Remote Access Controller Firmware Update via BIOS Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development and release of new remote access controller firmware is time and resource intensive due to the need for server-device-platform-specific tables, particularly thermal tables, which requires updates every time a new server device platform is developed or modified, even for minor processing system configurations.
Innovation Solution
A remote access controller device update system that includes a processing system and memory system capable of determining if BIOS firmware image updates are needed, identifying and storing remote access controller information within the BIOS firmware image, and performing operations using this information, allowing for updates without requiring new firmware releases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new remote access controller firmware is developed and released for each new server device platform, then the remote access controller can support new server device platform topologies, but the development and release process becomes time and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware into two distinct parts: a platform-independent remote access controller firmware core and platform-specific configuration data (thermal tables, GPIO maps, sensor tables, etc.). This segmentation allows the core firmware to remain unchanged while only the configuration data needs to be updated for new platforms, dramatically reducing development time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the platform-specific configuration data from the firmware binary and stores it separately in non-volatile memory. This extraction allows the firmware to be loaded once and reused across multiple platforms, with only the configuration data needing to be regenerated for new platforms, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and development time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new remote access controller firmware is developed for modified processing system configurations, then the remote access controller can support new configurations, but the development process becomes time and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware configuration into processing system-specific parameters (thermal design power, core counts, etc.) stored separately from the firmware core. This allows rapid generation of new configurations for modified processing systems without redeveloping the entire firmware, thus improving productivity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy modification of firmware parameters such as thermal design power, core counts, and other processing system configurations by simply updating the configuration data stored in non-volatile memory, without requiring firmware redevelopment. This approach maintains adaptability to new configurations while preserving development productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific tables are included in the remote access controller firmware, then the firmware can be customized for different server device platforms, but the firmware update frequency must increase with each platform change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts platform-specific tables (thermal tables, GPIO maps, sensor tables, fan tables, power parameter tables, PCI tables) from the firmware binary and stores them separately in non-volatile memory. This extraction reduces firmware update complexity because these tables can be regenerated and updated independently without requiring full firmware updates, thus maintaining platform customization while simplifying update management.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote access controller device update system includes a memory system that is configured to store a BIOS firmware image including BIOS code and first remote access controller information. A BIOS is coupled to the memory system and is configured to utilize BIOS code stored on the memory system. A remote access controller device is coupled to the memory system and is configured to determine that the BIOS firmware image is stored in the memory system, and identify the first remote access controller information included in the BIOS firmware image. The remote access controller device then determines that the first remote access controller information provides an update to second remote access controller information stored on the remote access controller device and, in response, stores the first remote access controller information on the remote access controller device and performs at least one operation using the first remote access controller information.