BMC Data File Transmission via I2C Bus

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing BMC systems face challenges in transmitting data files between BMCs due to the IPMI process intercepting and verifying data files as control commands, leading to process crashes and inability to transmit data files effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving sending a preset command to a second BMC to stop the IPMI process on the I2C bus, allowing the first BMC to transmit data files using the I2C bus communication function, thereby avoiding interception by the IPMI process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the IPMI process is used to transmit data files between BMCs through the I2C bus, then the existing command transmission mechanism can be utilized, but the IPMI process intercepts and verifies data files as control commands, causing process crashes and transmission failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata file transmission capabilityVSAvoidIPMI process stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the IPMI process before data file transmission begins. The method includes: determining that data file transmission is required, stopping the IPMI process on the receiving BMC before the data file is sent, transmitting the data file through the I2C bus, and then restarting the IPMI process after transmission completes. This preliminary stopping prevents the IPMI process from intercepting and verifying the data file as a control command, thereby avoiding process crashes while enabling data file transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the IPMI process runs continuously to handle control commands, then command processing functionality is maintained, but it blocks and crashes when encountering data files with unknown formats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand processing functionalityVSAvoidprocess crash resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the IPMI process state changeable rather than static. The IPMI process is stopped dynamically when data file transmission is detected and restarted after transmission completes. This dynamic state adjustment allows the system to maintain command processing functionality when needed while avoiding crashes during data file transmission by temporarily suspending the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the IPMI process before data file transmission begins. The method includes: determining that data file transmission is required, stopping the IPMI process on the receiving BMC before the data file is sent, transmitting the data file through the I2C bus, and then restarting the IPMI process after transmission completes. This preliminary stopping prevents the IPMI process from intercepting and verifying the data file as a control command, thereby avoiding process crashes while enabling data file transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If data files are transmitted through the I2C bus using the command transmission mechanism, then the existing protocol can be used, but the data files are incorrectly identified as control commands and verified by the command processing function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission mechanism simplicityVSAvoiddata file transmission success

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the IPMI process before data file transmission begins. The method includes: determining that data file transmission is required, stopping the IPMI process on the receiving BMC before the data file is sent, transmitting the data file through the I2C bus, and then restarting the IPMI process after transmission completes. This preliminary stopping prevents the IPMI process from intercepting and verifying the data file as a control command, thereby avoiding process crashes while enabling data file transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11314670B2Method, apparatus, and device for transmitting file based on BMC, and medium

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 ZHENGZHOU YUNHAI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a device for transmitting a file based on a BMC, and a medium are provided. The method includes: sending, by using a first BMC, a preset command to a second BMC, before the first BMC transmits a data file to the second BMC; controlling the second BMC to stop an IPMI process running based on an I2C bus in response to the preset command; and controlling the first BMC to transmit the data file to the second BMC by using a communication function of the I2C bus. With the method, when the data file is transmitted between the BMCs, the IPMI process running on the BMC receiving the data file is stopped, such that the data file is not intercepted and verified by the command processing function of the IPMI process, and the IPMI process is prevented from being blocked and crashing.