Hypervisor Selective Function Reset in Virtualized ASICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ASIC reset procedures in virtualized environments, such as those using SR-IOV, cannot selectively reset specific virtual or physical functions without affecting the entire device, leading to uncertain states and potential system crashes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selectively resetting a function in a hardware-based virtualization system, where the hypervisor manages the switching, detection, and resetting of functions, allowing for individual virtual or physical function resets without impacting others, and includes a communication mechanism to notify drivers for timely restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ASIC reset procedures are used, then the entire device can be reset, but specific virtual or physical functions cannot be reset independently without affecting other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism is segmented into function-level reset units, allowing individual virtual or physical functions to be reset independently. The hypervisor manages separate reset contexts for each function, enabling selective resetting without affecting other functions in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The hypervisor acts as an intermediary between the reset request and the ASIC reset logic. It receives reset requests for specific functions, manages the reset timing and sequencing, and coordinates the reset operation to affect only the target function while preserving other functions' operational state.
2Reliability
If existing ASIC reset procedures are used, then the device can be reset, but the system may end up in an uncertain state causing crashes
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating a reset operation, the hypervisor performs preliminary actions by saving the current function's state, identifying the target function for reset, and ensuring no active transactions are in progress. This preparation prevents the system from entering uncertain states and avoids crashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hypervisor implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the reset process and the state of functions. After resetting a function, it verifies the function has returned to a known good state before allowing operations to resume, providing feedback that ensures system stability and prevents crashes.
3Productivity
If functions are reset without selective capability, then the entire device must be reset, but this causes delay and affects all functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The reset operation is segmented to affect only the specific function that requires resetting. The hypervisor manages independent reset contexts for each function, allowing selective resetting that minimizes the time other functions are affected and improves overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of resetting the entire device (excessive action), the hypervisor applies partial reset action only to the specific virtual or physical function that has malfunctioned. This partial action reduces reset time and maintains productivity by leaving other functions operational.
Data Source
AI summary
In a hardware-based virtualization system, a hypervisor switches out of a first function into a second function. The first function is one of a physical function and a virtual function and the second function is one of a physical function and a virtual function. During the switching a malfunction of the first function is detected. The first function is reset without resetting the second function. The switching, detecting, and resetting operations are performed by a hypervisor of the hardware-based virtualization system. Embodiments further include a communication mechanism for the hypervisor to notify a driver of the function that was reset to enable the driver to restore the function without delay.