Out-of-band System Hang Fault Isolation for Host Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in detecting and analyzing pre-boot, no-POST catastrophic failures, which are difficult to diagnose and costly, leading to inadequate fault identification and corrective actions, especially across different hardware platforms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a System Hang Fault Isolation (SHFI) method using out-of-band processing devices to monitor and capture context information during system hangs, generating a Fault Signature Record (FSR) and storing it in non-volatile memory for later analysis, enabling more precise fault identification and corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional error reporting methods are used during pre-boot operations, then the system can handle errors after operating system initialization, but errors occurring before POST completion cannot be detected or reported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary error detection mechanisms by having the BIOS perform self-tests and status checks before handing control to the operating system. Error detection capabilities are built into the pre-boot sequence, allowing faults to be identified before the system reaches a state where traditional error reporting would be unavailable. This includes checking hardware components, memory, and system integrity during the POST phase and before OS initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary error logging and reporting mechanism that operates independently of the operating system. This intermediary system captures error information during pre-boot operations and stores it in a format that can be retrieved and reported after system recovery or reboot, bridging the gap between pre-boot error occurrence and post-boot error reporting capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If forensic teardown is performed to identify faulty components in returned systems, then fault identification can be achieved, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary fault logging mechanisms that automatically record error signatures, component statuses, and system states before failures occur or at the moment of failure during pre-boot operations. This preliminary capture of diagnostic information eliminates the need for time-consuming forensic teardowns, as the necessary fault identification data is already recorded and can be analyzed remotely or during the next system boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where error information is continuously monitored, logged, and reported back to system administrators or manufacturers. This feedback mechanism provides real-time or near-real-time diagnostic data, enabling rapid fault identification and corrective action without requiring physical disassembly and manual inspection of returned systems.
3Productivity
If random sampling of failed systems is performed to determine failure trends, then some statistical information can be gathered, but the quantity of information is inadequate for definitive fault identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that systematically collect and report detailed error information from each failed system. Instead of relying on random sampling, every failure event is captured with complete diagnostic data including error signatures, component states, and system context. This complete information feedback enables definitive fault identification and accurate determination of failure trends across all systems, not just statistical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual forensic analysis and random sampling methodologies with automated electronic error capture and reporting systems. Digital error signatures and structured diagnostic data are automatically recorded and transmitted, substituting the mechanical processes of physical inspection and manual data collection with efficient electronic information gathering and analysis systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided that may be implemented to detect and capture information related to host system hang events which may occur during booted and in-band operation of an information handling system, e.g., for further analysis such as debugging. The disclosed methods and systems may be employed to monitor for behavior that is indicative of the occurrence of a host processing device system hang event that occurs while a host operating system is booted and running on the host processing device. Information regarding the nature and/or cause of a detected system hang event may be captured and stored for further analysis and/or for identifying a corrective action.