IPMI Sensor Data Record Repository Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) lacks sufficient extensions for sensor types and command codes, particularly for modern high-performance, multiprocessor systems, and does not support writable sensors or efficient access mechanisms, leading to limitations in managing complex computer systems with varied configurations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a pair of OEM commands, 'get property' and 'set property,' along with an OEM-defined SDR record type, allows for large numbers of readable and writeable property records, and a lock-unlock mechanism to prevent conflicts, enabling enhanced management of partitionable multiprocessor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IPMI uses predefined sensor types and command sets, then system compatibility is maintained, but the number of available sensor types is limited to 64
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor identification space is segmented into multiple dimensions: manufacturer ID (8 bits), sensor type (8 bits), and sensor instance (8 bits). This segmentation allows thousands of unique sensor identifiers while maintaining a structured, manageable format that preserves compatibility with existing IPMI systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to sensor identification by introducing the sensor instance field alongside manufacturer ID and sensor type. This transforms the previously two-dimensional identification space into a three-dimensional space, exponentially increasing the number of available sensor types without complicating the basic identification structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IPMI sensors are implemented as read-only, then system stability is maintained, but control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to sensors through the SDR repository, allowing sensor properties such as thresholds and limits to be modified at runtime. This enables sensors to transition between different operational states while maintaining system stability through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of sensor parameters including thresholds, limits, and alert settings through writable SDR records. This enables adaptive sensor behavior where parameters can be changed based on system conditions while maintaining the core sensor functionality and system stability.
3Productivity
If multiple controlling computers access the same BMC simultaneously, then system availability is improved, but access conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking mechanism where the BMC provides feedback about the current state of SDR records and maintains lock status information. This allows controlling computers to coordinate their access, preventing conflicts while maintaining high system availability through controlled concurrent access.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMC acts as an intermediary that manages access to shared SDR records between multiple controlling computers. Through lock/unlock commands and status reporting, the BMC mediates concurrent access requests, preventing conflicts while allowing multiple systems to maintain availability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If IPMI uses a centralized SDR repository, then data consistency is maintained, but access bottlenecks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SDR repository into manufacturer-specific sections, allowing different manufacturers to manage their own sensor data independently. This segmentation reduces access bottlenecks by enabling parallel access to different manufacturer's SDR records while maintaining overall data consistency through the centralized repository structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a computer system uses a management controller having sensor data record objects in a sensor data record repository. Sensor data record objects contain data from a plurality of sensors, and at least one sensor data record object contains a property descriptor. The property descriptor references a property data object readable and writeable by a controlling computer through the management controller, and provides a way to control at least one feature of the computer system.