Memory Firmware Runtime Upgrade via Warm Reset Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory device firmware upgrades require a reboot, leading to service interruptions and inefficiencies, as they necessitate quiescing memory access for extended periods, which can result in I/O device timeouts and system reboots, especially when existing PCIe devices do not support long completion timeouts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves platform firmware and OS coordination to enable runtime firmware upgrades without rebooting the system by publishing firmware upgrade capability information, estimating activation time, and quiescing I/O devices, allowing for parallel activation of NVDIMM firmware during a warm reset, thereby reducing service downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware upgrade is performed by quiescing memory access, then firmware can be upgraded, but service interruption increases and I/O device timeouts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a warm reset path in advance that enables firmware activation without requiring full system reboot. The system pre-configures the warm reset mechanism and coordination between platform firmware and OS, allowing firmware to be activated during system operation rather than requiring shutdown. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for extended quiescence periods and avoids I/O device timeouts while ensuring reliable firmware upgrade.
2Reliability
If system reboot is required for firmware upgrade, then firmware can be activated, but productivity decreases due to service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of system state management by introducing warm reset as an alternative to cold reboot. The system modifies the activation parameter from requiring full system shutdown to enabling activation during operational state. Through parameter changes in the reset mechanism and memory access quiescence timing, the system achieves reliable firmware activation without service interruption, thereby maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If memory access is quiesced for extended periods, then firmware activation is enabled, but I/O device timeouts occur and system reboot is triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the warm reset path coordinated between platform firmware and OS - that mediates between firmware activation requirements and I/O device operational constraints. This intermediary allows memory access to be temporarily quiesced in a controlled manner during warm reset, preventing I/O device timeouts by managing the quiescence period within acceptable timeframes. The intermediary coordination ensures firmware activation without triggering harmful timeout errors.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that exchanges activation information between system firmware and an operating system (OS), wherein the activation information includes one or more of status information, activation state information, capability information, activation time information or quiesce time information. The technology also conducts a runtime upgrade of the device firmware based on the activation information, wherein the runtime upgrade bypasses a reboot of the computing system.