Partitionable Cell Testing Scalable Computer System Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex scalable computer systems face challenges in verifying design parameters and conducting efficient testing due to their complexity and intricate communication protocols, making it difficult to simulate and test system responses to normal and faulty hardware conditions without custom hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a single cell partition to inject test packets into the system fabric, allowing for simulation of various conditions, including normal operations and hardware failures, and monitoring responses to evaluate system performance and firewall effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom hardware is used to test system responses to faulty hardware conditions, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based virtual hardware models to replicate faulty hardware conditions instead of requiring physical custom hardware. Test packets are generated that simulate various hardware failure modes (bit errors, packet loss, timing violations) through software, eliminating the need for complex custom test hardware while maintaining testing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware-based testing mechanisms with software-based testing. Instead of using custom hardware to inject faults and monitor responses, the system uses software to generate test packets that simulate hardware failures and software to monitor system responses, substituting mechanical/physical systems with information-processing systems
2Reliability
If comprehensive system testing is conducted to verify all design parameters, then reliability is improved, but testing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of a single cell partition before comprehensive testing begins. This cell is pre-configured with test capabilities and connectivity to system fabric components, allowing testing to start immediately without extensive setup time. The preliminary setup includes establishing test packet generation, injection mechanisms, and response monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing process into independent test packets that can be injected and executed independently. Each test packet represents a specific test scenario (normal operation, various failure modes), allowing systematic coverage of all design parameters through modular, reusable test cases that can be run in sequence or parallel
3Device complexity
If a single cell partition is used for testing, then device complexity is reduced, but testing capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single test cell partition universal by configuring it to test multiple different system fabric components and communication paths. The same test cell can inject test packets to different destinations (processors, I/O modules, memory) and monitor responses from various components, allowing one physical cell to perform the work of multiple dedicated test cells through software configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the test cell partition as an intermediary that interfaces between the test control logic and the system fabric under test. This intermediary cell contains the test packet generation and injection logic, and also monitors responses, acting as a mediator that simplifies the testing architecture while maintaining comprehensive testing capability through its central position in the system fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for testing a scalable computer system is provided. In an illustrative implementation, a system for testing a scalable computer system includes configuring a single cell on a partitionable system to create an isolated test channel. A test packet is generated and provided to the test channel. The test channel inserts the test packet into the scalable computer system via a communications link, and a response to the insertion of the test packet is monitored to determine system performance.