Runtime Memory Activation via OS Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face delays and inefficiencies when adding memory modules at runtime, as they require entering system management mode (SMM), which halts normal operations and delays the activation of new memory, leading to significant downtime.
Innovation Solution
The operating system performs memory module initialization and hardware training in the background, generating configuration data that is applied during a quiescent period in SMM, allowing normal device operations to continue and minimizing downtime by reducing the time spent in SMM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory module activation is performed in system management mode (SMM), then the memory can be activated, but normal device operations are halted and activation time is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The memory activation process is segmented into two parts: initialization and configuration data generation are performed in the operating system environment, while only the final system reconfiguration requires SMM. This segmentation allows the majority of the activation process to proceed without halting normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system performs preliminary actions by initializing the memory module and generating configuration data before SMM is entered. This preliminary preparation reduces the time required in SMM and allows normal operations to continue during the preparation phase.
2Productivity
If the operating system performs memory initialization in the background, then normal operations can continue, but system reconfiguration still requires SMM entry
Solution Approach 1:
The operating system acts as an intermediary that prepares memory configuration data before SMM is entered. This intermediary preparation reduces the complexity and duration of the SMM phase, as the actual memory initialization work is already completed by the OS in the background.
3Reliability
If configuration data is prepared during a quiescent period in SMM, then memory activation is completed, but the quiescent period requires suspending normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a complete SMM entry for full memory activation, only a partial action is performed in SMM - specifically, applying the configuration data during a brief quiescent period. The majority of the activation work is completed partially in advance by the operating system, reducing the excessive time requirement in SMM.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to efficient memory activation at runtime. A memory module (e.g., a memory riser) being added to a device would typically cause the device to enter system management mode (SMM) to activate the memory module. However, activation (e.g., memory module initialization, hardware training and system reconfiguration) in SMM may substantially delay the resumption of normal operations. Consistent with the present disclosure, at least the memory module initialization and hardware training portions of the activation may be performed by an operating system (OS) in the device, allowing normal device operation to continue during the activation. The OS portion of the activation may generate configuration data. In at least one embodiment, the configuration data may be applied for use in SMM. For example, a system management interrupt (SMI) handler may apply the configuration data during a quiescent period (e.g., a period of inactivity) that occurs during SMM.