Advanced Switching Unit for PCIe Domain Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing systems using PCIe, the separation of control domains between system hosts restricts data transfer speed and leads to resource shortages, as existing solutions like PCIe switches with non-transparent ports limit data transfer from local devices to the system host.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an advanced switching unit that includes non-transparent ports and a control register group, allowing independent bus number and address space assignment, enabling fast data transfer between system hosts and local devices by converting addresses and Requester IDs, and mapping registers onto a memory space to resolve resource shortages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If PCIe switches with non-transparent ports are used to separate control domains between system hosts, then domain separation is achieved, but data transfer speed is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host bridge as an intermediary device between the system host and local devices. The host bridge includes a system host interface and a local host interface, acting as a mediator that enables high-speed data transfer while maintaining domain separation. The bridge converts addresses and Requester IDs between the system host domain and local device domain, allowing fast data transfer without compromising the separation of control domains.
2Stability of the object's composition
If PCIe switches with non-transparent ports are used to separate control domains, then domain separation is achieved, but resource shortages occur on the system host side
Solution Approach 1:
The host bridge serves as an intermediary that manages resource allocation between the system host and multiple local devices. It includes control register groups that are mapped onto the system host's memory space, allowing the system host to access and control local devices without directly consuming system host resources. The bridge handles address conversion and resource management, effectively resolving resource shortages on the system host side while maintaining domain separation.
3Productivity
If independent bus number and address space assignment is implemented through non-transparent ports, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct domains with independent bus numbers and address spaces. The host bridge contains separate interface units (system host interface and local host interface) that independently manage their respective domains. This segmentation allows each domain to operate with its own address space and bus numbering, improving data transfer efficiency while distributing complexity across modular interface units rather than concentrating it in a single complex switching unit.
Data Source
AI summary
System host (2) requests a command to local device (6), and local host (10) interprets the requested command and issues the command to local device (6). Local device (6) notifies local host (10) of an interrupt of command complete and local host (10) notifies system host (2) of the command complete. Data transfer between system host (2) and local device (6) is performed via advanced switching unit (8), and advanced switching unit (8) converts an address on local host (10) side into an address on system host (2) side and transfers PCI packets between local host (10) and system host (2).