BMC Firmware Fan Parameter Update via Temporary Storage Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for updating baseboard management controller (BMC) firmware for fan speed control are inconvenient, requiring frequent updates of multiple fan speed control algorithms across different server SKUs, which occupy significant storage space and necessitate time-consuming burning and reboot processes, especially during product development.

Innovation Solution

A method for updating BMC firmware that utilizes a temporary storage device with separate regions for receiving and validating fan parameter update data, allowing for incremental updates of fan parameter data without re-burning the entire firmware, enabling updates while the server is online and minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fan speed control algorithms are packaged in a single BMC firmware for different SKUs, then the firmware becomes universally applicable to different server configurations, but the storage space occupied in the flash memory device increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware applicabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fan speed control algorithms into separate, independently selectable components within the BMC firmware. Instead of embedding multiple complete algorithms, the system divides the firmware into a core structure with placeholder regions that can be dynamically filled with different algorithm versions, allowing the same firmware base to serve multiple SKUs without duplicating entire algorithm sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a lightweight, replaceable algorithm structure where individual fan speed control algorithms can be independently updated or replaced without affecting the core firmware. This allows using simpler, more compact algorithm representations that can be discarded and replaced as needed, reducing the permanent storage burden while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the BMC firmware is updated through a burning process and reboot operation to optimize fan setting parameters, then the fan speed control algorithm can be adjusted, but the process consumes significant amount of manpower and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustabilityVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary action mechanism where fan speed control algorithms are pre-compiled and validated in different versions, stored in a selectable format within the firmware. When parameter optimization is needed, the system can directly switch between pre-prepared algorithm versions or apply incremental parameter adjustments without requiring a complete firmware re-burning process, significantly reducing update time and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the BMC firmware, allowing fan speed control parameters and algorithm selections to be modified on-the-fly without static re-burning. The system dynamically loads and switches between different algorithm configurations based on runtime requirements, enabling rapid parameter optimization while the server remains operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the entire BMC firmware is re-burned to update fan parameter data, then the updated parameters are permanently stored, but the server must be rebooted causing downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter persistenceVSAvoidserver availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fan parameter data and control algorithms from the immutable core firmware into separate, independently updatable components. This extraction allows parameter updates to be applied to the removable algorithm sections without affecting the stable core firmware, enabling parameter persistence through selective updates rather than complete firmware re-burning, thus avoiding server reboots and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the core firmware and fan control parameters, implemented as a configurable parameter storage region that acts as a buffer. This intermediary allows parameter changes to be staged, validated, and activated without disrupting the core system, enabling persistent parameter updates while keeping the server running by separating the update process from the execution environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10120676B2Method of updating baseboard management controller firmware for fan speed control

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 MITAC COMPUTING TECH

AI summary

When a baseboard management controller (BMC) is used to control a fan speed of a fan unit of a server by executing a firmware with fan parameter data stored in one temporary storage region, the fan parameter data is updated by receiving fan parameter update data and storing the fan parameter update data in another temporary storage region, and updating the fan parameter data using the fan parameter update data after determining that the received fan parameter update data is valid.