17987497. CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES simplified abstract (Google LLC)
Contents
- 1 CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Yiftach Benjamini of Givat Elah (IL)
Jonathan Charles Masters of Boston MA (US)
Henrietta Bezbroz of Or Akiva (IL)
CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17987497 titled 'CONNECTING NON-PCIe ACCELERATORS AS PCIe DEVICES
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method for connecting non-PCIe accelerators as PCIe devices using a PCIe abstraction layer (PAL). Here are some key points to understand the innovation:
- Approach for enabling non-PCIe accelerators to be recognized as PCIe devices through a PCIe abstraction layer.
- Operating system configures on-SoC devices and accelerators using standard PCIe APIs.
- All PCIe configuration transactions are routed to the PAL once devices are configured.
- PAL firmware presents the operating system with a virtual PCIe space containing all available devices.
- PAL firmware translates PCIe configuration transactions into device-specific configurations.
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in various fields such as:
- High-performance computing
- Data centers
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning accelerators
Problems Solved
The technology addresses the following issues:
- Integration of non-PCIe accelerators into PCIe systems
- Simplifying device configuration for operating systems
- Enhancing compatibility and flexibility in device recognition
Benefits
The innovation offers several benefits, including:
- Improved system performance through efficient device recognition
- Enhanced scalability and flexibility in system configurations
- Simplified integration of diverse accelerators into PCIe systems
Potential Commercial Applications
With its ability to streamline device recognition and configuration, this technology could find commercial applications in:
- Server infrastructure
- Cloud computing services
- Networking equipment
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of PCIe bridges or adapters to connect non-PCIe accelerators to PCIe systems. However, the approach described in the patent application using a PCIe abstraction layer presents a novel solution to this problem.
Unanswered Questions
How does the PAL firmware handle conflicts between different device configurations?
The patent application does not provide details on how the PAL firmware resolves conflicts that may arise when configuring multiple devices with overlapping settings.
What impact does the PAL have on system performance and latency?
The document does not discuss the potential performance implications of introducing a PAL layer for translating PCIe configuration transactions.
Original Abstract Submitted
Generally disclosed herein is an approach for enabling the connection of non-PCIe accelerators as PCIe devices using a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) abstraction layer (“PAL”). Once the operating system accesses and configures any on-SoC devices and accelerators using standard PCIe APIs, all PCIe configuration transactions may be routed to the PAL. The PAL's firmware may present the operating system with a virtual PCIe space that contains all available SoC PCIe and non-PCIe devices. The firmware of the PAL may translate PCIe configuration transactions into device-specific configuration transactions.
