Microcode Update Validation Using Parallel Workload Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcode updates are not adequately validated against client-specific workloads until executed by clients, leading to potential errors that are only discovered post-deployment.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time validation of microcode updates involves executing workloads on processors with different microcode instruction sets and comparing outputs to validate the updated microcode, allowing selective updating of a subset of processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used to validate microcode updates, then the validation process is simple and quick, but errors are not detected until client systems execute the updates with their specific production workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of client systems with their specific production workloads in a controlled validation environment. These virtual copies allow the microcode update to be tested against actual client workloads without deploying to real client systems, thereby detecting errors before widespread implementation while maintaining manageable validation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs validation actions before the microcode update is deployed to client systems. By executing the workload on a processor with the updated microcode instruction set in advance and comparing outputs, the system detects potential errors prior to production use, improving reliability without requiring complex post-deployment monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If microcode updates are deployed without thorough validation, then deployment is fast and simple, but errors may affect multiple client systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent executes the workload multiple times on both the first processor with the original microcode and the second processor with the updated microcode. This repeated execution provides thorough validation coverage without requiring exhaustive testing of every possible scenario, achieving adequate reliability within reasonable time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical deployment to multiple client systems with a virtual validation mechanism. Instead of risking actual client systems by deploying unvalidated microcode, the system uses automated output comparison between processors to validate updates, reducing validation time while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the same workload is executed on both original and updated microcode processors, then validation is thorough, but processing time doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the validation process by selectively executing workloads based on processor availability and workload characteristics. The system can parallelize executions when resources permit to maintain validation accuracy, or prioritize critical validations when throughput is concerned, optimizing the balance between validation precision and processing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Real-time validation of microcode updates may include: executing a workload on at least one first processor having a first version of a microcode instruction set; executing the workload on at least one second processor having a second version of a microcode instruction set, wherein the second version of the microcode instruction set comprises an update of the first version of the microcode instruction set; and validating the second version of the microcode instruction set based on a comparison of output from executing the workload using the at least one first processor and output from executing the workload using the at least one second processor.