Runtime BIOS Node Manager Settings Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of updating firmware for processors is manually intensive and requires a unique BIOS for each platform, leading to increased overhead for release engineers, project managers, and consumers due to the need for static node manager settings defined during compile time.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single BIOS binary to dynamically modify the node manager settings during runtime by combining BIOS settings data and binary code, allowing for the creation of different management engine regions and updating the serial peripheral interface image to match the running platform's settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a unique BIOS is created for each platform with static node manager settings defined during compile time, then platform-specific configuration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and overhead for managing multiple BIOS versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal BIOS binary that can dynamically configure multiple different platforms at runtime. Instead of creating separate BIOS versions for each platform, a single BIOS binary contains platform-agnostic code that detects the running platform and configures node manager settings accordingly. This eliminates the need to maintain multiple BIOS versions while still providing accurate platform-specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static node manager settings defined at compile time to dynamic settings configured at runtime. The BIOS binary loads platform-specific node manager settings from external sources (such as XML files or databases) during runtime based on the detected platform, allowing flexible configuration without recompiling the BIOS for each platform variation.
2Reliability
If manual processes are used to update firmware code for processors, then update accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorates due to intensive manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the BIOS update process to be self-service rather than manually intensive. The system automatically detects the platform, retrieves the appropriate node manager settings, and configures them without requiring manual intervention from release engineers or project managers. This automation maintains accuracy while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the BIOS detects platform information, queries configuration sources, and automatically adjusts node manager settings based on the detected platform characteristics. This closed-loop process eliminates manual configuration steps while ensuring accurate platform-specific settings are applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing a basic input output system (BIOS), comprising a BIOS settings system configured to receive BIOS settings data, a BIOS binary system configured to receive BIOS binary code, a processor configured to load BIOS firmware from a memory and a code packager coupled to the memory, the code packager configured to combine the BIOS settings data and the BIOS binary code, to generate the BIOS firmware and to store the BIOS firmware in the memory.