Processing Module Interface for Host Resource Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing resource utilization during reduced operating states of host processors, particularly in enabling or disabling the use of processing modules and their components without full initialization.

Innovation Solution

A processing module and host interface system that includes a processing module interface and host interface with specific contacts to enable or disable the use of resources during a reduced operating state, allowing for the use of processing module resources as a peripheral device even when the host processor is in a reduced operating mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the host processor is in a reduced operating state to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to utilize processing module resources is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidability to utilize processing module resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the host processor from the processing module, allowing the processing module to operate independently in a reduced operating state. The interface maintains selective connectivity where specific contacts enable/disable processing module resources without requiring full host processor initialization, enabling energy-efficient operation while preserving resource accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically adjusts the operational state of processing module resources based on host processor state. During reduced operating states, the interface selectively enables or disables specific processing module resources through contact management, allowing the system to adapt resource availability to current energy constraints while maintaining the capability to access resources when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the host processor is fully initialized to access processing module resources, then resource accessibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource accessibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fully initializing the host processor to access processing module resources, the system applies partial action by selectively enabling only the specific processing module resources that are currently needed. The interface manages this partial initialization through selective contact connectivity, reducing energy consumption while maintaining necessary resource accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If processing module resources are always enabled for immediate access, then resource availability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface acts as an intermediary between the host processor and processing module resources. It manages the complexity of selectively enabling and disabling resources by handling contact connectivity and state management, thereby simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining resource availability when needed without requiring constant full-system initialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8131904B2Processing module, interface, and information handling system

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A processing module, interface, and information handling system are disclosed. According to an aspect, a processing module can include a plurality of components coupled to a circuit card operable to be coupled to a host processing system. The processing module can also include a processing module interface configured to be coupled to a host interface of the host processing system. According to an aspect, the processing module interface can include a plurality of contacts operable to couple a plurality of signals configured to be coupled between the host processing and the circuit card to enable or disable use of resources of the circuit card during a reduced operating state of the host processor.