Dual FSB Architecture for Hot-Swap CPU Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with multiple central processing units (CPUs) connected through a north bridge, a single CPU failure can lead to system downtime, and existing technologies lack efficient methods for hot-add and hot-remove operations, resulting in significant interruptions and reduced system availability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual or multi Front Side Bus (FSB) architecture with electrical isolation allows for the hot-add and hot-remove of CPUs or FSBs, enabling system boot-up with a defective FSB disabled and providing component-level diagnostics for quick issue resolution, thus enhancing system availability and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single CPU is connected to the north bridge, then the system structure is simple, but a single CPU failure causes total system failure and significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent FSB segments (first FSB and second FSB), each connecting CPUs to the north bridge independently. This segmentation allows one FSB to fail while the other remains operational, preventing total system failure and enabling continued operation with reduced capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CPUs are added or removed from the system, then system configurability is improved, but system interruptions and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting CPU presence/absence and transitioning FSB states to powered-down or powered-up states before actual CPU installation or removal. This allows hot-add and hot-remove operations to occur with minimal system interruption, as the FSB is already in the appropriate state to accommodate the CPU change.
3Reliability
If a CPU fails, then system reliability is reduced, but the time required for identification and repair increases system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through component-level diagnostics that continuously monitor FSB and CPU health status. When a failure is detected, the system provides feedback about the specific failed component, enabling rapid identification and isolation of the problem area, which reduces the time required for repair and system restoration.
4Ease of repair
If the system takes offline for CPU repair or replacement, then system availability decreases, but proper repair procedures cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the FSB into independent powered-down and powered-up states, allowing CPU replacement on one FSB while the other FSB remains operational. This enables hot-swap repair operations where the system stays online and continues providing services, eliminating the need for complete system shutdowns.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system having a north bridge and two or more Front Side Buses (FSBs) coupled to the north bridge is provided. The first front side bus has at least a first central processing unit coupled thereto. The second front side bus has at least a second central processing unit coupled thereto.