North Bridge PCIe Configuration via Storage Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) parameters in North Bridge chips are inflexible, as they cannot be modified after manufacturing, leading to performance and stability issues due to environmental factors like temperature changes, and cannot be updated before the central processing unit is fully operational.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves storing PCIe parameters in a storage unit, enabling the North Bridge chip and storage unit during booting, reading and initializing the parameters to configure PCIe, and allowing the chip to connect with PCIe peripheral devices, enabling updates by rewriting the parameters in the storage unit for re-configuration during system startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCIE parameters are configured in North Bridge chip during manufacturing, then the configuration is fixed and reliable, but users cannot modify parameters according to different using requirements and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration system into two parts: fixed manufacturing configuration and flexible runtime configuration. The North Bridge chip retains its fixed manufacturing configuration for reliability, while a separate storage unit (ROM/Flash) stores modifiable parameters that can be updated at runtime to adapt to different environments and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage unit (ROM or Flash memory) as an intermediary between the North Bridge chip and the PCIE peripheral devices. This storage unit holds the PCIE parameters and can be updated independently, allowing parameter modification without changing the North Bridge chip itself, thus providing flexibility while maintaining system stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCIE parameters are modified using software, then parameter updates are flexible, but modification cannot occur before central processing unit is fully operational
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter configuration to occur during the boot process before the operating system and central processing unit are fully operational. The North Bridge chip reads PCIE parameters from the storage unit during initialization, allowing configuration updates to be applied early in the system startup sequence, capturing the timing window that would otherwise be unavailable.
3Stability of the object's composition
If PCIE parameters are fixed during manufacturing, then system stability is maintained, but environmental factors like temperature changes affect signal transport security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed PCIE parameters into dynamic parameters that can be adjusted at runtime. The storage unit holds configurable parameters that can be updated to match environmental conditions such as temperature changes, allowing the system to adapt to harmful environmental factors while maintaining overall stability through controlled reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for configuring a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE). A plurality of PCIE parameters are stored in a storage unit. When a computer system starts up, a North Bridge chip is driven to read the PCIE parameters in the storage unit for configuring the PCIE. According to the configuration method of the present invention, when the computer system starts up, the North Bridge chip and the storage unit are enabled first. Then, the North Bridge chip is driven to read the PCIE parameters. Finally, the North Bridge chip proceeds with initialization according to the PCIE parameters to configure PCIE.