Built-in expansion card for replacing Microsoft driver

Abstract

The invention discloses a built-in expansion card for replacing a Microsoft driver, and belongs to the technical field of expansion cards. Comprising a configuration module, and the configuration module comprises a first PCIe device used for data transmission and network communication; the second PCIe equipment is used for simulating an optical disc driver; the switching control register is connected with the first PCIe equipment and the second PCIe equipment, and the switching control register stops driving the second PCIe equipment under the control action of the first PCIe equipment; and the storage module is connected with the configuration module through the first interface and is used for storing the driving data. The technical scheme has the beneficial effects that the drive data is stored in the memory, a built-in drive program channel of Microsoft does not need to be depended on, and the equipment drive can be conveniently installed under the condition that an optical disk is not installed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of expansion cards, and in particular to an expansion card that replaces a built-in Microsoft driver. Background Art

[0002] On a Windows OS computer, in order for the device to work properly, it is usually necessary to install the appropriate drivers. These drivers can be installed in the following ways:

[0003] 1. Built-in drivers: Early device drivers were embedded into the Windows operating system, and these drivers were provided with the release of the operating system. Therefore, such devices can automatically obtain drivers and work normally when installing the Windows operating system, without the need for additional manual installation.

[0004] 2. Install the driver online through Windows Update (automatic update tool). This method connects to the Windows Update service through the Internet to download and install device drivers. The premise is that the computer needs to be connected to the Internet. Windows Update can automatically detect and install the latest driver updates to ensure that the device is compatible with the operating system and provides optimal performance.

[0005] 3. Install the driver from a CD. Many device manufacturers provide a CD containing the driver. In this case, the user can install the driver by inserting the CD and following the installation program steps on the CD. This method is usually used when there is no Internet connection or the device has not been recognized by the system.

[0006] However, Microsoft has closed the channel for built-in Windows drivers, making the method of installing drivers through this channel no longer applicable. The disadvantage of the traditional driver installation method that requires a CD is that the CD is easy to lose, and the user cannot obtain and install the driver again after reinstalling the Windows operating system. Regarding the second method mentioned above, although non-network devices can install drivers through other channels, for network devices (such as network cards), if the driver is not installed, it is impossible to access Windows Update through the network to obtain the driver, resulting in the inability to install network devices without network conditions. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an expansion card that replaces the built-in Microsoft driver to solve the above technical problems;

[0008] A replacement for the built-in Microsoft driver for expansion cards, including,

[0009] A configuration module, the configuration module comprising:

[0010] The first PCIe device is used for data transmission and network communication;

[0011] A second PCIe device for emulating an optical drive;

[0012] A switching control register is used to connect the first PCIe device and the second PCIe device, and the switching control register stops driving the second PCIe device under the control of the first PCIe device;

[0013] A storage module is connected to the configuration module via a first interface, and the storage module is used to store driving data.

[0014] Preferably, the storage module includes a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area is used to store the driver data of the second PCIe device, and the second storage area is used to store the PXE diskless boot data of the first PCIe device.

[0015] Preferably, the first storage area is virtualized and mapped via a non-volatile memory or an advanced host controller interface.

[0016] Preferably, the storage module is used to separately store the driving data of the second PCIe device.

[0017] Preferably, the storage module is a flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

[0018] Preferably, the first interface is a serial peripheral interface or an inter-integrated circuit interface.

[0019] Preferably, after the expansion card driver is loaded, the driving of the second PCIe device is stopped through the switching control register.

[0020] Preferably, the mode of the second PCIe device is an enabled state.

[0021] Preferably, the first PCIe device is a network interface card.

[0022] Preferably, the expansion card is connected to a computer mainboard.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the driver data is stored in the memory without relying on the built-in driver channel of Microsoft, and the device driver can be conveniently installed even without an installation CD. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an expansion card built into a replacement Microsoft driver according to the present invention.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings: 1. configuration module; 11. first PCIe device; 12. second PCIe device; 13. switch control register; 2. storage module; 21. first storage area; 22. second storage area; 3. first interface; 4. computer operating system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] An alternative to the built-in Microsoft driver for expansion cards, such as Figure 1 As shown, including,

[0030] Configuration module 1, configuration module 1 includes,

[0031] A first PCIe device 11, used for data transmission and network communication;

[0032] The second PCIe device 12 is used to simulate an optical disk drive;

[0033] The switch control register 13 is connected to the first PCIe device 11 and the second PCIe device 12, and the switch control register 13 stops driving the second PCIe device 12 under the control of the first PCIe device 11;

[0034] The storage module 2 is connected to the configuration module 1 via the first interface 3 , and the storage module 2 is used to store driving data.

[0035] Specifically, the present invention provides an expansion card that replaces the built-in Microsoft driver, which can store the drivers of Windows and other operating systems in the storage module 2. The expansion card is connected to the computer operating system 4. After booting into the Windows OS, an optical drive is displayed, including the Windows driver installation package of the network device. After the user clicks to install, it can be used normally without relying on the built-in driver channel of Microsoft. If other OS supports optical drive, the above effect can also be achieved.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the storage module 2 includes a first storage area 21 and a second storage area 22 , the first storage area 21 is used to store the driver data of the second PCIe device 12 , and the second storage area 22 is used to store the PXE diskless boot data of the first PCIe device 11 .

[0037] Specifically, the second PCIe device 12 is a CDROM, the first storage area 21 is connected to the second PCIe device 12, the second storage area 22 is connected to the first PCIe device 11, and the content in the CDROM is a network device driver installation package stored on the storage module 2. Ensure that when the device is inserted into the computer, the operating system can read and load the latest driver from the first storage area 21 instead of relying on the universal driver built into Windows. The second storage area 22 is used to store the PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) diskless boot data of the first PCIe device 11, so that the device can boot the operating system without local storage.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first storage area 21 is virtualized and mapped through a non-volatile memory (NVME) or an advanced host controller interface (AHCI).

[0039] Specifically, the description of CDROM can be implemented according to the NVMe or AHCI specifications, which can be used without drivers in Windows OS; using NVMe or AHCI specifications can ensure standardized management of virtualized storage and reduce the risk of system incompatibility and driver conflicts. Driver-free support reduces the complexity of system maintenance, simplifies troubleshooting and upgrade processes, and increases system flexibility and scalability.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the storage module 2 is used to separately store the driving data of the second PCIe device 12 .

[0041] Specifically, it can provide faster read and write speeds, reduce driver and firmware loading time, make system startup and driver installation faster, avoid mechanical movement delays of CDROM drives, and significantly reduce waiting time during system startup or driver installation.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the storage module 2 is a flash memory (FLASH) or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0043] Specifically, FLASH / EEPROM can be external to the configuration module 1 or built into the configuration module 1. Flash memory and EEPROM can still retain data after power failure, and are suitable for storing key system firmware and configuration data. Compared with traditional RAM, the memory can protect the integrity of data during power failure.

[0044] Flash memory and EEPROM have high durability and can withstand more read and write cycles, making them suitable for scenarios that require frequent updates.

[0045] Drivers and firmware can be easily updated or replaced using flash memory or EEPROM. By storing the latest drivers in the storage module, the system upgrade process can be simplified and avoid dependence on Microsoft built-in drivers.

[0046] The user or system administrator can pre-configure specific settings or parameters in the storage module 2 so that the system can be adjusted as needed. The firmware in the storage module 2 can be loaded quickly, thereby speeding up the system startup. Flash memory generally has a high read speed, which helps to quickly load the operating system or application. In the event of a system failure or crash, the firmware stored in the storage module 2 can help the system return to a stable state and provide more reliable fault recovery capabilities.

[0047] Data stored in flash memory or EEPROM can be protected from unauthorized access through encryption technology. Flash memory and EEPROM can be designed to be read-only or have write protection to prevent accidental or malicious tampering with important data. Storing critical system information in flash memory or EEPROM can reduce dependence on the main operating system or built-in drivers. Even if there is a problem with the main operating system, the information stored in the module can still be accessed and recovered.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the first interface 3 is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) or an inter-integrated circuit interface (IIC).

[0049] Specifically, SPI provides higher speed and lower latency, suitable for applications that require fast data exchange. IIC allows multiple devices to share the same bus, simplifying connections and expansion, and is suitable for low-speed devices and simplified circuit design.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, after the expansion card driver is loaded, the driving of the second PCIe device 12 is stopped by switching the control register 13 .

[0051] Specifically, disabling CDROM can avoid resource conflicts or interference between it and network devices, ensuring the normal operation of network devices, freeing up system resources, and making network devices have more available resources, thereby improving network performance and stability.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the mode of the second PCIe device 12 is enabled.

[0053] Specifically, when the CDROM mode is in the enabled state, it means that the CDROM device has been activated and can operate normally. The system has recognized and allowed access to data or functions in the CDROM drive. However, it can be disabled by switching the control register 13.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the first PCIe device 11 is a network interface card.

[0055] Specifically, area 1 of FLASH stores the Windows Driver of the network card, which is presented to the OS as a CDROM through NVME or AHCI. Area 2 of FLASH stores the PXE BootROM program of the network card, which is mapped to Option ROM through the PCIE configuration space BAR3 of the network card to achieve network diskless boot. This enables the operating system to load and use the Windows driver of the network card, thereby ensuring the normal function and performance of the network card under the operating system.

[0056] Separate the storage locations of the driver and the boot firmware so that the firmware update and driver update can be performed independently to reduce mutual impact. Allow the network card to boot the system through the network, and through the BAR3 mapping of the PCIe configuration space, ensure that the network card can correctly identify and execute the PXE BootROM program during the system startup process to realize the network boot function.

[0057] Presenting the FLASH area as a CDROM through NVMe or AHCI allows the system to access storage content under different interface standards, providing flexibility and compatibility.

[0058] By utilizing the configuration space mapping function of PCIe, the firmware storage and the driver are separated, so that the system can better manage and configure the network card device.

[0059] The PXE BootROM program allows for fast booting in a network environment, independent of local storage, and is suitable for applications that require rapid deployment or large-scale environments. It supports multiple boot options and storage configurations, allowing the device to flexibly respond to different environments and requirements.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the expansion card is connected to a computer motherboard.

[0061] Specifically, the main function of the device of the PCIe interface is a network device (such as a network card). After the PCIe device is plugged into the computer, it will be displayed as two devices to the Windows OS: a network card and a CDROM. The content in the CDROM is the network device driver installation package stored in the FLASH / EEPROM. After the network device driver is loaded, the switching control register 13 will be set to eject the device and disable the CDROM, leaving only the network device for the user to use.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 , there are two devices in the network device of the PCIe interface: network device and CDROM. The description of CDROM is implemented according to the NVME or AHCI specification, and both specifications can be used by Windows OS without driver. The CDROM mode implemented by NVMe or AHCI specification allows Windows OS and other operating systems to recognize and use the CDROM storage area without additional drivers. It simplifies the configuration process of the device and ensures the compatibility of the system.

[0063] The device is connected to an external FLASH or EEPROM via the SPI / IIC interface. The FLASH or EEPROM chip can also be built-in.

[0064] The FLASH / EEPROM memory is divided into two areas, one area is used as CDROM storage, and the other area can be used as the Option ROM of the network device. You can also use only one area as CDROM. Divide the FLASH / EEPROM into two areas, one for CDROM storage and the other for Option ROM. Flexible function allocation is achieved, and you can choose whether to enable the CDROM function or the network boot function as needed. Use Option ROM for the network boot function of the network device (such as PXE BootROM), allowing the network device to boot the operating system from the network, which is suitable for environments that require diskless boot or operating system deployment from the network.

[0065] The CDROM area is used to store the drivers of the network device, including Windows drivers and drivers of other OS; this enables the device to automatically identify and load drivers under various operating systems, reducing the need for users to manually install drivers. Since the drivers are stored in the CDROM area, driver updates and maintenance can be completed through simple firmware updates without manual user intervention. Even when the operating system is updated or replaced, the driver can automatically adapt.

[0066] The CDROM mode is enabled, but can be disabled by switching control register 13. After the network device driver is loaded, the CDROM can be disabled through this register. After the device driver is loaded, choose whether to present the device as a CDROM according to actual needs. After disabling the CDROM mode, conflicts with system drivers or other functions can be avoided. This allows the device to dynamically switch between different working states, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the device. For example, after installing the driver in the operating system, disabling the CDROM mode can avoid additional CDROM driver interference.

[0067] The present invention replaces the built-in channel of Microsoft driver, and users can realize automatic installation of driver by simple hardware plugging and unplugging without Internet connection, simplifying the installation process, especially when the network is unstable or inaccessible, users can still install and configure the device.

[0068] For devices that require network drivers to access the Internet, expansion cards can provide a solution that allows users to obtain and install drivers through other means even without a network connection.

[0069] As a hardware component, the expansion card can permanently provide drivers, reducing the problem of CD-ROM loss or damage. Users no longer need to worry about not being able to find the driver CD when reinstalling the operating system, thus simplifying the maintenance of the device and the management of the driver.

[0070] Expansion cards that replace built-in drivers can be designed to support online driver updates. This provides a convenient way to update the driver to the latest version, such as transferring the update file to the card via a USB interface. Users can quickly add or replace devices by plugging and unplugging expansion cards, greatly improving the convenience of device management. It is more intuitive and easier to use than traditional driver installation, helping to reduce the time and effort users spend on device configuration and management.

[0071] Support for a wider range of operating system versions and device configurations can better solve the compatibility issues of new and old devices. For example, the expansion card can optimize the driver for a specific operating system version to ensure that the device can run stably in various environments.

[0072] The drivers required by the Windows operating system and other operating systems are stored in the storage module 2. The storage module is connected to the computer system through an expansion card. After the computer starts and enters the Windows operating system, the system will identify and display an optical drive device, which contains the Windows driver installation package of the network device. The user only needs to click the installation program to successfully complete the driver installation without relying on Microsoft's built-in driver channel.

[0073] For other operating systems that support CD-ROM drives, the driver installation can also be implemented in a similar manner. Users can use the driver installation package in the CD-ROM drive to normally use the corresponding hardware devices in these operating systems.

[0074] In summary, this application provides an expansion card that replaces the built-in Microsoft driver, and uses a network device with a PCIe interface to simulate a Windows driver-free CDROM through the PCIe interface using FLASH. There is no need to rely on Microsoft's built-in driver channel, and the device driver can be easily installed even without an installation CD.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the implementation mode and protection scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, it should be aware that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the description and illustrations of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An expansion card that replaces the built-in Microsoft driver, characterized in that: include, A configuration module (1), wherein the configuration module (1) comprises: A first PCIe device (11), used for data transmission and network communication; A second PCIe device (12) for emulating an optical disk drive; A switching control register (13) is connected to the first PCIe device (11) and the second PCIe device (12), and the switching control register (13) stops driving the second PCIe device (12) under the control of the first PCIe device (11); A storage module (2) is connected to the configuration module (1) via a first interface (3), and the storage module (2) is used to store driving data.

2. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (2) comprises a first storage area (21) and a second storage area (22), wherein the first storage area (21) is used to store drive data of the second PCIe device (12), and the second storage area (22) is used to store PXE diskless boot data of the first PCIe device (11).

3. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first storage area (21) is virtualized and mapped via a non-volatile memory or an advanced host controller interface.

4. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (2) is used to independently store the driving data of the second PCIe device (12).

5. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (2) is a flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

6. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first interface (3) is a serial peripheral interface or an internal integrated circuit interface.

7. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the expansion card driver is loaded, the driving of the second PCIe device (12) is stopped through the switching control register (13).

8. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mode of the second PCIe device (12) is an enabled state.

9. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first PCIe device (11) is a network interface card.

10. The expansion card replacing the built-in Microsoft driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion card is connected to the computer mainboard.

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