Dynamic PCIe Slot Configuration via Multi-Root Aware Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems lack flexibility in configuring PCIe devices as either single-root or multi-root endpoints, limiting their ability to adapt to various compute node requests and complicating manufacturing processes with static configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-root aware (MRA) module manages an MRA switch to dynamically configure PCIe devices with single or multi-root abilities based on user requests, receiving power-on instructions from a chassis management controller to enable or disable specific PCIe adapter functionalities across different slot locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCIe devices are statically configured as single-root or multi-root endpoints during manufacturing, then device compatibility and reliability are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of PCIe devices by introducing a root complex that can change device configuration mode (single-root or multi-root) at runtime based on system needs. The root complex receives configuration requests from management controllers and dynamically adjusts PCIe device modes through register operations, allowing the system to adapt between static reliability and dynamic flexibility as required.
2Ease of manufacture
If PCIe devices are statically configured during manufacturing, then manufacturing process simplicity is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and complexity reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration decision-making process from the manufacturing stage and relocates it to the operational stage. By removing the need for pre-configured hardware variants and placing configuration control in software/firmware at the root complex, the manufacturing process becomes simpler while maintaining the ability to optimize for different scenarios during actual system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PCIe devices are dynamically configured to switch between single-root and multi-root modes, then system adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a root complex as an intermediary layer between the physical PCIe devices and the management controllers. This root complex handles the complexity of mode switching through standardized register operations and configuration protocols, shielding the actual devices from complexity while enabling flexible mode changes. The intermediary manages the state transitions and ensures proper configuration without requiring complex changes to the underlying hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an information handling system (IHS) selectively configures a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) device with single or multiple root ability to service various compute node requests. A multi-root aware (MRA) module that manages an MRA switch receives requests for powering on PCIe adapters in respective chassis slot locations. If slot locations of respective PCIe adapters are designated as single root and unshared PCIe device slots, the MRA module provides power to the PCIe adapters and configures the PCIe adapter with single root ability. If slot locations of respective PCIe adapters are designated as multi-root and shared PCIe device slots, and corresponding PCIe adapters are single root input/output virtualization (SR-IOV) aware, the MRA module provides power to corresponding PCIe adapters, and configures, using the appropriate device drivers, the PCIe adapters with multi-root ability. The MRA module connects compute nodes via the MRA switch to requested PCIe device functions.