Adjunct Processor Command Filtering via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing environments face inefficiencies in processing commands due to the need for multiple adjunct processors configured in different modes, leading to complexities in managing and executing commands across various filtering modes, especially when not all processors support the required command-type filtering modes.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented where a target adjunct processor's capability to support a selected command-type filtering mode is determined, and if it does not, the command is simulated on another adjunct processor that supports the mode, eliminating the need for static lists of commands and improving performance by dynamically validating and executing commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjunct processors are configured in different modes to support various command types, then the computing environment can process diverse cryptographic operations, but the device complexity and management overhead increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand-type filtering mode supportVSAvoidadjunct processor configuration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single adjunct processor universal by enabling it to handle multiple command types through dynamic mode switching. The processor can be configured to support different command-type filtering modes (CCA, accelerator, EP11) on demand, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated processors for different cryptographic operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjunct processor employs dynamic configuration where the command-type filtering mode can be changed during operation. The system determines whether to use CCA mode, accelerator mode, or EP11 mode based on the specific command being processed, allowing flexible adaptation without hardware changes or complex static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a static list of valid commands is maintained for each adjunct processor type and mode, then command validation is simplified, but the processing time and performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand validationVSAvoidcommand processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjunct processor performs self-validation by using its own configured mode to determine command validity. Instead of relying on external static lists maintained by the host system, the processor independently validates commands based on its current operational configuration, reducing host overhead and improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of the adjunct processor with the appropriate command-type filtering mode before command execution. This pre-configuration establishes the validation rules in advance, allowing rapid command validation during execution without requiring real-time consultation of static command lists.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple adjunct processors are deployed to support different command-type filtering modes, then all command types can be processed natively, but the quantity of processors and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand execution validityVSAvoidnumber of adjunct processors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single adjunct processor is designed to be universal, capable of supporting multiple command-type filtering modes (CCA, accelerator, EP11) through dynamic reconfiguration. This eliminates the need to deploy multiple specialized processors, reducing hardware quantity while maintaining the ability to process all command types natively when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjunct processor dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the command requirements. This dynamic capability allows one processor to replace multiple static processors, as it can adapt its command-type filtering mode to match the specific cryptographic operation being performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12026555B2Adjunct processor command-type filtering

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Adjunct processor command-type filtering includes determining whether a target adjunct processor is configured to support a selected command-type filtering mode, and whether another adjunct processor is configured to support the selected command-type filtering mode. Based on determining that the target adjunct processor is not configured to support the selected command-type filtering mode and based on the other adjunct processor being configured to support the selected command-type filtering mode, a command is forwarded to the other adjunct processor for processing to determine whether the command is valid for the selected command-type filtering mode. An indication is obtained, based on processing at the other adjunct processor, of whether the command is valid for the selected command-type filtering mode. Based on obtaining an indication that the command is valid for the selected command-type filtering mode, the command is sent to the target adjunct processor for execution.