BIOS Handshake for RAS Resource Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms do not allow the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) to regain control of system resources, such as System Management Bus devices, during Advanced Reliability Availability and Serviceability (RAS) events, leading to potential clashes in resource access between the BIOS and other devices like the System Service Processor, Baseboard Management Controller, and Manageability Engine.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional handshake mechanism using General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) signals is implemented between the BIOS and other devices, allowing the BIOS to relinquish and reassert control of shared resources during the Power On Self Test (POST) and RAS events, ensuring seamless access and preventing resource clashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the System Service Processor, Baseboard Management Controller, or Manageability Engine maintains control of system resources during runtime, then system management and monitoring functions are continuously available, but the BIOS cannot access these resources when RAS events occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of system resources by establishing a handshake mechanism that allows the BIOS to temporarily regain control during RAS events. The GPIO signal enables runtime switching of resource ownership between the BIOS and management devices, transforming the static resource allocation into a dynamic system that can adapt to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback-based handshake protocol where the BIOS asserts a GPIO signal to request resource control, and the management device responds by de-asserting the signal to grant access. This feedback loop ensures coordinated resource access and prevents conflicts between the BIOS and management devices during RAS events.
2Productivity
If the BIOS asserts a GPIO signal to relinquish control of shared resources, then other devices can access these resources during normal operation, but the BIOS loses the ability to access them during runtime RAS events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic control transitions where the BIOS initially asserts the GPIO to relinquish control for normal operation, then can periodically re-assert it during RAS events to regain access. This periodic switching pattern allows the system to alternate between management-controlled mode and BIOS-controlled mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary control transfer during POST by asserting the GPIO signal, allowing management devices to take control before runtime operations begin. This preliminary action sets up the initial state where management devices control resources, but the mechanism is already in place to reverse this state when RAS events occur.
3Ease of operation
If no handshake mechanism exists between the BIOS and management devices, then the BIOS can initially access system resources during POST, but resource conflicts occur when management devices need to access the same resources during runtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a GPIO signal as an intermediary mechanism that mediates resource access between the BIOS and management devices. This handshake signal acts as a coordinator that prevents conflicts by ensuring only one party accesses shared resources at any given time, while still allowing both to access resources when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-based coordination system where the BIOS and management devices exchange signals through the GPIO to coordinate resource access. The management device monitors the GPIO state and adjusts its resource access accordingly, providing feedback that prevents conflicts and ensures reliable coordinated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments a signal is sent from a Basic Input/Output System to a device to indicate that the Basic Input/Output System needs to obtain control of shared resources. A signal is sent from the device to the Basic Input/Output System that indicates that the Basic Input/Output System can now control the shared resources. Other embodiments are described and claimed.