BIOS Firmware Update Validation via Volatile Memory Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems face issues with BIOS updates, where new firmware can lead to unintended consequences such as failure to boot or device operation failures, rendering the system partially or completely inoperable, due to incompatibility with new hardware or configuration changes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves storing the updated BIOS image in system memory instead of non-volatile memory initially, allowing the system to boot using the new image, and only committing it to the non-volatile memory if the boot is successful, thereby testing the new BIOS before permanent storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the new BIOS image is directly committed to non-volatile memory, then the firmware update is fast and simple, but the system may fail to boot or become inoperable due to incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update speedVSAvoidsystem boot reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary testing of the new BIOS image in volatile memory before committing it to non-volatile memory. The boot sequence is initiated using the new image stored in system memory, allowing validation of compatibility and functionality prior to permanent installation, thus preventing potential boot failures while maintaining update efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Volatile memory serves as an intermediary between the new BIOS image and non-volatile memory. The new image is first loaded into volatile memory for testing and validation, then only after successful boot verification is it committed to non-volatile memory, creating a safe intermediate step that protects system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system tests the new BIOS image by storing it in system memory first, then the risk of system failure is reduced, but the update process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operational stabilityVSAvoidfirmware update process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically initiates a boot sequence using the new BIOS image stored in system memory as a preliminary action before committing to non-volatile memory. This automated preliminary testing reduces the need for manual intervention and complex verification procedures while maintaining system stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-testing of the new BIOS image through automatic boot sequence initiation. The system evaluates its own compatibility and functionality without requiring external intervention, simplifying the overall update process while ensuring reliability through automated validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10691448B2Method and apparatus to execute BIOS firmware before committing to flash memory

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A method includes receiving a basic input/output system (BIOS) update executable at an information handling system. The executable includes a BIOS image that is stored at system memory included at the information handling system. A boot sequence is initiated at the information handling system using the BIOS image stored at the system memory.