UEFI Firmware Dispatch Function for Modular CPU Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of new CPU reference codes into existing OEM systems is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and error-prone due to the large size and complexity of reference code packages, requiring direct modifications to both reference code and OEM system files.

Innovation Solution

A method that decouples CPU reference code modules from OEM customization modules using an intermediate dispatch function, allowing for the execution of processor-specific instructions within UEFI firmware routines, which sends requests for board-specific information and receives results without static links, enabling modular and efficient updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reference code package files and OEM system files are directly modified to integrate new CPU reference codes, then the system can be updated with new processor capabilities, but the integration process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to integrate new CPU reference codesVSAvoidintegration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct modules: processor-specific code modules, board-specific customization modules, and an intermediate dispatch function. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and updated without affecting others, enabling rapid integration of new CPU reference codes without manual file modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate dispatch function is introduced as a mediator between processor-specific code and board-specific customization modules. This dispatch function handles the interface and communication between the two, eliminating the need for direct modifications to OEM system files while maintaining full functionality and enabling quick updates through simple module replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reference code package files and OEM system files are directly modified to integrate new CPU reference codes, then the system can be updated with new processor capabilities, but the process becomes labor-intensive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to integrate new CPU reference codesVSAvoidintegration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct modules: processor-specific code modules, board-specific customization modules, and an intermediate dispatch function. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and updated without affecting others, enabling rapid integration of new CPU reference codes without manual file modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate dispatch function is introduced as a mediator between processor-specific code and board-specific customization modules. This dispatch function handles the interface and communication between the two, eliminating the need for direct modifications to OEM system files while maintaining full functionality and enabling quick updates through simple module replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If processor-specific instructions are executed within UEFI firmware routines with direct access to board-specific information, then the code can be simpler, but the coupling between processor code and board customization increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem architecture complexityVSAvoidmodular update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct modules: processor-specific code modules, board-specific customization modules, and an intermediate dispatch function. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and updated without affecting others, enabling rapid integration of new CPU reference codes without manual file modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate dispatch function is introduced as a mediator between processor-specific code and board-specific customization modules. This dispatch function handles the interface and communication between the two, eliminating the need for direct modifications to OEM system files while maintaining full functionality and enabling quick updates through simple module replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10521216B2Unified extensible firmware interface updates

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

A method of executing processor-specific code to include board-specific optimizations in a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) may include executing first instructions that are specific to a processor, where the first instructions may be executed within a UEFI firmware routine. The method may also include detecting a portion of the first instructions that requires information to be processed or provided by second instructions, where the second instructions may be specific to a circuit board on which the processor is installed. The method may further include sending, through an intermediate dispatch function, a request for the information to be processed or provided by the second instructions, where the intermediate dispatch function can decouple the first instructions from the second instructions.