Optical Transceiver Disable Signal Control for Link Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transceivers, such as SFP+ transceivers, remain enabled with the optical laser on during idle periods in data storage systems, leading to potential link errors due to continuous connectivity, and existing solutions fail to independently disable the laser without resetting the link.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled input/output section with a transmit protocol translation section and a data transceiver that includes a data transmitter enable/disable terminal, where a transmit gate produces a disable signal at the data transmitter enable/disable terminal in response to a processor-generated transmit disable enable signal, independent of the transmit control signal, effectively turning off the laser during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical transceiver remains enabled with the laser on during idle periods to maintain connectivity, then link availability is improved, but link errors occur due to continuous connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transceiver enable/disable state changeable based on operational conditions. The system dynamically transitions the transceiver between enabled and disabled states using a transmit gate that responds to processor commands, allowing the laser to be turned off during idle periods and turned on when data transmission is needed, thus preventing link errors while maintaining availability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control mechanism where the processor monitors transceiver operational status and sends commands via a transmit gate to adjust the enable/disable state. The system receives feedback about idle periods and actively responds by disabling the laser to prevent link errors, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions
2Speed
If the optical laser is kept on during idle periods, then data transmission readiness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling the laser only during active data transmission periods and disabling it during idle periods. The transmit gate controls the laser to be periodically enabled when the processor needs to send data and disabled during idle periods, creating an on-demand operation pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining transmission readiness when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the laser from a constant 'on' state to a variable state controlled by the transmit gate. The system modifies the laser's enable/disable parameter based on transmission needs, allowing the laser to be turned off during idle periods to reduce power consumption and turned on when data transmission is required, thus optimizing the energy-performance tradeoff
3Use of energy by moving object
If existing solutions are used to disable the laser, then power consumption is reduced, but the link must be reset which causes operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmit gate as an intermediary component between the processor and the transceiver's enable/disable terminal. This intermediary allows the processor to send disable commands without triggering a link reset, mediating the interaction between the control signal and the transceiver state. The transmit gate provides a dedicated control path that enables power savings without the adverse effects of link resets, maintaining operational continuity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution prevents link errors by independently disabling the optical transceiver during idle periods, ensuring data integrity and reducing unnecessary power consumption by maintaining the laser off when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a data terminal for receiving the user data from the transmit protocol translation section and for optically transmitting the user data from the processor through the transmit protocol translation section and then to the host computer/server
Data Source
AI summary
An input/output section for producing a disable signal at a data transmitter enable/disable terminal of a transceiver in response to the transmit disable enable at the disable signal port of a processor independent of the transmit control signal at the transmit signal port of source of data to be transmitted by the transceiver.