PECI Signal Interconnection Using Switch Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 8-way server architectures face challenges in efficiently interconnecting PECI signals across multiple computing nodes, particularly in supporting both single-partition and dual-partition modes without requiring additional PCH boards, which increases design and development costs and limits the realization of Multi-PCH functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for PECI signal interconnection that involves sending control signals to computing nodes to control switch channel selections, allowing PECI signals to be transmitted through specific channels, enabling automatic interconnection in both single-partition and dual-partition modes using a single backplate and supporting Multi-PCH functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional PCH board is designed to support single-partition mode, then PECI signal interconnection is achieved, but design and development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing PCH board is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a PECI host in dual-partition mode and as a PECI client in single-partition mode. The same physical board and PECI interface are universally used across both operating modes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated PCH boards for single-partition configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a dedicated PCH board for single-partition mode, the invention inverts the traditional approach by making the existing PCH board adaptable to both host and client roles. The roles are dynamically assigned based on operational mode rather than being fixed by hardware configuration, thereby reducing component requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated PCH board is added for single-partition mode, then PECI host functionality is achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same PCH board hardware is universally deployed across all computing nodes and serves multiple purposes: functioning as PECI host in dual-partition mode, PECI client in single-partition mode, and supporting both 4S×2 and 2S×4 architectures. This universal usage maximizes hardware utilization and eliminates redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns PECI host and client roles based on the operational mode (single-partition or dual-partition) rather than relying on static hardware differentiation. This dynamic role assignment allows flexible adaptation to different configurations using the same hardware resources.
3Reliability
If PCH board is deployed independently on each node, then PECI signal transmission is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into computing nodes that can independently function with their own PCH boards, yet these segmented units cooperate through standardized PECI interfaces. Each node has the capability to be either host or client, and the segmentation allows flexible configuration while maintaining standardized communication protocols that reduce overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A Platform Environment Control Interface (PECI) signal interconnection method and system for a server, a computer device and a readable storage medium are provided. The method includes: acquiring a partition mode of the server; sending a corresponding first control signal and a corresponding second control signal to each computing node according to the partition mode; controlling a channel selection of a first switch on the corresponding computing node by the corresponding first control signal and controlling a channel selection of a second switch on the corresponding computing node by the corresponding second control signal; and transmitting PECI signals of the corresponding computing node through channels connected by the first switch and channels connected by the second switch. According to the described solution, interconnection routing of the PECI signals in a single-partition mode and a dual-partition mode may be achieved by using only one backplate.