Processor Self-Initialization via Long Mode Core Initializer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy real mode limitations, such as restricted memory addressability and lack of memory protection, hinder the efficient initialization and feature enhancement of modern computer processors, requiring significant development efforts from BIOS and CPU manufacturers to accommodate backwards compatibility and legacy drivers.

Innovation Solution

Initializing processors in long mode, which allows for 64-bit operations and larger addressable memory, eliminating the need for legacy real mode code and enabling more complex feature sets, while also protecting proprietary operations by handling CPU access through internal firmware and ROM.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If processors are initialized in real mode to ensure backwards compatibility, then legacy code execution is supported, but memory addressability is limited to 1 MB and execution code space is severely restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackwards compatibilityVSAvoidaddressable memory
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a core initializer that performs essential processor initialization tasks before the traditional real mode boot process. The core initializer sets up critical processor state, configures memory controllers, and establishes foundational system parameters in advance, allowing the system to transition directly to long mode without being constrained by real mode's 1 MB memory limitation. This preliminary initialization enables the processor to immediately access and execute code from much larger memory spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If real mode is used for processor initialization, then legacy 16-bit assembly language can be executed, but memory protection is not available and direct software access to BIOS routines and peripheral hardware is permitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelegacy code executionVSAvoidmemory protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional boot sequence. Instead of starting in real mode and then transitioning to protected mode, the system inverts the approach by initializing the processor directly in long mode with full memory protection enabled from the start. This inversion eliminates security vulnerabilities associated with real mode while still supporting legacy code execution through compatibility layers or emulated environments running within the protected long mode framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If BIOS manufacturers develop real mode assembly code for disk, video, and keyboard interrupts, then legacy hardware compatibility is maintained, but significant development effort and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoiddevelopment effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing a core initializer that autonomously performs processor initialization tasks traditionally requiring manual BIOS development. The core initializer automatically configures processor registers, sets up memory controllers, and establishes system parameters without requiring extensive handcrafted assembly code from BIOS manufacturers. This self-initializing capability significantly reduces development effort while maintaining hardware compatibility through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If CPU manufacturers provide detailed public architecture documents and interface documents for real mode initialization, then third party developers can write compatible drivers, but significant time and resources are invested in creating and maintaining documentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethird party compatibilityVSAvoiddocumentation maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a standardized core initializer framework that serves multiple functions and platforms. The core initializer implements a universal initialization sequence that can be adapted to different processor architectures and hardware configurations without requiring extensive architecture-specific documentation. This multi-functional approach allows third-party developers to write compatible drivers using a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for manufacturers to maintain separate documentation for each platform variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7673126B2Methods and apparatus to self-initialize a processor
Publication Date: 2010.03.02 TAHOE RES LTD
  • US7673126B2 patent drawing
  • US7673126B2 patent drawing
  • US7673126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are disclosed to self-initialize a processor. An example method disclosed herein detects a processor reset, receives initialization instructions from a core zone, establishes a core zone boundary, executes received initialization instructions, and publishes a data structure, the data structure comprising state information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.