Optical Interface Forced Shutdown via 100% Duty Cycle Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems lack an effective method for communicating a forced shutdown from input/output devices when the processor is hung, requiring users to hold the power switch for an extended time and relying on software execution which may not be possible in a non-responsive state.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a host optical interface monitors signals across an optical cable to detect a forced power down indication from a remote I/O device, issuing a 100% duty cycle signal if no response is received within a predetermined time, allowing a forced hardware power down even if the processor is unresponsive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power switch mechanism is used requiring extended holding time, then forced shutdown can be achieved, but user operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power switch system with an optical signaling system. The transmitter generates optical signals that communicate power down requests to the processor through the optical interface, eliminating the need for mechanical switch holding mechanisms and associated timing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical signaling system between the user and the processor. The transmitter acts as a mediator that converts user input into optical signals that the processor can interpret, bridging the gap between user intent and system response without requiring direct mechanical interaction
2Ease of operation
If software execution is relied upon for power down sequencing, then normal operation is maintained, but the system cannot shut down when the processor is hung
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the transmitter send optical signals before the processor needs to execute shutdown software. The optical interface directly communicates power down requests to the processor, ensuring the processor receives the command even when hung, allowing shutdown capability to be maintained without relying on software execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based power down sequencing with an optical signal-based system. The transmitter sends optical signals that directly communicate power down requests to the processor, eliminating dependency on software execution and ensuring reliability even when the processor is hung
3Productivity
If optical interconnects are used to separate processing devices from I/O devices, then bandwidth is improved and flexibility is increased, but direct hardware signaling for forced shutdown is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the optical interface itself as an intermediary to carry forced shutdown signaling. The transmitter sends optical signals through the optical cable that the processor can detect, using the existing optical infrastructure to provide direct hardware signaling without requiring separate wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical interface multi-functional by using it for both high-bandwidth data transmission and forced shutdown signaling. The same optical cable and interface that carry data traffic also carry the forced shutdown optical signals, eliminating the need for separate signaling paths
Data Source
AI summary
A forced power down signal issues from an I/O device to an information handling system through an optical interconnect if the information handling system fails to power down in response to a normal power down message. A 100% duty cycle signal issues from an optical interface at the I/O device and is detected by an optical interface of the information handling system, which issues a command to force a power down of the information handling system in response to the forced power down signal.