Management Controller Startup Parameter Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing BIOS setup process requires users to reboot the mainboard twice to modify startup parameters, causing device offline time and CPU overhead, and is inconvenient due to the need to press a key within a limited time frame to enter the setup interface.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a management controller that allows startup parameter setting without CPU intervention, using a separate nonvolatile storage medium for the management controller to store and execute machine executable instructions for setting and controlling startup parameters, enabling simultaneous setting during runtime and reducing the need for the setup interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traditional BIOS setup process is used to modify startup parameters, then the setup interface can be accessed to change parameters, but the mainboard must be rebooted twice and device offline time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two independent parts: the management controller with its own processor and nonvolatile storage medium for storing startup parameters, and the mainboard CPU for executing BIOS. This segmentation allows the management controller to store and manage startup parameters independently, enabling modification without mainboard reboot and eliminating the need for twice-rebooting while maintaining parameter persistence.
2Ease of operation
If the traditional BIOS setup process is used, then startup parameters can be modified, but CPU overhead increases due to interrupt handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the startup parameter storage and management function from the mainboard CPU/BIOS system and places it in the management controller's nonvolatile storage medium. This extraction eliminates the need for the CPU to handle interrupts during startup parameter access, as the management controller independently manages its own startup parameters without requiring CPU intervention, thereby reducing CPU overhead and energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the traditional BIOS setup interface is used, then users can modify startup parameters, but the process is inconvenient due to limited time frame to press a key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the management controller to automatically manage and persist startup parameters in its nonvolatile storage medium without requiring user interaction with a setup interface. The system serves itself by maintaining startup parameters across reboots and BIOS upgrades automatically, eliminating the need for users to press keys within limited time frames or navigate complex setup interfaces.
4Reliability
If startup parameters are stored in traditional BIOS storage, then parameters can be accessed during startup, but parameters are lost after BIOS upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves startup parameter storage to a separate dimension - the management controller's nonvolatile storage medium, independent of the mainboard's BIOS storage. This dimensional separation allows startup parameters to persist across BIOS upgrades and reboots without being affected by BIOS changes, ensuring both reliability of parameter persistence and adaptability to different BIOS versions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method for setting a startup parameter is provided. A management controller of a mainboard receives a startup parameter setting command, wherein the startup parameter setting command includes a value of a startup parameter to be set. The management controller stores the value of the startup parameter to be set in a nonvolatile storage medium that is directly accessed by the management controller according to the startup parameter setting command.