Pre-Boot Hardware Parameter Testing for Computer System Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer system testing methods, such as IPMI, are inefficient as they require booting up the operating system to initiate tests, leading to delayed defect detection and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional mechanisms like vacuums, and have low sampling rates for analog-to-digital converters, affecting test accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a circuit board, connectors/sockets, and a first controller configured to receive information on parameters before booting up the OS, allowing for direct current power to be provided to turn on the system, detect component parameters, and collect information before the OS is loaded, utilizing a BMC and CPLD to manage and transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If IPMI software is used to test the computer system, then the test can be performed without additional mechanisms like vacuum, but the test cannot be initiated until the operating system is loaded, causing time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary test phase that executes before the operating system is loaded. The BMC performs self-tests and hardware parameter detection during the boot-up process, allowing defect detection to occur earlier than traditional IPMI methods which require full OS operation.
2Reliability
If IPMI test is performed after OS loading, then the test can be executed, but defects cannot be detected timely and may cause systematic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hardware tests and parameter detections before the operating system is fully loaded. The BMC conducts self-tests during the boot sequence, enabling early defect detection that prevents systematic problems from developing.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMC continuously monitors hardware parameters and provides feedback during the boot-up process. If defects are detected, the system can alert operators or halt the boot sequence, providing real-time feedback on system health before full operation begins.
3Measurement precision
If existing testing approaches are used at OS stage, then tests can be performed, but some information or parameters of the computer system may not be fully tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary hardware parameter detections and component tests before the operating system is loaded. This early testing phase captures hardware states that may differ from or supplement OS-stage testing, improving overall parameter coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process is segmented into multiple phases: a preliminary phase before OS loading that tests hardware parameters and components, and a subsequent phase after OS loading. This segmentation allows different types of tests to be performed at optimal times, improving overall test completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a circuit board, one or more connectors/sockets and a first controller. The connectors/sockets are disposed on the circuit board. The first controller is configured to receive information corresponding to parameters of the circuit board and/or the connectors/sockets before booting up the computer system to run an operating system (OS).