Dynamic Trace Data Funnel Network Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern data processing systems, combining trace data from multiple sources can lead to bandwidth issues, where some trace sources may not receive a sufficient proportion of the available bandwidth, especially when using pre-designed networks of interconnected funnel elements that are not tailored to specific scenarios, resulting in inadequate output of trace data.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a network of interconnected funnel elements with control circuitry that dynamically adjusts the timing allocation of each funnel element's output port based on setup transactions, ensuring each trace source receives a desired proportion of bandwidth, independent of the network's topology, allowing for re-use of pre-existing designs and flexible allocation of bandwidth across trace sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network of interconnected funnel elements is designed specifically for a particular known set of trace sources, then the bandwidth available to each trace source is sufficient, but the device cannot be re-used in multiple scenarios and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the funnel element network configurable and adaptable through control circuitry that can dynamically adjust the interconnection topology. The system transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture where trace sources can be connected and disconnected without redesigning the entire network, thus achieving both reliable bandwidth allocation and re-usability across multiple scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network topology from fixed to variable by introducing control circuitry that can modify the interconnection configuration. By allowing the network structure parameters to be changed based on different trace source requirements, the system achieves both sufficient bandwidth for specific scenarios and adaptability for re-use in multiple different configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-existing design of funnel elements is re-used in multiple scenarios, then device complexity is reduced and flexibility is improved, but trace sources may receive insufficient bandwidth proportion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through control circuitry that monitors the bandwidth allocation and trace source requirements, then adjusts the funnel element interconnections accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that when pre-existing designs are re-used across multiple scenarios, the system automatically compensates to maintain sufficient bandwidth proportion for each trace source, preventing the bandwidth insufficiency problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration capabilities to adapt the funnel element network topology based on real-time bandwidth requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the same physical hardware to provide appropriate bandwidth proportions for different trace sources in different scenarios, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliable bandwidth allocation.
3Device complexity
If the network topology is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but the bandwidth distribution cannot be adjusted to match different trace source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the funnel element network into independently controllable units with associated control circuitry. This segmentation allows each segment to be configured and adjusted independently, enabling flexible bandwidth allocation to different trace sources without increasing the overall device complexity significantly. The modular approach maintains simplicity while providing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for combining trace data from a plurality of trace sources has an input interface to receive the trace data, and an output interface to output a trace stream. A network of interconnected funnel elements combines the trace data to produce the trace stream. Each funnel element has an output port and a plurality of input ports arranged to receive trace data either from one of the trace sources, or from an output port of another funnel element in the network, and associated control circuitry to control connection of the input ports to the output port. The control circuitry determines control data indicative of a number of trace sources whose trace data is to be routed through each of the input ports of said funnel element, and controls the timing allocation of the associated funnel element's output port to each input port in dependence on the control data.