Remote Access Card for In-System Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems require cumbersome physical connections and soldering for debugging, especially in dense systems, which is time-consuming and costly, and lacks remote accessibility for debugging functionality.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a remote access card that includes a network interface port, processor, and debugging logic, allowing remote debugging by executing instructions to communicate with the system's logic devices via a network connection, eliminating the need for physical ITP headers or connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical ITP headers and connectors are soldered to the motherboard for debugging, then debugging functionality is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ITP header and debugging logic directly into the motherboard during manufacturing, so that debugging functionality is pre-established and immediately available without requiring field soldering or physical assembly of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ITP header, debugging logic, and connection interfaces into a single integrated unit on the motherboard, eliminating the need for separate external debugging boxes and multiple cable connections
2Ease of operation
If external emulation/debugging systems are connected via cables and interfaces, then debugging functionality is provided, but device complexity and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external debugging box and its physical interfaces, moving all debugging functionality directly onto the motherboard through integrated logic and headers, thereby eliminating the need for separate external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the integrated debugging system to support multiple debugging protocols and connection types (such as JTAG, UART, and other serial interfaces) through a single unified debugging controller on the motherboard
3Ease of operation
If ITP headers and connectors are added to dense systems, then debugging access is enabled, but board space and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the ITP header and debugging logic within existing motherboard structure and component footprints, utilizing available space efficiently without requiring additional external mounting areas or increasing overall board dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system providing remotely accessible in-system debugging functionality is provided. The information handling system may include a first logic device and a remote access card distinct from the first logic device. The remote access card may include a network interface port, a processor, and a second logic device. The network interface port may be coupled to the second logic device and configured to receive a communications link for communications with a remote device. The second logic device may include debugging logic configured to be executed by the processor. The processor may be configured to receive debugging instructions from the remote device via the network interface port and, based at least on the received debugging instructions, execute the debugging logic to communicate with the first logic device via a communication link between the first logic device and the second logic device to facilitate remote debugging of the information handling system.