Programmable Output for Dynamic Hardware Strap Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware straps in computing systems are difficult to change once the board is built, requiring manual intervention and user education, especially for components sampling during auxiliary power good, which limits dynamic configuration and security features like firmware protection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low power state power rail and a programmable output powered by it to dynamically control hardware straps, allowing software to change settings via a firmware interface, such as BIOS, without requiring physical modifications, and enabling features like write protection and voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware straps are implemented using resistors or jumpers, then hardware settings can be configured, but the settings cannot be changed easily once the board is built
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hardware strap settings changeable through software control. The programmable output device, controlled by microcode, can dynamically alter the electrical state of hardware straps without physical modification. This transforms static hardware configurations into dynamic, software-controllable settings, allowing easy reconfiguration while maintaining hardware-level control for components sampling during auxiliary power good.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical jumpers and soldered resistors with an electronic/software-based control mechanism. Instead of manually popping jumpers or resoldering resistors, the system uses a programmable output device controlled by microcode to electrically simulate hardware strap configurations. This substitution eliminates mechanical intervention while maintaining the intended hardware control semantics.
2Reliability
If manual hardware modification is required to change settings, then hardware-level control is maintained, but user education and chassis opening are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the hardware straps. The programmable output device, controlled by microcode executed by the processor, acts as a mediator that translates high-level software commands into electrical states that mimic hardware strap configurations. This intermediary maintains hardware-level control semantics while eliminating the need for users to physically modify hardware, thereby preserving reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical hardware modification with software-based control. Instead of requiring users to open chassis and physically adjust jumpers or resistors, the system uses programmable electronic control to achieve the same configuration changes. This substitution maintains the intended hardware control behavior while eliminating mechanical intervention requirements.
3Reliability
If hardware straps are sampled during auxiliary power good, then components can be configured early, but the settings are fixed and cannot be changed dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling multiple sampling opportunities for hardware strap configurations. While components still sample during auxiliary power good, the programmable output device can be reprogrammed between sampling events, allowing dynamic reconfiguration. The system can transition to low power state, reprogram the output device, and allow components to resample when power is restored, thus achieving both early configuration and dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by allowing the system to cycle through power states to enable reconfiguration. The programmable output device can be updated during low power states, and components can resample during subsequent auxiliary power good events. This periodic cycling between power states creates opportunities for dynamic reconfiguration while maintaining the early configuration benefit of auxiliary power good sampling.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to determining a setting at a component. An output to be powered by a low power state power rail can output a value. The component is to be powered by an auxiliary power rail and determines the setting based on the value at auxiliary power good.