Storage Controller Firmware Booting Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system firmware ROM is fixedly disposed on the motherboard, making it difficult to repair when it fails, and there is a delay in reading the system firmware during the booting process of a personal computer.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a controller that separates system firmware and data storage, using a micro control unit to suspend the booting procedure, load system firmware into a buffer, and then transmit a fetch-done signal to the CPU to execute the booting process, thereby overcoming the delay in reading the system firmware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If system firmware ROM is fixedly disposed on the motherboard, then the booting process can be executed, but it becomes difficult to repair when the ROM breaks down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the system firmware from the fixed ROM on the motherboard and relocates it to a storage device that can be independently replaced. The controller reads the firmware from the storage device during booting, allowing the storage device to be swapped out for repair without replacing the entire motherboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component between the CPU and the storage device. The controller manages the reading of firmware from the storage device and provides the necessary interface, enabling the storage device to function as a replaceable firmware carrier.
2Ease of repair
If system firmware is stored in a separate storage device with controller, then repairability is improved, but there is a delay in reading the system firmware during booting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller pre-load the system firmware into a buffer memory when power is supplied, before the CPU needs to execute the booting procedure. This advance preparation eliminates the delay that would otherwise occur while the CPU waits for the firmware to be read from the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the firmware in the buffer memory once loaded, allowing the CPU to continuously read and execute instructions without interruption. The controller continuously manages the buffer to ensure seamless firmware delivery to the CPU.
3Productivity
If fixed ROM is used on motherboard, then booting can proceed directly, but the motherboard requires more space and has higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage device universal by designing it to serve multiple functions: storing system firmware, providing repairability, and enabling booting operations. This multi-functional storage device replaces the dedicated ROM chip, reducing the specialized components needed on the motherboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the firmware storage function with the general storage device, combining what were previously separate components (ROM chip and storage) into a unified system where the storage device handles both data storage and firmware provision, thereby reducing overall system complexity and component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A motherboard, a storage device and a controller thereof and a booting method are provided. In the present invention, when powered on, an unfetch signal is transmitted to a central processor unit (CPU) by a controller such that an operation of the CPU is suspended. Next, a system firmware in the storage device is loaded by the controller. After the system firmware is loaded, a fetch-done signal is transmitted to the CPU by the controller such that the CPU starts executing a booting procedure.