Boot Configuration Parameter Forwarding for Multi-CPU Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot processes for processing devices with multiple CPUs face challenges in efficiently initializing both CPUs, especially in configurations where one CPU is external, and require non-volatile memory like flash memory, limiting flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects boot configuration parameters from non-volatile storage and forwards them to the second processing unit, allowing booting from indicated interfaces, whether internal or external, without relying on flash memory, and includes a security check for authorized software execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional boot process using flash memory is used, then reliable software loading is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase due to required non-volatile memory
Solution Approach 1:
The access CPU is designed to perform multiple functions: it can boot from flash memory when available, detect bridge configurations, and load software from external interfaces. This universal design eliminates the need for separate boot paths and multiple CPU configurations, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability across different operating modes
Solution Approach 2:
The boot process dynamically adapts its behavior based on detected hardware configuration. The access CPU detects whether a bridge configuration is present and dynamically selects the appropriate boot method (internal flash or external interface), allowing the system to optimize its operation based on actual hardware conditions rather than requiring fixed pre-configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If the platform is designed for standalone operation with internal CPU, then cost-effective single-CPU operation is achieved, but flexibility to operate with external CPU is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The access CPU is pre-configured with boot code and detection logic that enables it to automatically identify bridge configurations and switch to external software loading. This preliminary preparation allows the platform to seamlessly adapt to external CPU operations without requiring additional hardware or complex reconfiguration, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The access CPU acts as an intermediary between the application CPU and external systems. It manages the boot process, detects bridge configurations, and coordinates software loading from external interfaces, allowing the platform to operate flexibly with different CPU configurations while maintaining a unified, simple architecture
3Ease of operation
If service mode is implemented with service pin detection, then software flashing capability is achieved, but boot process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service mode detection and bridge configuration detection are merged into a single detection process performed by the access CPU. The same detection mechanism identifies both service mode conditions and bridge configurations, eliminating the need for separate detection logic and reducing boot process complexity while maintaining full software flashing capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for booting a processing device, the processing device comprising a first and a second processing unit, the method comprising: detecting by the first processing unit, whether at least one boot configuration parameter is accessible from a non-volatile storage medium of the processing device, the at least one configuration parameter being indicative of a boot interface; if said at least one configuration parameter is available, forwarding at least a part of the detected at least one configuration parameter by the first processing unit to the second processing unit; otherwise detecting by at least one of the first and second processing units whether a boot interface is available to the processing device; booting at least the second processing unit from the indicated or detected boot interface.