Volatile-Memory Firmware Activation for Faster A/B Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-availability systems require efficient firmware updates without power cycling, as traditional methods like A/B swap techniques face increasing complexity and latency due to the growing number of operations in advanced electronics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing firmware activation instructions in volatile memory before performing an A/B swap, allowing simultaneous execution of original and updated firmware operations, thereby reducing latency and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional A/B swap techniques are used for firmware updates, then firmware updating capability is provided, but latency and complexity increase due to the growing number of operations in advanced electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying firmware update instructions to volatile memory before the A/B swap operation. This allows the firmware activation instructions to be prepared and loaded in advance, so that when the swap occurs, the instructions are already available for immediate execution, thereby reducing the overall activation time and latency without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses volatile memory as an intermediary between the non-volatile storage containing the firmware update instructions and the execution unit. This intermediary buffer allows the firmware instructions to be copied and executed without requiring complex direct access mechanisms, simplifying the overall update process while maintaining speed
2Reliability
If A/B swap technique is implemented, then firmware update functionality is achieved, but downtime increases during the swap process
Solution Approach 1:
By copying the firmware update instructions to volatile memory before initiating the A/B swap, the system prepares all necessary activation data in advance. This eliminates the need to pause the swap operation for instruction loading, allowing the swap to complete faster and reducing downtime while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by having the firmware activation instructions ready in volatile memory during the A/B swap process. This allows the swap operation to proceed without interruption for instruction retrieval, maintaining continuous progress toward the firmware update completion and minimizing downtime
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes: a first portion of storage having a first firmware image, the first firmware image including first instructions; a second portion of storage having a second firmware image, the second firmware image including firmware update instructions; memory circuitry; and programmable circuitry configured to at least one of instantiate or execute the first instructions of the first portion of storage to: implement the first firmware image in the first portion of storage; and copy the firmware update instructions of the second firmware image to the memory circuitry.