CPLD Firmware Update via PCH Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Servers without a baseboard management controller (BMC) face difficulties in updating their firmware, as conventional methods lack a reliable mechanism for firmware updates.

Innovation Solution

A firmware updating system utilizing a platform controller hub (PCH) to transmit and replace the original firmware version data in a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), with a processing unit accessing an identification code table to match and transmit updating firmware data through a JTAG interface, and optional use of a multiplexer and detecting module for additional connectivity and signal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a BMC is used to update CPLD firmware, then firmware update capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCH is designed to perform multiple functions including its original platform controller functions plus the additional function of CPLD firmware updating. The storage unit within the PCH stores both system operating data and CPLD firmware data, while the processing unit handles both platform management and firmware update operations, eliminating the need for a separate BMC component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware update functionality that was previously provided by a separate BMC is merged into the existing PCH component. The PCH integrates the storage unit for firmware data, the processing unit for update operations, and the communication interfaces, combining multiple functions into a single existing component to reduce system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a BMC is removed from the system, then device complexity is reduced, but firmware update capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem component countVSAvoidfirmware update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The PCH performs firmware updates autonomously using its own integrated storage unit and processing unit. The processing unit executes update programs stored in the storage unit, retrieves firmware data from the storage unit, and completes the entire update process without requiring an external BMC to manage or coordinate the update operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If firmware update data is stored externally, then update flexibility is improved, but update reliability and speed decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update flexibilityVSAvoidfirmware update reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is nested within the PCH component itself, creating a hierarchical structure where the firmware data is stored in an internal storage unit that is part of the PCH. This nested arrangement allows the PCH to access firmware data directly from its own integrated storage without external communication overhead, improving both reliability and update speed while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9710255B1Updating system of firmware of complex programmable logic device and updating method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

In the updating system, the CPLD has an original firmware version data and a PCH of a processing chip includes a storage which stores an updating identification code table and at least one updating firmware data. The updating identification code table has at least one updating identification code which is corresponded to the updating firmware data respectively. A processing unit of the processing chip has an identification code and an updating program. In the updating method, a first step is provided to capture the updating identification code table after the updating program is triggered. A second step is provided to capture the updating firmware data when the identification code is same as the updating identification code. A third step is provided to replace the original firmware version data from the updating firmware data through the PCH.