VGA Display Card I/O Resource Allocation for System Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems are limited to supporting up to 16 VGA display cards due to I/O resource constraints, which restricts the number of display cards that can be used for enhanced computing applications like mining and virtual reality.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves allocating I/O resources to a first portion of VGA display cards during initialization and using memory-mapped I/O resources for a second portion, allowing the system to expand the number of supported VGA display cards beyond the traditional I/O resource limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If I/O resources are allocated to each VGA display card, then each display card can function independently, but the number of supported display cards is limited to 16 due to I/O resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments VGA display cards into two categories: those with I/O resources and those without. This segmentation allows the system to support more than 16 display cards by not requiring I/O resources for all of them, thus resolving the contradiction between the number of supported cards and I/O resource allocation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes VGA display cards multi-functional by enabling them to operate in two modes: traditional mode with I/O resources and extended mode without I/O resources. This universality allows the same hardware to function differently based on system needs, allowing more than 16 display cards to be supported.
2Productivity
If more than 16 VGA display cards are supported, then hardware computing capability is enhanced, but I/O resource allocation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of I/O resource requirement for VGA display cards. By allowing display cards to function without traditional I/O resources, the system can support more cards and enhance hardware computing capability for applications like mining and virtual reality.
3Quantity of substance
If I/O resources are allocated to all VGA display cards, then system stability is maintained, but the number of supported display cards is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments display cards into two groups with different resource allocation strategies. This segmentation allows the system to support more display cards while maintaining stability for those that do receive I/O resources, resolving the contradiction between quantity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus and a method of extending peripheral devices are provided. The electronic apparatus includes: a controller; and a plurality of peripheral devices electrically connected to the controller, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include a plurality of video graphics array display cards, wherein in an initialization phase of the electronic apparatus, the controller allocates input/output resources to a first portion of the video graphics array display cards and does not allocate the input/output resources to a second portion of the video graphics array display cards, wherein the first portion of the video graphics array display cards allocated with the input/output resources is used to display an image in the initialization phase.