International Business Machines Corporation

Charles H Milligan

Juergen Probst

John E Campbell

William F Washburn

Steven F Hajek

Michael James Chan

Roy A Wood

George A Williams, Ii

Frank A Almquist

Cyril A Price

Andrew M Simon

John F Larsen

Stephen W Flaherty

David F Anderson

Jurgen Probst

A data processing system having a plurality of hardware units providing a predetermined set of functional capabilities. The data processing system is configurable to allow selectively electronically enabling at least a subset of the functional capabilities. The system includes a portion for receiving a replaceable hardware unit. The system also includes a control unit for determining a type of the replaceable hardware unit. The control unit is configured to determine the subset of functional capabilities to be electronically enabled and electronically enabling the determined subset of functional capabilities if the replaceable hardware unit is of a first type. The control unit is also configured to enable entire functional capabilities of the replaceable hardware unit if the replaceable hardware unit is of a second type.

Alternatively activating a replaceable hardware unit

A system and method of recognizing resources of a computer comprising a system serial number and a broken hardware unit comprising a non-volatile memory unit and enablement definition data relating to functions of the broken hardware unit, wherein the method comprises starting the computer; entering a serial number in a read/write non-volatile memory field of the non-volatile memory unit; reading the read/write non-volatile memory field; and matching the serial number of the read/write non-volatile memory field with the system serial number. The method may further comprise detecting failure of the broken hardware unit after the starting of the computer. Preferably, a reading that the serial number of the read/write non-volatile memory field matches with the system serial number permits acceptance of the enablement definition data of the broken hardware unit.

Method and infrastructure for recognition of the resources of a defective hardware unit

A method for alternatively activating, in a data processing system, a replaceable hardware unit and providing a predetermined set of functional capabilities for configuring the data processing system to allow selectively electronically enabling at least a subset of its functional capabilities. Initially a replaceable hardware unit is provided to the data processing system, then its type is determined. If the replaceable hardware unit is of a first type, the subset of functional capabilities to be electronically enabled is determined. Alternatively, if the replaceable hardware unit is of another type, the entire functional capabilities of the replaceable hardware unit are enabled.

Method for alternatively activating a replaceable hardware unit

A method and system are disclosed for selectively altering the functional characteristics of a data processing system without physical or mechanical manipulation. A data processing system is first manufactured having a predetermined set of functional characteristics. A multibit alterable code which includes a functional characteristic definition is then initially loaded into physically secure, nonvolatile memory within the data processing system, utilizing an existing bus, or a fusible link which may be opened after loading is complete. The functional characteristic definition is loaded from nonvolatile memory into a nonscannable register within a secure portion of a control logic circuit each time power is applied to the data processing system and the definition is then utilized to enable only selected functional characteristics. Alternate functional characteristics may thereafter be selectively enabled by entering a security code which matches one of a number of preloaded codes and an encoded alternate functional characteristic definition. The alternate functional characteristic definition may be enabled on a one-time, metered, or regularly scheduled basis and variable capability data processing systems may be implemented in this manner utilizing a single manufactured system, without the necessity of manufacturing and storing multiple data processing system models.

Method and system for selectively altering data processing system

Growing community of inventors

Wingdale, NY, United States of America

Charles H Milligan