Hot-Plug Controller Delaying Interrupts for Platform Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In information handling systems, hot-pluggable devices are often controlled by the operating system before platform-specific configurations can be made by BIOS or firmware, leading to potential interruptions and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A hot-plug controller is used to detect the insertion of devices and delay communication of hot-plug interrupts to the operating system, allowing for platform-specific configurations such as changing class codes or unlocking devices before the operating system takes control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the operating system takes control of the hot-pluggable device immediately upon insertion, then the response time of the operating system is improved, but platform-specific configurations cannot be made before operating system control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidplatform-specific configuration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a delay mechanism that holds the hot-plug interrupt signal temporarily after device insertion. This delay window allows the BIOS/firmware to perform platform-specific configurations (such as changing class codes or unlocking devices) before the operating system takes control. The hot-plug controller deliberately postpones the interrupt notification to ensure configuration steps are completed first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the hot-plug interrupt is communicated immediately to the operating system, then system efficiency is improved, but interruptions and potential instability occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration actions through a controlled delay of the hot-plug interrupt. This delay prevents premature operating system intervention that could cause instability, while still maintaining overall system efficiency by automating the process and minimizing the delay duration to only what is necessary for configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a delay is introduced before communicating the hot-plug interrupt to the operating system, then platform-specific configurations can be made, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform-specific configuration capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the hot-plug controller with its delay functionality - that mediates between device insertion and operating system notification. This intermediary component manages the timing and sequencing, allowing configuration to occur without requiring significant delays, thus balancing adaptability with response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10430366B2Systems and methods for configuration of hot-inserted device prior to operating system control of device

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a port configured to couple a hot-pluggable device received in the information handling system to the processor. The port may comprise a hot-plug controller configured to detect the insertion of the hot-pluggable device into the information handling system and delay communication of a hot-plug interrupt to an operating system executing on the processor in response to the insertion of the hot-pluggable device in order to allow for platform-specific configuration of the hot-pluggable device.