Shared memory initialization method for system having multiple processor capability
September 18, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMemory initialization circuit Fault-tolerant computer system with /CONFIG filesystem System and method for synchronizing multiple processors during power-on self testing Fault resilient booting for multiprocessor computer systems Bootstrap processor selection architecture in SMP systems Synchronized MIMD multi-processing system and method inhibiting instruction fetch at other processors while one processor services an interrupt System and method for initializing a multinode multiprocessor computer system Patent #: 5938765 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 158165 filed on 09/18/1998US Classes:713/1, DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM INITIALIZATION OR CONFIGURATION (E.G., INITIALIZING, SET UP, CONFIGURATION, OR RESETTING)712/21, Multiple instruction, Multiple data (MIMD)713/2Loading initialization program (e.g., booting, rebooting, warm booting, remote booting, BIOS, initial program load (IPL), bootstrapping)ExaminersPrimary: Grant, WilliamAssistant: Hartman, Ronald D Jr. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG06F 015/177G06F 009/00 G06F 015/00 AbstractA multiprocessor computer system is provided with a BIOS that allows parallel execution of system initialization tasks by at least two processors to reduce system boot-up time. At power-on, one of the processors is designated as a bootstrap processor and the remaining processors are designates as application processors. The processors are coupled to a shared memory module by a shared processor bus. The bootstrap processor is configured to instruct the application processor to test and initialize memory locations in the shared memory module while the bootstrap processor proceeds with other system initialization tasks which may include determining the system configuration, initializing peripheral devices, testing the keyboard, and setting up the BIOS data area with configuration information. After completing its tasks, the bootstrap processor determines whether the application processor has completed the memory test, and if so, the bootstrap processor proceeds to locate and execute an operating system. It is expected that testing and initializing memory in parallel with other system initialization tasks will advantageously reduce system boot-up time in multiprocessor systems having large memories (e.g. 1-4 gigabytes).Other References
Field of SearchDIGITAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM INITIALIZATION OR CONFIGURATION (E.G., INITIALIZING, SET UP, CONFIGURATION, OR RESETTING)Loading initialization program (e.g., booting, rebooting, warm booting, remote booting, BIOS, initial program load (IPL), bootstrapping) Multiple instruction, Multiple data (MIMD) | |
