Variable Write Back Indicator Control for Bus Contention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols in computing environments face inefficiencies due to high bandwidth consumption for acknowledge packets, leading to increased data re-transmissions and decreased throughput, especially in noisy environments or when errors occur during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable write back indicator control that dynamically adjusts the number of acknowledge packets based on the error rate of data transmission over the communication bus, allowing for partial re-transmission of data frames when errors occur, thereby reducing the overall data re-transmitted and optimizing bus performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If write back indicators are set in every packet to enable per-packet acknowledgment, then acknowledgment reliability is improved, but bus bandwidth is consumed by excessive acknowledge packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively setting write back indicators in only certain packets rather than every packet. Specifically, it sets indicators based on local conditions such as whether the previous indicator was set and the packet sequence number, creating a non-uniform pattern that reduces acknowledge overhead while maintaining reliability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the write back indicator setting adaptive and variable rather than static. The indicator setting changes dynamically based on transmission conditions, error rates, and packet position within a frame, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and bandwidth consumption in real-time.
2Quantity of substance
If write back indicators are set in only the last packet to reduce acknowledge overhead, then bus bandwidth is preserved, but entire frame must be re-transmitted on any packet error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by setting write back indicators in only some packets rather than all packets or just the last packet. This partial indicator setting creates a middle ground where not every packet requires acknowledgment, reducing overhead while providing intermediate re-transmission points that prevent full frame re-transmission on errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame into multiple acknowledgment zones by strategically placing write back indicators at specific packet positions. This segmentation creates smaller re-transmission units within the frame, so that when an error occurs, only the segment since the last indicator needs re-transmission rather than the entire frame.
3Reliability
If acknowledge packets are sent frequently to ensure reliable delivery, then transmission reliability is improved, but system throughput decreases due to overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of indicator density by dynamically adjusting how frequently write back indicators are set based on transmission conditions. When error rates are low, indicators are set less frequently to maximize throughput; when error rates increase, indicators are set more frequently to maintain reliability, thus adapting the system to balance both objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable write back indicator control is provided to control the amount of data to be re-transmitted when a packet error occurs. A hardware controller obtains an indication that an acknowledge rate or an amount of set write back indicators of a data frame is to be adjusted. The indication is based on an error rate of data transmission over a communication bus. Based on obtaining the indication that the amount of set write back indicators is to be adjusted, one or more write back indicators are adjusted.