for the controller to wait for complete packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7551575B1Context-switching multi channel programmable stream parser

Publication Date: 2009.06.23 MARVELL ISRAEL (M L S L) LTD

AI summary

A stream parser for receiving, parsing, and/or pre-processing network data traffic directly from an incoming unreconstructed data stream. To extract meaningful data from the unreconstructed data stream, the stream parser employs a context switch module for re-forming parts of packet headers as the data stream is streaming through the stream parser. The stream parser includes a logic unit operated by microcode stored in a program module, as well as a channel configuration memory controlled by software in a master processor. Because of this combination of hardware processing and software control, the stream parser is both quick and flexible.