ACPI I/O Bus Capability Discovery via Dynamic Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current configuration management tools are unable to discover the dynamic capabilities of input/output (I/O) buses in computer systems, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential system crashes when devices with mismatched frequencies or modes are plugged in.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) to dynamically discover I/O bus capabilities by defining ACPI name spaces, interfaces, and objects that provide current and comprehensive bus capability information, enabling efficient resource allocation and configuration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration management tools use static bus capability information, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing hardware configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bus capability information that automatically updates when hardware configurations change. The system transitions from static capability information to dynamic information that reflects current system state, enabling the configuration management tools to adapt to hot-plugged devices while maintaining system stability through controlled updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors hardware configuration changes and updates bus capability information accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that configuration management tools receive current capability information, allowing them to make informed decisions about resource allocation while maintaining system stability.
2Productivity
If configuration management tools discover dynamic I/O bus capabilities, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (bus capability information structure and update mechanism) that sits between the hardware configuration and the configuration management tools. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of dynamic capability discovery, presenting a simplified interface to tools while handling the complex tasks of monitoring, updating, and managing bus capability information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bus capability information into distinct components and structures, organizing complex hardware capability data into manageable units. This segmentation allows configuration management tools to access specific capability information without being overwhelmed by the full complexity of the system, improving resource allocation efficiency while managing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If ACPI interfaces provide detailed bus capability information, then configuration management accuracy is improved, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization and structuring of bus capability information through defined ACPI interfaces and data structures. By pre-organizing capability information in standardized formats, the system reduces the processing overhead required during configuration management operations, allowing tools to efficiently access precise capability data without excessive processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for discovering I/O bus capabilities. Specifically, a system is described for discovering I/O bus capabilities on a computer system. The system includes an ACPI name space, a first ACPI interface, and a second ACPI interface. The ACPI name space details hardware configuration in the computer system. The first ACPI interface in the ACPI name space details current capabilities of an I/O bus that is communicatively coupled to an I/O slot. The second ACPI interface details a list of all the capabilities of the I/O bus that supports the I/O slot.