CPLD Firmware Updating via BMC Hitless Enable Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for updating firmware in complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) are constrained by hardware requirements, particularly the fixed setting of integrated circuit bus values and the complexity of enabling pins, limiting versatility and convenience across different motherboards, and often necessitate system shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

A method that electrically connects a general purpose input/output pin of the baseboard management controller with the hitless enable pin of the CPLD, allowing dynamic setting of integrated circuit bus parameters and enabling the hitless enable pin through a local operating system, enabling firmware updates without hardware constraints and without shutting down the server system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the set value of the integrated circuit bus is fixed in the CPLD update software, then the software can operate with a predetermined configuration, but the versatility across different motherboards is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of CPLD update toolVSAvoidprogram modification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit bus set value is changed from a fixed constant to a dynamic parameter that can be read from the BMC configuration and automatically adjusted by the update software, allowing the system to adapt to different motherboard configurations without manual program modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The software retrieves the integrated circuit bus set value from the BMC configuration parameters and uses this dynamic value instead of a fixed value, enabling the same software to work across different motherboard types with different bus configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a jumper cap is used to enable the hitless enable pin of the CPLD, then the pin can be enabled, but the hardware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of enabling hitless enable pinVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical jumper cap method is replaced with an electrical control method where the baseboard management controller electronically enables the hitless enable pin through a control signal, eliminating the need for physical hardware modifications while achieving the same functional result

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10698678B2Method for online updating firmware of complex programmable logic device

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

A method for updating a firmware of a complex programmable logic device comprises: electrically connecting a general purpose input/output pin of a baseboard management controller with a hitless enable pin of a complex programmable logic device; electrically connecting a first integrated circuit bus of the baseboard management controller with a second integrated circuit bus of the complex programmable logic device; inputting and transmitting a update command to the baseboard management controller by a local operating system; enabling the hitless enable pin by the baseboard management controller according to the update command; cleaning a first firmware in the complex programmable logic device by the baseboard management controller according to the update command; and burning a second firmware into the complex programmable logic device by the baseboard management controller according to the update command.