Secondary Processor Device Ownership via Central Switch Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring a computing system to allow device ownership by both a central processing system and a secondary processing system introduces complexity and cost, potentially leading to the secondary processing system becoming a bottleneck for data transfers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secondary processor device ownership system that uses an integrated switch device in the central processing system to enable indirect ownership of devices by the secondary processing system, allowing the central processing system to configure and manage device ownership without direct physical connections, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary processing system is configured with direct device ownership similar to the central processing system, then the secondary processing system can independently manage devices, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy mechanism as an intermediary between the secondary processing system and the devices. Instead of direct ownership, the secondary processing system sends transactions through the central processing system's proxy to access devices. This mediator approach allows the secondary system to interact with devices without requiring direct physical connections or complex configuration, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining ownership flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing system's integrated switch device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the central hub for the central processing system and as a proxy for the secondary processing system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for the secondary system, reducing overall device complexity and cost while enabling both systems to access devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary processing system is configured with direct device ownership, then it can manage devices independently, but the secondary processing system becomes a bottleneck for data transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy mechanism acts as an intelligent intermediary that manages data transfer routing. The central processing system's integrated switch device receives transactions from the secondary processing system and routes them appropriately to the target devices. This intermediary approach prevents the secondary system from becoming a bottleneck by allowing efficient data transfer paths through the existing switch infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated direct connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch device in the central processing system serves as a universal hub that handles both central processing system traffic and secondary processing system transactions. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional component, the system avoids creating separate data transfer pathways that would constrain bandwidth, thereby maintaining high productivity while enabling device ownership flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate integrated switch device is provided for the secondary processing system, then device ownership can be implemented, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by configuring the central processing system's integrated switch device to serve dual purposes: as the central hub for the central processing system and as a proxy for the secondary processing system. This eliminates the need to manufacture and install a separate dedicated switch device for the secondary system, thereby reducing component costs and simplifying system manufacturing while still enabling device ownership capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the central processing system hub and the secondary processing system proxy into a single integrated component. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified integrated switch device, the system reduces the total number of components required, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the desired device ownership flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure enables proxied device ownership for a secondary processing system by providing a chassis housing a plurality of devices, a secondary processing system, and a central processing system that includes an integrated switch device that is coupled to each of the plurality of devices and the secondary processing system. The central processing system enter a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) mode in which the central processing system provides a BIOS that is configured to execute instructions and, using the BIOS, receives a transaction that was generated by the secondary processing system and that is directed to a first device that is include in the plurality of devices, and executes the transaction on the first device.