Device-Independent Adapter Enablement via CLP Instruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing environments lack a device-independent method for enabling and disabling adapters, such as PCI adapters, which complicates the management of input/output operations across different types of I/O devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product is introduced that enables device-independent adapter management through the Call Logical Processor (CLP) instruction, which allows for enabling and disabling adapters by managing DMA address spaces, address translation, and interruption services, providing a unified logic for the operating system regardless of the adapter type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional channel path, control unit and subchannel basis enablement is used, then I/O device enablement is achieved, but device independence and adaptability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified enablement mechanism that works across different adapter types (PCI, PCI Express, SCSI, etc.) through the CLP instruction. The system uses a common interface with function handles and standardized enablement/disablement operations that abstract away the underlying hardware differences, allowing the same software logic to manage diverse I/O devices without requiring device-specific handling code.
2Ease of operation
If device-specific enablement methods are used for different adapter types, then adapter-specific functionality is optimized, but operational simplicity and ease of management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of the CLP instruction and function handle mechanism. This intermediary sits between the operating system and the actual adapter hardware, translating high-level enablement requests into device-specific operations. The function handle acts as a mediator that encapsulates adapter-specific details while presenting a uniform interface to the OS, thereby simplifying management while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If multiple operating systems need to share adapter functions, then resource utilization is improved, but synchronization and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing adapter control into discrete, manageable units through function handles and enablement states. Each adapter or adapter function can be independently enabled or disabled, allowing fine-grained control when multiple operating systems share resources. The CLP instruction provides a standardized mechanism for requesting and managing these segmented access rights, reducing the complexity of coordination between OSes.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is enabled for use. The enabling includes assigning one or more address spaces to the adapter, based on a request. For each address space assigned to the adapter, a corresponding device table entry is assigned. When the adapter is no longer needed, it is disabled and the assigned device table entries become available.