Option ROM Firmware Remediation via Partial Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems face challenges in updating firmware without risking system failure, particularly due to limited storage capacity in SPI flash memory and the inability to update only specific portions of the BIOS, which can lead to system 'bricking' and inefficient use of storage space in OpROMs.

Innovation Solution

The system allocates space in Option Read-Only Memory (ROM) to store firmware modules, allowing for partial updates by leveraging unused storage capacity in OpROMs, enabling firmware remediation without flashing the entire BIOS, thus avoiding system downtime and storage limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire BIOS is updated to fix firmware issues, then system reliability is improved, but system downtime increases and storage capacity is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware reliabilityVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BIOS firmware into modular components, allowing selective updating of only the affected firmware modules rather than the entire BIOS. This enables targeted remediation of specific issues while maintaining the rest of the system operational, thereby reducing system downtime while improving firmware reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by updating only the necessary portion of the firmware (specific modules in OpROM) rather than performing a complete BIOS flash. This partial update approach achieves the goal of fixing firmware issues while minimizing the time the system remains non-operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Adaptability or versatility

If SPI flash memory is used for firmware storage, then firmware updates can be performed, but storage capacity is limited and entire BIOS must be updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the firmware storage into separate modules within OpROM, allowing individual modules to be updated independently. This segmentation enables efficient use of limited storage capacity by only storing and updating the necessary firmware portions rather than requiring large capacity for complete BIOS updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial firmware updates by storing and applying only the specific firmware modules that need remediation in OpRAM, rather than updating the entire BIOS. This approach optimizes storage utilization while maintaining firmware update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If OpROM storage space is fully utilized, then storage efficiency is improved, but firmware update flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage utilizationVSAvoidfirmware update flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of OpROM storage space for firmware modules, allowing the system to adaptively manage storage resources based on update requirements. This dynamic approach maintains both high storage utilization and flexible update capabilities by allocating space as needed rather than fixing it statically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12086436B2Option read-only memory firmware-based remediation

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system may determine an allocated space in an option read-only memory (ROM), and store a firmware module in the allocated space in the option ROM. The system may load basic input/output system firmware from a serial peripheral interface flash memory with the firmware module from the allocated space in the option ROM.