Thunderbolt Interface Apparatus for Cascading Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The Thunderbolt interface's daisy-chain architecture results in inefficient resource utilization and lack of fault-tolerance, as it does not support channel aggregation and fails if any device in the chain malfunctions, leading to wasted resources and potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
The interface apparatus and cascading system split the two data transmission channels, allowing each interface apparatus to process one channel independently, reducing production costs and enabling fault-tolerance by bypassing failed devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional daisy-chain architecture is used with Thunderbolt interface, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but the transmission efficiency is limited and resources are wasted when video streaming channel remains idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single Thunderbolt interface into two independent channels: a data transmission channel and a video streaming channel. Each channel can be independently configured and used, allowing the system to allocate resources efficiently based on actual needs rather than having both channels always active or both idle
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures channel allocation based on device type and usage requirements. When a device requires both data and video transmission, both channels are activated; when only data transmission is needed, only the data channel is active, preventing resource waste while maintaining high transmission efficiency
2Reliability
If the conventional daisy-chain architecture is used with Thunderbolt interface, then device cascading is enabled, but fault-tolerance function is lacking and all downstream devices are disconnected when one device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cascading chain into separate data channels and video channels, allowing independent failure isolation. When a device fails, only the affected channel is disrupted while the other channel remains operational, providing fault-tolerance without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces channel aggregation functionality as an intermediary layer in the cascading architecture. This intermediary enables alternative routing paths through host bus adapters, allowing data to bypass failed devices and maintain connection to downstream devices, thereby achieving fault-tolerance while preserving the cascading structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If Thunderbolt interface ports and controllers are equipped in all cascaded devices to support dual-channel transmission, then channel aggregation is enabled, but production costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface apparatus that can function in multiple roles: it can act as a simple pass-through device for basic connectivity, or as a channel aggregation node when equipped with additional Thunderbolt controllers. This multi-functionality allows flexible deployment based on budget and performance requirements, reducing production costs for basic applications while enabling advanced features when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial channel aggregation where only certain devices in the cascading chain are equipped with dual Thunderbolt controllers, while other devices use single-controller configurations. This selective approach achieves the necessary channel aggregation capability for specific applications without requiring all devices to have expensive dual-controller hardware, thereby reducing overall production costs
Data Source
AI summary
An interface apparatus, a cascading system thereof, and a cascading method thereof are provided. The cascading system includes a host, a first-type interface apparatus, and a second-type interface apparatus which are serially connected. The host provides data transmission of a first and a second channel by a first controller through a first interface port. In the first-type interface apparatus, data of the first channel is transmitted to a second controller through a second interface port and then to a third interface port, and data of the second channel is directly transmitted to the third interface port through the second interface port. In the second-type interface apparatus, the data of the second channel are transmitted to a third controller through a forth interface port and then to the fifth interface port, and the data of the first channel is directly transmitted to the fifth interface port through the forth interface port.