Peripheral Device Server Access via PCH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing a server when the host operating system (OS) and/or the server is off-line poses significant challenges, as existing approaches are costly and ineffective, particularly when the host OS is not powered, limiting the ability to retrieve server log information or store recovery firmware.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a peripheral device server access system utilizing a server with a platform controller hub (PCH), a management processor, and a peripheral device manager, which provides out-of-band access to the server's memory through a peripheral device interface, enabling communication without relying on the host OS, even when it is off-line or not powered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a host controller or multiplexer is used to provide access from a peripheral device to a server, then access capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the access control functionality from the host controller and embeds it directly into the platform controller hub. This eliminates the need for separate host controllers or multiplexers, reducing device complexity while maintaining access capability. The PCH now directly manages peripheral device access to system resources without requiring additional intermediary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the host controller, multiplexer, and platform controller hub into a single integrated PCH unit. By combining these previously separate components into one unified controller, the system reduces overall device complexity and component count while preserving the ability to provide peripheral device access to the server.
2Ease of operation
If a host controller or multiplexer is used to provide access from a peripheral device to a server, then access capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for expensive external host controllers and multiplexers by extracting their access control functions and integrating them into the PCH. This elimination of separate components directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the required access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCH is designed to perform multiple functions including access control, peripheral device management, and system resource coordination. By making the PCH a universal controller that handles previously separate functions, the system eliminates the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If out-of-band access is provided without a host controller or multiplexer, then device complexity is reduced, but access reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the PCH pre-configured with the capability to directly manage peripheral device access to system resources. This pre-established access pathway ensures reliability is maintained from the outset without requiring additional components, as the PCH is designed to handle access control natively rather than relying on external controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCH provides self-service by independently managing peripheral device access without requiring external host controllers or multiplexers. The PCH autonomously handles access control, device management, and resource allocation, ensuring reliable operation while reducing system complexity. This self-sufficient design eliminates single points of failure associated with separate control components.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to a server including a platform controller hub (PCH), where the PCH includes a peripheral device manager, a management processor coupled to the peripheral device manager, and a peripheral device interface to couple with a peripheral device and provide out of band access of the peripheral device via the management processor and peripheral device manager to a memory of the server.