Embedded Controller OOB Settings Management for ARM Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

ARM-based platforms lack Embedded Controllers (ECs) necessary for Out-of-Band (OOB) management, which is crucial for remote management and configuration of IHSs.

Innovation Solution

Integrate an Embedded Controller (EC) into heterogeneous computing platforms, capable of receiving and executing OOB commands to manage BIOS, EC, or host OS settings, even when the host processor is in a low-power state, using an OOB packet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ARM-based platforms are used without Embedded Controllers, then device complexity is reduced and power consumption is lowered, but Out-of-Band management capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOOB management capabilityVSAvoidplatform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An Embedded Controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the host processor and external management systems. The EC provides dedicated OOB management functionality through interfaces like I2C or SPI, allowing remote configuration and monitoring without requiring the host processor to be active. This mediator approach enables OOB capability while keeping the main ARM platform relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the host processor handles primary computing tasks, while the separate Embedded Controller handles OOB management tasks. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the ARM platform remains lightweight while the EC provides specialized management capabilities through dedicated hardware interfaces and firmware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the host processor remains in low-power state, then energy consumption is reduced, but remote configuration capability is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidremote configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The Embedded Controller acts as an always-on intermediary that maintains OOB management functionality independently of the host processor's power state. The EC has its own power management and can remain in a low-power standby mode while still responding to management commands, enabling remote configuration without requiring the main processor to wake from sleep state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The Embedded Controller is designed to handle OOB management operations in advance of any host processor activity. Configuration commands can be queued or executed by the EC before the host processor needs to become active, allowing system setup and management to occur during low-power states without delaying critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12423113B2Out-of-Band (OOB) settings management in heterogeneous computing platforms

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Systems and methods for Out-of-Band (OOB) settings management in heterogeneous computing platforms. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a heterogeneous computing platform having a plurality of devices and an Embedded Controller (EC) integrated into or coupled to the heterogeneous computing platform, where the EC is configured to: receive, within an OOB packet, a command to write a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), EC, or host Operating System (OS) setting; and write the BIOS, EC, or host OS setting in a flash memory or a storage device coupled to the EC.