DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPARENTLY CHANGING A FREQUENCY OF AN INTERCONNECT FABRIC

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18244748 titled 'DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPARENTLY CHANGING A FREQUENCY OF AN INTERCONNECT FABRIC

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes techniques and mechanisms for smoothly transitioning an interconnect fabric between two different frequencies. The interconnect fabric is connected to an end point device through an asynchronous device.

The fabric and the end point device operate in different clock domains.
The controller circuitry changes the frequency of the clock signal by stalling it for a specific period of time.
The stalling period is longer than the duration of three cycles of the lower frequency.
After the stalling period, the clock signal is cycled at the new frequency.
The asynchronous device allows the frequency change without interrupting communication with the end point device.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various electronic devices that require seamless frequency transitions in their interconnect fabrics.
It can be used in high-speed data transfer systems, such as network switches and routers, to ensure uninterrupted communication during frequency changes.

Problems Solved

The technology solves the problem of maintaining communication between the interconnect fabric and the end point device while transitioning between different frequencies.
It addresses the challenge of synchronizing clock domains with different frequencies.

Benefits

The technology allows for transparent and smooth frequency transitions in the interconnect fabric.
It ensures uninterrupted communication between the fabric and the end point device during frequency changes.
The asynchronous device enables frequency changes without causing disruptions or delays in data transfer.

Original Abstract Submitted

Techniques and mechanisms for transparently transitioning an interconnect fabric between a first frequency and a second frequency. In an embodiment, the fabric is coupled to an end point device via an asynchronous device. One or more nodes of the fabric operate in a first clock domain based on a clock signal, while the end point device operates in a different clock domain. Controller circuitry changes a frequency of the clock signal by stalling the clock signal throughout a first period of time which is greater than a duration of three cycles of a lower one of the first frequency or the second frequency. After the first period of time, cycling of the clock signal is provided at the second frequency. In another embodiment, the asynchronous device enables the frequency change without preventing communication with the end point device.

18244748. DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPARENTLY CHANGING A FREQUENCY OF AN INTERCONNECT FABRIC simplified abstract (Intel Corporation)

Contents

DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPARENTLY CHANGING A FREQUENCY OF AN INTERCONNECT FABRIC

Organization Name

Inventor(s)