Motherboard SKU Configuration via Programmable Non-Volatile Memory

Solution Overview

Problem

Current server system motherboard configurations require physical reworking of the baseboard management controller (BMC) and BIOS module to incorporate new SKU parameter sets, leading to time-consuming and costly processes when adapting to different specifications.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing programmable non-volatile memory, a switch, and a control chipset allows for the storage and updating of SKU parameter sets during booting operations, enabling flexible configuration without the need for physical modifications to the BMC and BIOS module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical reworking of BMC and BIOS module is performed to incorporate new SKU parameter sets, then the motherboard can accommodate new specifications, but manufacturing time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate new SKU parameter setsVSAvoidmanufacturing time for physical reworking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a programmable non-volatile memory to store SKU parameter sets, creating a software-based copy mechanism that replaces the need for physical reworking of BMC and BIOS modules. The memory can be programmed with different SKU parameter sets, allowing the same hardware to be replicated across multiple configurations without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration changes by modifying parameters stored in the programmable non-volatile memory rather than changing physical hardware. The SKU parameter sets are stored as data that can be programmed and reprogrammed, allowing flexible adaptation to different specifications without physical rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical reworking of BMC and BIOS module is performed to incorporate new SKU parameter sets, then the motherboard can accommodate new specifications, but manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate new SKU parameter setsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost for physical reworking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a programmable non-volatile memory to store SKU parameter sets, creating a software-based copy mechanism that replaces the need for physical reworking of BMC and BIOS modules. The memory can be programmed with different SKU parameter sets, allowing the same hardware to be replicated across multiple configurations without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration changes by modifying parameters stored in the programmable non-volatile memory rather than changing physical hardware. The SKU parameter sets are stored as data that can be programmed and reprogrammed, allowing flexible adaptation to different specifications without physical rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If ROM is used to store SKU parameter sets in BMC and BIOS module, then data integrity is maintained, but flexibility to update configurations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrity of SKU parameter setsVSAvoidability to update SKU parameter sets

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static ROM storage to dynamic programmable non-volatile memory. The memory can be programmed and reprogrammed during manufacturing or operation, providing both data integrity through controlled programming and flexibility through reconfigurability. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different SKU requirements while maintaining reliable data storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration changes by modifying parameters stored in the programmable non-volatile memory rather than changing physical hardware. The SKU parameter sets are stored as data that can be programmed and reprogrammed, allowing flexible adaptation to different specifications without physical rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10162646B2System for programmably configuring a motherboard

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 MITAC COMPUTING TECH

AI summary

A system includes a programmable non-volatile memory, a switch, a control chipset, and a basic input/output (BIOS) module. The switch has a first terminal coupled to the programmable non-volatile memory, and a second terminal coupled to the control chipset. The control chipset is configured to store a SKU parameter set in the programmable non-volatile memory according to a predetermined memory allocation. The BIOS module is coupled to the control chipset, and is configured to load and update the SKU parameter set according to the predetermined memory configuration during a booting operation of the motherboard.