Virtual Thermal Input Generation for Remote Sensor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermal control methods for information handling systems are inefficient and prone to errors, especially in chassis configurations with multiple modular systems, as they require substantial manual modifications and tuning, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system management controller with a thermal table and host agent that receives temperature data from remote sensors, allowing for the creation of virtual thermal inputs and controlling thermal properties of the information handling system and chassis based on this data, enabling efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote temperature sensors are used for thermal control in chassis configurations, then thermal management capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to manual modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual thermal input copies that replicate the functionality of physical thermal sensors. The system generates virtual sensor inputs based on data from remote temperature sensors, allowing the thermal control system to function as if the sensors were physically present on the system board. This eliminates the need for manual modification while maintaining enhanced thermal management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a system management controller as an intermediary between remote temperature sensors and the thermal control system. This mediator receives data from remote sensors, processes it through virtual thermal input generation, and translates it into formats compatible with existing thermal control algorithms. The intermediary layer simplifies integration by handling the complexity of remote sensor adaptation centrally.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual thermal tuning is performed for chassis components, then thermal control precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs thermal adaptation actions in advance by pre-configuring virtual thermal input mappings in the system management controller. During chassis setup, the controller automatically identifies remote temperature sensors and establishes virtual input relationships before thermal control operations begin. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual thermal tuning while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system management controller automatically performs thermal adaptation by self-configuring virtual thermal inputs based on detected remote sensors. The controller independently maps sensor data to appropriate thermal control parameters without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains thermal control precision while eliminating manual tuning time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote temperature sensors are integrated externally, then thermal sensing versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual representations of remote temperature sensors that mimic the interface and data format of standard onboard sensors. The system management controller generates virtual thermal inputs that replicate the expected sensor behavior, allowing existing thermal control software to operate without modification. This copying approach maintains thermal sensing versatility while preserving ease of operation by presenting a familiar interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system management controller implements a universal interface layer that handles multiple sensor types and locations through a single virtual thermal input mechanism. The controller can accommodate various remote temperature sensors (internal/external, different protocols) while presenting a unified interface to the thermal control system. This multi-functionality maintains versatility while simplifying operation through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system management controller may include a thermal table, a host agent, and a thermal control system. The thermal table may comprise identifying parameters for supported remote temperature sensors external to an information handling system. The host agent may be configured to receive temperature sensor data of a remote temperature sensor. The thermal control system may be configured to provide thermal control of at least one of the information handling system and a chassis in which it is disposed by determining, based on an entry of the thermal table associated with the remote temperature sensor, a local input identifier of the system management controller that defines a virtual thermal input of the information handling system associated with the remote temperature sensor, and controlling thermal properties of at least one of the information handling system and the chassis based on the virtual thermal input and a temperature value associated therewith.