Firmware Framework Thermal Testing Before OS Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Management of device firmware in Information Handling Systems (IHS) is typically performed indirectly through the Operating System (OS), leading to efficiency, productivity, and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A firmware framework is introduced, where a controller within the IHS instantiates an orchestrator that triggers thermal data collection by devices prior to booting the OS, using an AI/ML model to compare data with reference thermal data and detect anomalies, and sends indications to the OS after booting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal data collection is performed through the Operating System, then the OS can manage thermal data, but the thermal management efficiency is reduced and system security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts thermal data collection functionality from the Operating System and relocates it to the firmware layer. The firmware framework with orchestrator and node agents operates independently of the OS, collecting thermal data directly from devices during pre-boot and runtime phases. This extraction eliminates OS dependency for thermal management, improving system security and reliability while reducing OS complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a firmware framework as an intermediary layer between hardware devices and the Operating System. This framework includes an orchestrator that coordinates thermal data collection and node agents that interface with individual devices. The intermediary firmware layer enables direct hardware monitoring without OS involvement, resolving the contradiction between security requirements and system complexity.
2Speed
If thermal data collection is performed after OS booting, then the OS can process the data, but thermal response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary thermal data collection during the pre-boot phase, before the Operating System is loaded. The firmware framework's orchestrator and node agents collect thermal data from devices during initialization, enabling thermal conditions to be assessed and responded to before the OS becomes active. This preliminary action significantly reduces thermal response time while the firmware framework manages the complexity of coordinated data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for thermal testing in a firmware framework. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a controller, where the controller comprises firmware that, upon execution by a processing core, causes the processing core to instantiate an orchestrator; and a plurality of devices coupled to the controller, where each device comprises firmware that, upon execution by a corresponding processing core, causes the corresponding processing core to instantiate a node as part of a firmware framework, and where the orchestrator is configured to trigger thermal data collection by one or more selected nodes prior to the booting of any Operating System (OS) of the IHS.