Microcode Update Version Commit Deferral for Rollback Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcode update technologies require redundant version commits and rollbacks, increasing the burden on design and validation teams, and lack flexibility in managing microcode updates during system operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a deferred version commit functionality that separates the loading of microcode updates from the committing of version identifiers, allowing for conditional commits based on post-loading evaluations and enabling software control over the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microcode updates are loaded and committed immediately, then the update process is simple and fast, but the system lacks flexibility to evaluate updates before committing and cannot perform rollbacks easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microcode update process into distinct phases: loading phase (where microcode is loaded into a buffer) and commit phase (where version identifier is committed). This separation allows the system to load microcode without immediately committing, enabling evaluation and rollback capabilities while maintaining a clear procedural structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary loading of microcode into a buffer before the commit action. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and evaluate microcode updates without immediately committing them, providing flexibility to decide whether to commit or rollback based on post-loading evaluation results.
2Reliability
If multiple microcode versions are created for validation, then evaluation capability is improved, but the burden on design and validation teams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component that holds microcode between loading and committing. This intermediary structure enables validation and evaluation without requiring multiple complete microcode versions, as the buffer allows temporary storage and comparison of different versions during the update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameter of the microcode update process from immediate-commit to deferred-commit. By modifying the commit timing parameter, the system enables validation capabilities without requiring multiple permanent microcode versions, reducing the burden on design and validation teams.
3Productivity
If microcode updates are committed immediately, then the update process is efficient, but rollback capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microcode update process into loading and committing as separate operations. This segmentation allows the system to load microcode efficiently without immediately committing, preserving rollback capability while maintaining update efficiency. The buffer holds the loaded microcode until the commit decision is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic commit mechanism where the commit action is conditional rather than automatic. The system can dynamically decide whether to commit or rollback based on post-loading evaluation, providing both efficiency and reliability by adapting the commit decision to the actual state of the microcode update.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for deferring a commit of a version identifier to facilitate a rollback of a microcode update. In an embodiment, a first microcode update corresponds to a first version identifier. A processor provides functionality to perform a load of the first microcode update, wherein said load does not comprise, or otherwise per se require, a committing of the first version identifier at the processor. Any such committing is performed, conditionally, based on one or more subsequent operations which include, or are concurrent with, testing of the first microcode update to determine whether the commit, or a rollback, is to be performed. In another embodiment, the processor supports visibility or other access, by a software process, to one or more parameters associated with a deferred version commit functionality.