Path Configuration Switching for IO Error Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale information processing apparatuses, identifying the faulty component when an error occurs in the path from a CPU to IO devices is challenging due to multiple components on the path, making it difficult to isolate the cause and leading to repeated errors and system instability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus stores path configuration information for two configurations and switches between them to identify suspect components by comparing error data from each configuration, allowing for the isolation of faulty components on the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are present on the path from CPU to IO devices, then system functionality is improved, but difficulty in detecting and measuring the faulty component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path from CPU to IO devices is divided into multiple segments by introducing switch components. Each switch segments the path into distinct sections, allowing error isolation to specific segments rather than the entire path. This segmentation enables targeted identification of faulty components without requiring analysis of the complete signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
Switch components are introduced as intermediary elements between CPU and IO devices. These switches act as mediators that can be independently controlled and monitored. When an error occurs, the intermediary switches provide measurement points that facilitate identification of the faulty component location without directly examining the entire path.
2Reliability
If redundant path configurations are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path configuration is made dynamic through controllable switches that can change connection states based on error conditions. Rather than fixed redundant paths, the system dynamically reroutes signals through alternative paths when errors are detected, reducing the need for permanently active redundant configurations and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different path configurations. When errors are detected in one path, the control unit changes the state of switches to activate alternative paths. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain reliability through configuration changes rather than through complex hardware redundancy.
3Measurement precision
If error checking is performed on all components, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error checking process extracts and isolates specific segments of the path for examination. Instead of checking all components simultaneously, the system extracts the faulty segment identification through switch state analysis and error signal routing. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision by focusing on relevant components while reducing time loss by excluding non-faulty components from detailed examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch components perform preliminary error routing before full system analysis. Error signals are preliminarily directed to specific diagnostic paths based on switch positions, allowing the system to pre-identify potential fault locations. This preliminary action reduces the scope of subsequent detailed checking, thereby maintaining precision while reducing overall time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus stores path configuration information specifying a first path configuration and a second path information each of which indicates a target path configuration from a target processor to IO devices. When an error is detected from among the IO devices in a state where the target path configuration is the first path configuration, the apparatus changes the first path configuration to the second path configuration. When an error is detected from among the IO devices under the second path configuration, the apparatus identifies a suspect component included in the target path configuration, based on a comparison result of comparison between a first IO device whose error has been detected under the first path configuration, and a second IO device whose error has been detected under the second path configuration.