Server Log Retrieval Switching When the BMC Fails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server log information obtaining systems fail to retrieve log information when the baseboard management controller (BMC) is abnormal, hindering debugging and maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A log information obtaining system that includes a controller to detect the working state of the BMC and output selection signals to a selector, allowing log information to be directly output to an interface even if the BMC is abnormal, enabling debugging and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the BMC is used to collect log information, then the log information can be obtained through a standardized interface, but the log information cannot be obtained when the BMC is abnormal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelog information retrievalVSAvoidlog information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a selector as an intermediary component that can switch between different signal sources (BMC output and CPU output) to provide log information. When the BMC is abnormal, the selector redirects the log information acquisition path from the BMC to the CPU, ensuring continuous availability of log information despite BMC failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a detection mechanism that proactively monitors the working state of the BMC before log information acquisition is critically needed. The controller detects BMC abnormalities and triggers a switch to the CPU output path in advance, preventing log information retrieval failures before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a backup path through CPU is added, then log information can be retrieved when BMC is abnormal, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelog information availabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CPU is given a dual function: it serves as both the primary processor and as a backup log information source. The same CPU that executes system operations also provides log information output through its serial port, eliminating the need for completely separate backup hardware and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the log information output functions of the BMC and CPU into a unified acquisition system. The selector combines multiple signal sources (BMC UART output and CPU serial port output) into a single log information acquisition path, reducing the need for separate independent systems and simplifying the overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12306621B2Log information obtaining system and method

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SHENZHEN FULIAN FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a log information obtaining system and method. The log information obtaining system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), a storage device, a first interface, a controller and a first selector. The storage device stores log information of the electronic device. The controller obtains a first signal of the BMC and determines the working state of the BMC, the controller outputs a first selection signal when the working state of the BMC is abnormal. The first selector selects the first output terminal to output the log information received from the first input terminal to the external device. Even if the BMC cannot work normally, it can still obtain the log information of the electronic device and debug the electronic device.