Token Ring Communication Controller for Multiprocessor Contention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern multiprocessor systems face contention problems due to multiple nodes trying to communicate with a common node simultaneously, leading to complexity and unnecessary delays in existing regulation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system with a token ring mechanism where a single token circulates through cells, allowing only one transmitter to communicate with a receiver at a time, implemented using a controller that manages clearances and acknowledgments to ensure fair access and prevent contention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication regulation system is implemented to manage multiple transmitters and receivers, then contention problems are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A controller is introduced as an intermediary component that receives requests from transmitters and grants permission to communicate. The controller manages the token ring and arbitrates communication requests, separating the complexity of contention management from the transmitters and receivers themselves. This mediator approach resolves contention while keeping individual node complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication regulation function is segmented into discrete cells arranged in a ring structure, with each cell handling specific transmitter-receiver pairs. This segmentation distributes the regulation logic across multiple simple units rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable contention management.
2Reliability
If existing communication regulation systems are used to manage node access, then contention is controlled, but unnecessary delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The token circulates continuously around the ring without interruption, allowing each cell to potentially grant communication permission immediately when the token arrives and a request is pending. This continuous token circulation eliminates idle waiting periods and ensures that communication channels are activated as soon as possible, minimizing delays while maintaining contention control.
Solution Approach 2:
Transmitters can submit communication requests in advance to the controller before the token arrives at their corresponding cell. The controller prepares and holds these requests, so when the token reaches the appropriate cell, communication can be granted immediately without waiting for request submission, thereby reducing overall communication delay while maintaining proper contention control.
3Ease of operation
If a token ring system is implemented to regulate communications, then contention is prevented and access is fair, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the token ring circulation, receives and queues communication requests from multiple transmitters, grants permission to specific transmitter-receiver pairs, and handles flow control. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves fair access through token ring mechanisms without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The token ring mechanism is merged with the request-acknowledgment protocol in a unified control structure. The token circulation, request queuing, and permission granting are combined into an integrated system where the controller manages all aspects of communication regulation through a single coordinated mechanism, reducing the need for separate independent subsystems and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that regulates communications between a plurality of transmitters and a receiver. The system comprises a plurality of cells, wherein each cell controls communications from a transmitter in the plurality of transmitters to the receiver. A single token flows through a ring which passes through the plurality of cells, wherein the presence of the token within a cell indicates that the corresponding transmitter may communicate with the receiver.