CPU Communication Lane Configuration During Pre-EFI Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the configuration of communication lanes during the boot process is inefficient, requiring multiple resets and reconfigurations, particularly for PCIe sockets, which prolongs the boot time and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves performing auto-discovery and configuration of communication lanes during the pre-EFI initialization phase, using UEFI boot services to detect available resources and configure PCIe sockets into optimal lane widths, thereby reducing the need for subsequent resets and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If communication lanes are configured during the traditional boot process, then the system can initialize hardware components, but multiple resets and reconfigurations are required which prolongs boot time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs communication lane configuration during the pre-EFI initialization phase, which is an earlier stage in the boot process. By executing the auto-discovery and lane configuration before the EFI environment is fully established, the system eliminates the need for subsequent resets and reconfigurations that would otherwise be required during later boot stages, thereby reducing total boot time
2Device complexity
If traditional boot process configuration methods are used, then hardware components can be initialized, but the process requires multiple resets and reconfigurations increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By performing the auto-discovery and lane configuration during the pre-EFI initialization phase, the patent establishes the communication lane topology early in the boot process. This preliminary configuration is stored and reused in subsequent boot operations, eliminating the need for repeated resets and reconfigurations, thereby reducing configuration complexity and improving stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs auto-discovery of the socket and automatically configures the communication lanes based on detected hardware resources. This self-configuration mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external configuration procedures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable hardware initialization
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a memory and a central processing unit. The memory stores a boot image for a boot process of the information handling system. The central processing unit loads the boot image and executes the boot process. During the boot process, the central processing unit performs a pre-EFI initialization phase that configures a socket of the central processing unit during an auto-discovery of the socket, and stores the socket configuration in a memory.