BIOS Timer Mechanism for Safe Computer System Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in resetting BIOS settings without damaging their computer systems when they crash due to improper configurations, and existing methods for clearing settings are cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A computer system design that includes a super input/output chip with a timer, a south bridge chipset, and a power supply module, where the BIOS sets a countdown time longer than normal booting time to prevent premature power-off and allows controlled power supply management to reset settings to initial values when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the power button is pressed to cut off power supply or power lines are disconnected from the socket to reset BIOS settings, then the BIOS settings can be cleared, but the operation sequence becomes troublesome and the computer may be damaged and cannot reboot due to careless operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic BIOS reset through power cycling when boot failure is detected, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The computer system autonomously detects boot failures and executes the reset sequence without requiring users to manually disconnect power or manipulate jumpers
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively implements a protective timer mechanism that prevents premature power-off during normal booting. By setting a timer longer than the normal booting time, the system ensures that power is not cut off during legitimate boot operations, while still enabling automatic reset when boot failure occurs
2Ease of repair
If the computer system shuts down due to improper BIOS settings, then the settings need to be cleared, but the longer the shutdown state remains, the more serious damage of internal components may be caused
Solution Approach 1:
The system preemptively implements a protective timer mechanism that prevents premature power-off during normal booting. By setting a timer longer than the normal booting time, the system ensures that power is not cut off during legitimate boot operations, while still enabling automatic reset when boot failure occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic BIOS reset through power cycling when boot failure is detected, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The computer system autonomously detects boot failures and executes the reset sequence without requiring users to manually disconnect power or manipulate jumpers
3Reliability
If a timer with counting time longer than normal booting time is set to prevent premature power-off, then normal booting is protected, but the system complexity increases due to additional timer control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The existing timer resource in the BIOS system is utilized for dual purposes: it serves both as a protective mechanism to prevent premature power-off during normal booting and as a countdown timer for automatic reset operations. This multi-functional use of the timer avoids adding separate dedicated timing circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The BIOS system autonomously manages the timer configuration and control logic, automatically setting the counting time longer than normal booting time and controlling the power supply module based on timer status. The system self-regulates without requiring external control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and its booting and setting method are disclosed. Power supplying and a booting process of the computer system are controlled by a basic input/output system (BIOS). The computer system includes a super input/output chip, a south bridge chipset, and a power supply module. The super input/output chip includes a timer. A counting time is set by the BIOS and the timer counts down when booting the computer system, wherein the counting time is longer than a normal booting time. The south bridge chipset is electrically connected with the super input/output chip and exchanges data between a south bridge chipset and a peripheral device. The power supply module is used for providing power to the computer system. The BIOS controls the timer to stop counting down when the computer system is capable of booting normally.