Separable Computing System Firmware Update via Embedded Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous separable computing systems cannot provide secure firmware updates to the base portion due to the BIOS running on the display portion being unable to directly access the private non-volatile memory of the base portion, lacking the necessary hardware connections.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a separable computing system receives a BIOS update package, stores the base portion firmware update in display portion shared non-volatile memory, authenticates it via the display portion embedded controller, and sends it to the base portion embedded controller for running, utilizing a communication protocol over a serial bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the BIOS runs on the display portion, then the system can operate as a tablet when separated, but the BIOS cannot directly access the base portion's private non-volatile memory for secure firmware updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the display portion embedded controller acts as a mediator to transfer firmware updates from shared non-volatile memory to the base portion's private non-volatile memory through a serial bus communication protocol, enabling secure updates without direct BIOS access to private memory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory system into shared non-volatile memory (accessible by both display and base portions) and private non-volatile memory (accessible only by the base portion), allowing the BIOS to write to shared memory while only authenticated embedded controllers can access private memory for secure firmware updates
2Ease of manufacture
If the BIOS directly accesses private non-volatile memory, then firmware updates can be implemented, but hardware connections are required that compromise system separability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the serial bus communication protocol as an intermediary communication channel between the display portion embedded controller and the base portion embedded controller, eliminating the need for direct hardware connections between the BIOS and private non-volatile memory while still enabling firmware update functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/direct hardware connection approach with a software-based communication protocol over a serial bus, allowing firmware updates to be implemented without physical hardware modifications that would compromise system separability
3Reliability
If the display portion embedded controller authenticates firmware updates, then security is improved, but the update process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the display portion embedded controller autonomously authenticates firmware updates using authentication data stored in its non-volatile memory, and the base portion embedded controller independently verifies received firmware, distributing the authentication burden and simplifying the overall process
Data Source
AI summary
A separable computing system according to one example includes a display portion and a base portion. The display portion may include shared non-volatile memory to receive a base portion firmware update and a display portion private non-volatile memory to store the base portion firmware update. The display portion may further include a display portion embedded controller to send the base portion firmware update to a base portion embedded controller. The base portion may include and embedded controller to receive the base portion firmware update and a base portion private non-volatile memory to store the base portion firmware update.