PLD Firmware Update via BMC Blocking Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firmware updates for programmable logic devices (PLDs) in servers are inefficient due to the need to physically disconnect and reconnect the PLD, which can interrupt the update process and result in failure, especially when using a baseboard management controller (BMC) to manage the update.
Innovation Solution
A server system that includes a BMC, a PLD, and a blocking unit, where the BMC generates an update signal to control the PLD's restart signal via an AND gate, ensuring the PLD does not restart during firmware updates, thereby preventing interruptions and ensuring successful updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PLD is taken apart from the server to update firmware, then the firmware can be updated, but the working period for updating the firmware becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the firmware update process into distinct phases: update initiation by BMC, update execution by PLD, and restart control by blocking unit. This segmentation allows the PLD to remain installed while enabling controlled update operations, eliminating the need for physical removal and reducing update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking unit acts as an intermediary between the PLD and BMC, controlling the restart signal. This intermediary mechanism prevents premature restarts during firmware updates while allowing normal restart operations, thus enabling faster updates without compromising system stability.
2Loss of time
If the BMC is used to update the firmware of the PLD, then the update time is reduced, but the BMC operation is interrupted when the PLD restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking unit preemptively blocks the restart signal before it can reach the BMC during firmware updates. This preliminary action prevents the BMC from receiving premature restart notifications, avoiding operation interruptions and ensuring update stability while maintaining reduced update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the blocking unit monitors the update signal from BMC and dynamically controls the restart signal accordingly. When an update is in progress, the blocking unit suppresses restart signals; when update is complete, normal restart functionality is restored, ensuring both speed and reliability.
3Productivity
If the PLD restarts during firmware update, then the PLD can resume operation, but the firmware update fails
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking unit is pre-configured to block restart signals during firmware updates. This preliminary protective action ensures that even if the PLD attempts to restart prematurely, the restart signal is blocked, preventing update failure while allowing the system to maintain operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking unit provides a protective buffer between the PLD restart mechanism and the firmware update process. This cushioning mechanism absorbs premature restart attempts during updates, preventing them from disrupting the update process, while still allowing normal restart operations after updates complete successfully.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a server including a baseboard management controller (BMC), a programmable logic device (PLD) and a blocking unit. The BMC receives an update instruction, and according to the update instruction, generates a firmware update data. The BMC generates an update signal according to on a reception state of the update instruction. The PLD is coupled to the BMC, receives the firmware update data to update a firmware. When the firmware is updated, the PLD generates a restart signal. The blocking unit is coupled to the BMC and the PLD, receives the update signal and the restart signal, and according to the update signal, determines whether to block the restart signal.