Disabled Processor Node Resource Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern computing systems, when a processor node is disabled, the dedicated memory modules or I/O devices associated with it become unavailable, even if they are functional, leading to underutilization of computing resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying a disabled processor node and enabling a portion of it to access computing resources that are exclusively linked to that node, such as memory controllers, without fully activating the processor, allowing for the utilization of these resources even when the node is not actively executing instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a processor node is disabled, then system stability and reliability are maintained, but dedicated memory modules and I/O devices become unavailable leading to resource underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processor node into two independent parts: the processor core (which remains disabled for stability) and the memory controller/I/O interface (which is enabled for resource access). This allows selective activation of only the necessary components without fully enabling the disabled processor node, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining system stability and utilizing available resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the memory controller and I/O interface functionality from the disabled processor node, allowing these computing resources to be accessed independently. By taking out the useful computing resources (memory and I/O) from the disabled processor, the system can utilize them without requiring the processor itself to be operational, thus improving resource utilization while maintaining system stability.
2Reliability
If dedicated memory modules and I/O devices are exclusively assigned to a processor node, then system reliability is improved, but resource flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where dedicated memory modules and I/O devices, originally assigned exclusively to a specific processor node, can be accessed by multiple processor nodes through the disabled processor's interface. This multi-functionality allows the same physical resources to serve multiple purposes and multiple processors, thereby improving resource flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the reliability benefits of dedicated hardware assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The disabled processor node acts as an intermediary or mediator that provides access to its dedicated memory controllers and I/O devices for other enabled processor nodes. This intermediary role allows resources to be shared across multiple processors without requiring the original owner processor to be active, thus enhancing resource flexibility while preserving the stable, dedicated hardware configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Utilizing computing resources under a disabled processor node, including: identifying a disabled processor node, the disabled processor node representing a computer processor that is not being utilized for general purpose computer program instruction execution; identifying one or more computing resources that can be accessed only by the disabled processor node; and enabling a portion of the disabled processor node required to access the one or more computing resources.