PCIe Endpoint Diagnostic Retrieval via BAR Memory During Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face challenges in efficiently collecting diagnostic information from computing endpoints due to slow throughput and limited bandwidth in communication interfaces, often resulting in delays or failure to obtain diagnostic data during hardware and software failures.
Innovation Solution
An endpoint communication management system that utilizes a memory register (BAR) on the computing endpoint to store mapping information for diagnostic data, enabling the host system to access and collect diagnostic information via a high-speed PCIe link, even when the endpoint is non-responsive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional communication interfaces are used to transmit diagnostic data, then data transmission can be performed, but the throughput is slow and bandwidth is limited resulting in delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary component between the endpoint device and host system. The buffer memory stores diagnostic data locally at the endpoint, allowing the host system to retrieve data at high speed through PCIe interface without being constrained by the bandwidth of traditional communication interfaces like USB or serial connections.
2Reliability
If conventional communication interfaces are used, then diagnostic data can be transmitted, but transmission often fails during hardware and software failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the endpoint device proactively capture and store diagnostic data in the buffer memory before the host system needs to retrieve it. This pre-capture mechanism ensures that diagnostic information is preserved even when the endpoint experiences failures that would prevent real-time data transmission through conventional interfaces.
3Productivity
If high-speed PCIe link is used for diagnostic data retrieval, then data collection speed improves, but the endpoint must be responsive which may not be the case during failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the endpoint device to autonomously capture and store diagnostic data in the buffer memory without requiring host system intervention or endpoint responsiveness. The endpoint independently performs the data capture function, allowing the host system to later retrieve the pre-stored data through high-speed PCIe interface even when the endpoint is non-responsive.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating efficient retrieval of diagnostic information from a computing endpoint that experiences a failure condition. For example, systems described herein may detect or otherwise identify a failure condition associating with the computing endpoint operating in an erroneous or unpredictable matter. Systems described herein may involve carving out a portion of memory on the computing endpoint that is accessible to a host system (e.g., a CPU). Systems described herein may further provide a discoverable resource that enables a host system to identify and collect the diagnostic data in response to identifying a failure condition in an efficient manner and without requiring that the computing endpoint be capable of responding to data requests.