SMM Robustness Testing via Pre-stored Models and SMI Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing the robustness and stability of System Management Mode (SMM) in server products are inadequate, as they cannot cover all SMM functions, leading to potential server failures due to defects in SMI processing flow or function design, which affects user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that acquire and judge the triggering of a System Management Interrupt (SMI), enter the SMM, determine a target testing model based on a predetermined correspondence relationship, and test SMM functions using firmware to print serial port information, ensuring comprehensive testing of SMM robustness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used in operating system environments, then the testing process is simple, but the testing coverage is insufficient and cannot cover all SMM functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple testing models corresponding to different SMM functions in the system management memory before actual testing. When an SMI is triggered, the firmware automatically selects and executes the appropriate pre-prepared testing model, eliminating the need for complex runtime decision-making and ensuring comprehensive SMM function coverage without increasing testing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a target variable as an intermediary between the SMI trigger and the testing model selection. The target variable serves as a mediator that carries information about which SMM function should be tested, allowing the firmware to automatically select the corresponding testing model from pre-stored options, thereby achieving comprehensive testing coverage through a simple variable-based selection mechanism
2Reliability
If comprehensive SMM function testing is implemented, then product reliability is improved, but the testing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces testing process complexity by performing preliminary preparation of multiple testing models corresponding to different SMM functions. These testing models are pre-stored in the system management memory with their selection criteria defined in advance. During actual testing, the firmware simply needs to select the appropriate pre-prepared model based on the target variable, rather than implementing complex testing logic runtime, thus achieving comprehensive reliability testing without increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the target variable to select different testing models. Instead of implementing complex conditional logic to determine which SMM function to test, the system changes the parameter (target variable) to directly indicate which pre-stored testing model should be executed. This parameter-based selection mechanism simplifies the testing process while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all SMM functions for improved product reliability
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a method and a device for testing robustness and stability of an SMM, and a computer readable storage medium. In the method, a target variable is firstly obtained, and it is judged whether an SMI is triggered. Once it is judged that the SMI is triggered, the SMM is entered. In the SMM, a target testing model corresponding to a current value of the target variable is determined, and a target SMM function is tested with the target testing model pre-stored in a system management memory, and serial port information is printed by using firmware to determine the robustness and stability of the SMM, thereby achieving the testing for the robustness and stability of the SMM.