Auxiliary Controller BIOS Switch Circuit for Platform Controller Boot Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BIOS backup mechanisms, such as those proposed by Intel, do not ensure system booting if both primary and secondary memory with greater capacity are damaged, as they do not provide a redundant backup solution for the platform controller.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with two or more memories and an auxiliary controller that switches the platform controller's connection between these memories using a switch circuit, allowing the system to boot from a secondary BIOS image if the primary memory fails, without modifying the booting mechanism of the platform controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two identical or different BIOS image files are stored in a memory having a greater capacity, then the system can boot from a backup BIOS image when the primary BIOS image is damaged, but the system still cannot be booted if the primary memory having greater capacity is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two independent memory devices: a first memory storing the primary BIOS image and a second memory storing the backup BIOS image. This segmentation ensures that damage to one memory does not affect the other, providing true redundancy. The switch circuit further segments the connection paths, allowing independent access to either memory device.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch circuit acts as an intermediary between the platform controller and the two memory devices. It mediates the connection by selectively routing signals to either the first or second memory based on boot status feedback. This intermediary component enables the system to switch from primary to backup memory without requiring modifications to the platform controller's booting mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary controller is introduced to manage memory switching based on platform controller status, then backup memory functionality is achieved without modifying the platform controller's booting mechanism, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary controller serves as an intermediary management component that monitors the platform controller's boot status and controls the switch circuit accordingly. It receives feedback about boot success or failure and automatically switches the memory connection without requiring the platform controller to be modified. This intermediary approach provides the adaptability needed for automatic backup switching while keeping the platform controller's original booting mechanism intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the auxiliary controller monitors the boot status of the platform controller and uses this information to control the switch circuit. When boot failure is detected, the auxiliary controller receives status information and automatically triggers the switch to connect the platform controller to the backup memory, enabling automatic recovery without manual intervention or platform controller modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and an operating method therefore are provided. The electronic device includes two or more memories, a platform controller, a first switch circuit and an auxiliary controller. The two or more memories store basic input output systems respectively. The first switch circuit is coupled between the platform controller and the two or more memories. The auxiliary controller obtains a status of the platform controller. The auxiliary controller generates a first selection signal to the first switch circuit based on the status of the platform controller, and the platform controller is selectively connected to one of the two or more memories based on the first selection signal by the first switch circuit.