PCIe Port Bifurcation via Embedded Controller Auto-Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems, particularly client systems, lack the ability to automatically detect and reconfigure PCIe bifurcation settings when PCIe adapter cards are added, removed, or relocated, requiring manual user intervention and being prone to user error due to reliance on static hardware solutions like resistors and jumpers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an embedded controller that detects user-selectable PCIe bifurcation settings during the boot process and automatically reconfigures PCIe ports based on the connected adapter cards, using a boot setup menu with static and automatic settings to dynamically adjust lane widths without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static hardware solutions (resistors, jumpers) are used to configure PCIe bifurcation settings, then the system structure is simple, but user error is high and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical hardware configuration solutions (resistors, jumpers, DIP switches) with an automated detection and configuration system. The system automatically detects PCIe adapter card requirements and configures bifurcation settings through software/firmware, eliminating manual hardware manipulation while reducing user error and improving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the requirements of connected PCIe adapter cards and autonomously determining the appropriate bifurcation settings. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually configure hardware settings, reducing user error while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual BIOS setup is required for PCIe bifurcation configuration, then configuration precision is high, but time consumption increases and user friendliness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoiduser friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and configuration actions automatically during the boot process before the user needs to access BIOS settings. By pre-determining the appropriate bifurcation settings based on detected adapter card requirements, the system eliminates the need for users to manually navigate BIOS menus, significantly reducing time consumption and improving user friendliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering BIOS setup and configuring settings through interface menus with an automated detection and configuration system that operates transparently in the background, improving both speed and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed PCIe port configurations are used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different adapter cards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to adapter cardsVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities that allow the system to automatically adjust PCIe port bifurcation settings based on the specific requirements of connected adapter cards. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to accommodate various adapter card configurations without requiring complex manual intervention, balancing versatility with acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the requirements of connected PCIe adapter cards and use this information to automatically configure appropriate bifurcation settings. This closed-loop feedback approach enables high adaptability to different adapter cards while keeping the configuration system manageable through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11436020B2Systems and methods to bifurcate at least one peripheral component interconnect express (PCIE) port in accordance with a user-selectable PCIE bifurcation setting

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Systems and methods disclosed herein provide a novel solution for PCIe port bifurcation. Unlike conventional client systems, which rely on resistors, jumpers or DIP switches, the disclosed systems and methods enable PCIe ports to be configured in accordance with a plurality of user-selectable PCIe bifurcation settings provided within a boot setup menu. When an “Auto” setting is selected in the boot setup menu, the disclosed systems and methods enable PCIe ports to be: (a) configured in accordance with the bifurcation requirements of the PCIe adapter card(s) connected to the PCIe ports, and (b) automatically reconfigured when bifurcation requirements change. Unlike conventional server systems, which require the user to enter BIOS setup and manually change the PCIe bifurcation settings provided in the BIOS setup menu, the systems and methods disclosed herein enable PCIe ports to be automatically reconfigured, when bifurcation requirements change, without user intervention.