Pseudo-S3 Firmware Update via Warm Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional firmware updates in computing devices require a full reboot, leading to downtime and potential memory loss, which is undesirable for cloud service providers that require continuous operation and memory integrity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a pseudo-S3 protocol allows for a warm reset during firmware updates, mimicking the S3 sleep state without actually entering it, thus preserving memory and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a full reboot is performed for firmware updates, then firmware can be updated, but system downtime increases and memory integrity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reboot process into two distinct modes: full reboot for complete system reset and warm reset for firmware updates only. By separating these functions, the system can perform firmware updates without the overhead of a complete reboot, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining firmware update capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pseudo-S3 state as an intermediary mechanism between normal operation and full reboot. This intermediate state allows the system to perform firmware updates with minimal disruption, acting as a mediator that preserves memory integrity while enabling firmware updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a full reboot is performed for firmware updates, then firmware can be updated, but memory integrity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidmemory integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory handling during firmware updates by preserving memory contents during warm reset operations. Different memory regions are handled differently - firmware memory is updated while application memory is preserved, preventing information loss while enabling firmware updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by saving memory state before firmware updates and restoring it afterward. This preliminary preservation of memory integrity allows firmware updates to proceed without permanent data loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a full reboot is performed for firmware updates, then firmware can be updated, but system operation continuity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidsystem operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous system operation during firmware updates by implementing warm reset capability. The system can update firmware while maintaining application execution, ensuring that useful actions continue uninterrupted while firmware is updated in the background

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12223308B2Methods and apparatus to perform a pseudo-S3 protocol to update firmware and/or activate new firmware with a warm reset

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to perform a pseudo-S3 protocol to update firmware and/or activate new firmware with a warm reset are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) to: initiate a pseudo-sleep event in response to identifying a firmware update; and assert a power button event, the power button event to cause an operating system (OS) to prepare to enter into a sleep state; a basic input/output system (BIOS) to: initiate a warm reset in response to the OS preparing to enter the sleep state, the warm reset to update firmware according to the firmware update; and transmit a wake vector to the OS to continue operation.