Display card information control device and control method

Abstract

The invention provides a display card information management and control device and method, and relates to the technical field of display card information management. The device comprises an MCU (Microprogrammed Control Unit) control module, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) control module and a mainboard I2C control module, wherein the modules realize communication through I2C communication interfaces. The method comprises the steps of information storage, information reading and multi-card address switching. Key information such as a video card serial number and a product serial number is stored through a FLASH ROM of the MCU control module, the key information is read by client equipment through a standardized I2C interface, and meanwhile the address conflict problem in a multi-card scene is solved through an address switching register. The method overcomes the defects that an existing non-professional graphics card cannot store key information and is difficult to manage, compliance management and control of graphics card information are achieved, the hardware management cost of an enterprise is reduced, and the method is suitable for deployment and application of the non-professional graphics card in the professional fields such as servers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of graphics card information management technology, specifically to a graphics card information management system and method, which is particularly applicable to the information storage, retrieval, and compliance management of non-professional graphics cards in professional fields such as servers and multi-card scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] As the computing power demands of specialized equipment such as servers increase, some companies are opting to replace professional graphics cards with non-professional ones to reduce costs. However, existing non-professional graphics cards lack technical solutions for storing critical information such as their serial numbers, material codes, and field-replaceable unit numbers, leading to numerous problems for companies during use. 1. Unable to verify the legality of the equipment, and unable to confirm whether the hardware configuration meets compliance requirements; 2. Difficulty in tracing the source of spare parts hinders the full lifecycle management of equipment; 3. In multi-GPU applications, it is difficult to distinguish between multiple GPUs of the same model. When equipment malfunctions, it is impossible to quickly locate the faulty GPU, which greatly increases management costs.

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical shortcomings, there is currently no effective solution to ensure the reliable storage and convenient retrieval of critical information from non-professional graphics cards, thus limiting the compliant application and efficient management of non-professional graphics cards in professional fields. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to provide a graphics card information management system and method to solve problems such as the inability of existing non-professional graphics cards to store critical information and the difficulty of management in multi-card scenarios, thereby achieving secure storage, convenient reading and compliant management of graphics card information and reducing enterprise hardware management costs.

[0005] This invention is specifically achieved through the following technical solution: A graphics card information management device includes an MCU control module, an I2C control module, a GPU module, and a motherboard I2C control module. The I2C control module communicates with the GPU module, the MCU control module, and the motherboard I2C control module via an I2C communication interface. The MCU control module is also connected to the GPU module via an I2C communication interface. The GPU module is used to receive information storage instructions from the host computer, parse the key information in the instructions and transmit it to the MCU control module; the key information includes at least one of the following: graphics card serial number, product number, and field replaceable unit number. The MCU control module has a built-in FLASH ROM storage unit for storing the key information, and the MCU is equipped with an address switching register. The I2C control module is configured with two independent I2C addresses. The first I2C address is used for communication between the GPU module and the MCU control module, and the second I2C address is used for communication between the MCU control module and the motherboard I2C control module. The motherboard I2C control module is connected to the customer device and is used to transmit information reading commands and target information.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the I2C control module includes a level conversion circuit, an I2C timing control unit, and a signal backflow prevention unit; the level conversion circuit is used to adapt to the I2C level difference between the GPU module and the MCU control module.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the MCU control module includes an MCU chip, a reset module, a power supply filtering circuit, and a debugging interface; the first I2C interface of the MCU chip is connected to the I2C communication interface of the GPU module, and the second I2C interface is connected to the I2C communication interface of the GPU module; the reset module is used to reset the MCU state to the motherboard I2C control module bit under abnormal conditions, and the debugging interface is used for firmware burning and debugging of the MCU.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first I2C address is 0x60 and the second I2C address is 0x61; the address switching register is used to store client instructions to realize dynamic switching and saving of the second I2C address.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the GPU module parses the information storage instructions through the NVAPI interface.

[0010] The present invention also provides a control method for the above-mentioned graphics card information control device, comprising the following steps: Information storage steps: The host computer sends an information storage instruction to the GPU module. The GPU module parses the key information in the instruction and transmits the key information to the MCU control module through the first I2C address. The MCU control module stores the key information in the FLASH ROM storage unit. Information reading steps: The customer device sends a read command to the I2C control module through the motherboard I2C control module. The I2C control module transmits the command to the MCU control module through the second I2C address. The MCU control module extracts the key information and feeds it back to the customer device.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method also includes a multi-card address switching step: in a multi-card scenario, the client equipment issues an address switching instruction, and the MCU control module stores the instruction through the address switching register to realize the dynamic switching and saving of the second I2C address and avoid address conflicts.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the information storage step, the GPU module parses the information storage instruction through the NVAPI interface; in the information reading step, the reading instruction includes the target I2C address and the information type.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. It achieves reliable storage of key information of non-professional graphics cards, solving the technical problems of device legality verification, compliance confirmation, and spare parts tracking; 2. It provides a standardized I2C read interface, supporting customer devices (such as BMC systems) to easily access graphics card information and adapting to different operating system environments; 3. Through dual I2C address design and address switching register, it effectively avoids address conflicts in multi-card scenarios, achieving accurate differentiation and management of multiple graphics cards; 4. The system integrates level conversion, timing control, and signal backflow prevention functions to ensure the security and stability of data transmission; 5. The overall structure is simple, requiring no major modifications to non-professional graphics cards, resulting in low cost, strong compatibility, and ease of large-scale application. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the graphics card information management and control device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the I2C control module of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the MCU control module of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0016] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the graphics card information management device of the present invention includes: The GPU module uses a commercially available non-professional graphics card GPU chip and supports the NVAPI interface.

[0017] The core chip U2 of the MCU control module can be an STM32 series microcontroller with a FLASH ROM capacity of no less than 64KB to meet the storage requirements of critical information.

[0018] like Figure 2 and Figure 3The circuit diagram shows the I2C control module and the MCU control module. Since the GPU module and the motherboard I2C control module only play an auxiliary role in this application, only their functions are mentioned and their circuits are not shown.

[0019] I2C Control Module: This module is a crucial hub connecting the GPU module, MCU module, and the motherboard I2C module for connecting to customer devices. R59, R45, and pin 1 connect to the GPU module's I2C communication interface. Q22, R58, and R60 form a level conversion circuit for connecting to the MCU control module; this module exists because the I2C levels of the GPU and MCU are inconsistent. R77, R87, and pin 1 connect to the customer motherboard I2C control module. R63 and R64 connect to the MCU control module; the I2C address of the corresponding control module is 0x61, which will be explained later. R91, R90, R89, and Q25 form the I2C timing control module to ensure data security. Q23 and Q24 perform level conversion and ensure that the signal does not backflow.

[0020] MCU Control Module: C80, R76, R86, and DEBUG2 are used for MCU firmware programming and debugging. R61, U6, and R88 constitute the MCU reset module, used for resetting the status under certain abnormal conditions. R43, C69, C70, C79, and C88 constitute the MCU power supply circuit and filter circuit. U2 is the MCU chip, where pins 1 and 2 are connected to R58 and R60 of the I2C control module, with the I2C address set to 0x60. Pins 15 and 16 are connected to R63 and R64 of the I2C control module, with the I2C address set to 0x61.

[0021] In the I2C control module, NPN transistors are used for Q22, Q23, Q24, and Q25; 1kΩ resistors are used for R58, R60, R63, and R64; and 4.7kΩ resistors are used for R91, R90, and R89 to ensure effective level conversion and signal control. The motherboard I2C control module connects to the server BMC system and supports the I2C communication protocol.

[0022] Each module is connected via the I2C bus. The GPU module communicates with the I2C control module via the first I2C address (0x60), and the motherboard I2C control module communicates with the I2C control module via the second I2C address (0x61). Example

[0023] The graphics card information management method of the present invention includes the following steps: 1. Information storage The host computer (Windows system) sends a storage instruction to the GPU module through the graphics card driver. The instruction includes the graphics card serial number "SN20250423001", the product number "PN2025GPU001", and the field replaceable unit number "FRU20250001".

[0024] The GPU module parses instructions through the NVAPI interface, extracts the aforementioned key information, and transmits the information to the MCU control module through the first I2C address (0x60) of the I2C control module.

[0025] After receiving the information, the MCU control module stores it in the designated storage area of ​​the built-in FLASH ROM, and sends an acknowledgment signal back to the GPU module after storage is completed.

[0026] 2. Information Reading The server BMC system (client equipment) sends a read command to the I2C control module through the motherboard I2C control module. The command includes the target I2C address (0x61) and the type of information to be read (serial number + FRU number).

[0027] The I2C control module transmits the read command to the MCU control module. The MCU control module extracts the corresponding key information from the FLASH ROM and feeds it back to the BMC system through the I2C control module to complete the information reading.

[0028] 3. Multi-card address switching When the server deploys 8 identical graphics cards, the customer sends an address switching instruction to graphics card number 3 through the BMC system. The instruction contains the new address "0x62".

[0029] The MCU control module of graphics card No. 3 stores the instruction through the address switching register of the second I2C address (0x61), switches its own second I2C address to 0x62 and saves it.

[0030] Subsequently, the BMC system can accurately access graphics card number 3 through address 0x62, avoiding address conflicts with other graphics cards.

[0031] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A graphics card information management and control device, characterized in that, The device includes an MCU control module, an I2C control module, a GPU module, and a motherboard I2C control module. The I2C control module communicates with the GPU module, the MCU control module, and the motherboard I2C control module via an I2C communication interface. The MCU control module is also connected to the GPU module via an I2C communication interface. The GPU module is used to receive information storage instructions from the host computer, parse the key information in the instructions and transmit it to the MCU control module; the key information includes at least one of the following: graphics card serial number, product number, and field replaceable unit number. The MCU control module has a built-in FLASH ROM storage unit for storing the key information, and the MCU is equipped with an address switching register. The I2C control module is configured with two independent I2C addresses. The first I2C address is used for communication between the GPU module and the MCU control module, and the second I2C address is used for communication between the MCU control module and the motherboard I2C control module. The motherboard I2C control module is connected to the customer device and is used to transmit information reading commands and target information.

2. The graphics card information management and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The I2C control module includes a level conversion circuit, an I2C timing control unit, and a signal backflow prevention unit; the level conversion circuit is used to adapt to the I2C level difference between the GPU module and the MCU control module.

3. The graphics card information management and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MCU control module includes an MCU chip, a reset module, a power filter circuit, and a debugging interface; the first I2C interface of the MCU chip is connected to the I2C communication interface of the GPU module, and the second I2C interface is connected to the I2C communication interface of the GPU module; the reset module is used to reset the MCU status to the motherboard I2C control module bit under abnormal conditions, and the debugging interface is used for firmware burning and debugging of the MCU.

4. The graphics card information management and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first I2C address is 0x60, and the second I2C address is 0x61; the address switching register is used to store client instructions and realize the dynamic switching and saving of the second I2C address.

5. The graphics card information management and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GPU module parses the information storage instructions through the NVAPI interface.

6. A method for managing graphics card information, applied to the graphics card information management device as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method includes: Information storage steps: The host computer sends an information storage instruction to the GPU module. The GPU module parses the key information in the instruction and transmits the key information to the MCU control module through the first I2C address. The MCU control module stores the key information in the FLASHROM storage unit. Information reading steps: The customer device sends a read command to the I2C control module through the motherboard I2C control module. The I2C control module transmits the command to the MCU control module through the second I2C address. The MCU control module extracts the key information and feeds it back to the customer device.

7. The graphics card information management method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method also includes a multi-card address switching step: In a multi-card scenario, the client device issues an address switching instruction, and the MCU control module stores the instruction through the address switching register to realize the dynamic switching and saving of the second I2C address, thereby avoiding address conflicts.

8. The graphics card information management method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the information storage step, the GPU module parses the information storage instruction through the NVAPI interface; in the information reading step, the reading instruction includes the target I2C address and the information type.

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