Dynamic Root Cell Switching Without Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems using Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) cannot hot plug a different root cell with a different set of fixed registers without rebooting, as ACPI defines these registers as 'fixed' and specifies them in a fixed address descriptor table (FADT), limiting the ability to switch root cells without system restart.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating objects to represent fixed registers associated with a first and second cell, allowing communication between firmware and the operating system to switch the root cell without rebooting by describing the fixed registers of the second cell, enabling hot plugging of a new root cell as a replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACPI defines fixed registers in a fixed address descriptor table (FADT) for system stability, then system reliability is improved, but the ability to hot plug different root cells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fixed register address descriptor table dynamic by allowing the operating system to switch between multiple FADT structures corresponding to different root cells. Instead of a static FADT, the system can now dynamically select which FADT to use based on which root cell is currently active, enabling hot plugging while maintaining the structured approach of ACPI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the FADT from being a single fixed structure to being one of multiple selectable structures. Each root cell has its own FADT with specific fixed register addresses, and the system dynamically changes which FADT parameters are active based on root cell insertion and removal events.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the operating system uses fixed registers specified in FADT for system events, then system operation stability is improved, but switching root cells requires re-booting the computer system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple FADT structures in advance, each corresponding to a different root cell. When a root cell is hot plugged or removed, the operating system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared FADT for the new root cell without needing to re-boot. This preliminary preparation of alternative FADT structures eliminates the re-boot requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the operating system that manages the switching between different FADT structures. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of switching fixed register addresses, allowing the system to transition between root cells smoothly without re-booting while maintaining stable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed registers are specified for each root cell in ACPI, then each cell can have dedicated resources, but only one root cell can be active at a time requiring system re-boot to switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the FADT structure universal by creating multiple instances that can serve different root cells. Each FADT is tailored to its specific root cell's resources, but the system can universally switch between any of these FADT instances, allowing any root cell to become active without re-booting. This multi-instance approach provides both dedication and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods and systems are described for switching root cells for a computer system without requiring the computer system to be re-booted. In one embodiment, objects are used to represent fixed registers associated with a first cell and a second cell of the computer system. In response to detecting that the second cell should be used instead of the first cell as a root cell for the computer system, the objects are used to communicate information between firmware and an operating system associated with the computer system, wherein the information describes the fixed registers associated with the second cell.