PLD Boot Debugging via Video Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for debugging in booting require additional hardware, such as a board function test (BFT) board, which increases hardware costs and occupies space, and necessitate manual connections, making the debugging process inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A host system comprising a programmable logic device (PLD), a baseboard management controller (BMC), and a switch that stores log information and switches to a debug mode to output error correction video signals for debugging, eliminating the need for additional hardware and simplifying the debugging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a board function test (BFT) board is used to assist debugging, then debugging capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the debugging function into the host system by integrating a programmable logic device (PLD) and switch directly into the host motherboard architecture. This eliminates the need for a separate BFT board, thereby reducing hardware cost while maintaining debugging capability. The PLD is configured to store log text files and control the switch to establish electrical connections for debugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating the PLD that can serve both normal operational functions and debugging functions. The PLD stores preset log text files with variable fields that can be dynamically updated during different operational modes, allowing the same hardware to fulfill both system operation and debugging requirements without needing dedicated separate hardware.
2Reliability
If a board function test (BFT) board is used to assist debugging, then debugging capability is improved, but occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging functionality is merged into the host system's existing motherboard structure. The PLD and switch are integrated components that utilize existing space on the host board, eliminating the need for additional space that would be required for a separate BFT board.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual connection of the BFT board is required, then debugging flexibility is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection switching through an electronically controllable switch that can establish or disconnect electrical connections between the PLD, video output terminal, and other components. This dynamic switching capability provides debugging flexibility equivalent to manual connections while being controlled automatically, thereby improving operation convenience. The switch can be controlled to establish electrical connection based on operational mode requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system performs self-service debugging by automatically controlling the switch to establish the appropriate electrical connections when debugging mode is activated. The PLD automatically manages the connection state based on the operational requirements, eliminating the need for maintenance staff to manually connect or configure external debugging hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a host and a display. The host includes a programmable logic device (PIP), a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a switch. The PLD performs a power-on procedure based on a power-on sequence code, generates variable character information in the power-on procedure, and fills the variable character information into a variable field in a preset log text file to result in an updated log text file. When it is determined that the power-on procedure is not normally completed, the PLD controls the switch to switch to a debug mode, and transmits a video signal containing debug information corresponding to the updated log text file to the switch so that the video signal is outputted to the display.