VM Mailbox Communication via Memory Controllers Without a Hypervisor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods between virtual machines in embedded systems require a hypervisor, which can introduce inefficiencies and complexity, especially in systems with multiple operating systems like electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

Direct communication between virtual machines using mailboxes associated with memory controllers connected via a bus, eliminating the need for a hypervisor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hypervisor is used to manage communication between virtual machines, then virtual machine isolation and management capability are improved, but system complexity and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine isolationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mailbox functionality from the hypervisor and integrates it directly into the memory controller. This removes the need for hypervisor-mediated communication, reducing system complexity while maintaining virtual machine isolation through hardware-enforced mailbox access controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces mailboxes as a hardware intermediary between virtual machines and the memory controller. These mailboxes enable direct communication without requiring hypervisor intervention, thus reducing system complexity while preserving isolation through controlled access mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hypervisor is used to manage communication between virtual machines, then virtual machine management capability is improved, but communication speed and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine management capabilityVSAvoidcommunication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts communication functionality from the software layer (hypervisor) and implements it in the hardware layer (memory controller with integrated mailboxes). This enables direct, high-speed communication between virtual machines without hypervisor processing overhead, while maintaining management capability through hardware-enforced access controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the software-based communication mechanism (hypervisor processing) with a hardware-based mechanism (memory controller mailboxes). This substitution eliminates software processing delays and enables faster, more efficient inter-virtual-machine communication while preserving management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional virtual machine communication methods are used, then system stability is maintained, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mailbox functionality with the memory controller into a single integrated hardware component. This consolidation reduces design complexity by eliminating separate communication hardware and software layers, while maintaining system stability through hardware-enforced access controls and isolated memory spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4250105B1Communication method between virtual machines using mailboxes, system-on chip performing communication method, and in-vehicle infotainment system including same

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A system-on-chip includes; a first virtual machine, a second virtual machine, a first memory controller including a first mailbox, and configured to control operation of a memory device under control of the first virtual machine, and a second memory controller including a second mailbox, and configured to control operation of the memory device under control of the second virtual machine, wherein the first mailbox and the second mailbox are directly connected in hardware via a bus.