PCIe Bus Resource Allocation for Unused Slot Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information handling systems (IHSs) face inefficiencies in allocating Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus resources, leading to insufficient allocation for dual-port Thunderbolt3 and specialized PCIe cards, as resources are distributed evenly among slots without detecting unused slots for reallocation.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that detects unused PCIe slots during boot and reallocates PCIe bus resources to used slots based on the number of host processors, PCIe slots, and lane width, allowing for optimal resource utilization by automatically selecting the 'Auto Detect' option in the BIOS setup menu.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PCIe bus resources are distributed evenly among all PCIe slots, then each slot receives a guaranteed minimum allocation, but used slots do not receive sufficient resources when unused slots exist

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCIe bus resource sufficiencyVSAvoidPCIe bus resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PCIe bus resource allocation by detecting which PCIe slots are in use and automatically adjusting resource distribution. The system transitions from a static even-distribution model to a dynamic model where resources are reallocated based on actual slot utilization, ensuring used slots receive sufficient resources while unused slots release their allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-detection and self-allocation of PCIe bus resources. The boot firmware automatically detects which PCIe slots are occupied by devices and reallocates bus resources without requiring manual intervention or configuration, enabling the system to optimize its own resource distribution based on actual hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of PCIe bus resources is used, then resource allocation can be optimized for specific needs, but system complexity and configuration effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCIe bus resource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidBIOS setup and configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the boot firmware to automatically detect PCIe slot utilization and perform resource allocation without requiring manual BIOS configuration. The system serves itself by autonomously determining which slots are in use and allocating appropriate bus resources, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex resource distribution settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes the PCIe bus resource allocation parameters based on detected slot utilization. Instead of requiring manual parameter configuration, the firmware dynamically adjusts resource distribution parameters according to the actual hardware configuration, providing adaptability without increasing user-facing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If PCIe bus resources are allocated before detecting unused slots, then allocation process is simple, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCIe bus resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidBoot process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing PCIe slot detection and resource reallocation during the boot process, before the operating system takes control. The boot firmware detects which slots are in use and reallocates resources in advance, ensuring optimal resource distribution is established before system operations begin, thereby maximizing resource utilization efficiency without significantly impacting overall boot time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11507421B2Information handling system and method to allocate peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus resources

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Information handling systems (IHSs) and methods are provided herein to allocate Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus resources to a plurality of PCIe slots according to various PCIe bus resource allocation option settings. At least one host processor is included within the IHS for executing program instructions to detect a PCIe bus allocation option setting selected from a plurality of options provided in a boot firmware setup menu; determine if the PCIe bus allocation option setting has changed since the IHS was last booted; and allocate PCIe bus resources to the plurality of PCIe slots according to the detected PCIe bus allocation option setting. The plurality of options provided in the boot firmware setup menu include at least an auto detect option, which when selected, enables the at least one host processor to automatically detect unused PCIe slots and reallocate PCIe bus resources to used PCIe slots.