International Business Machines Corporation

James Gregory Mulkey

Charles Steven Lingafelt

Steven Wade Hunter

Harry Cheselka

John Wagner Yarbrough

In a data processing system, a first system processor is coupled to a first system bus. The first system processor includes a first bus controller. A second system processor having a second bus controller is coupled to a second system bus. The first bus controller is then coupled to a management bus, and the second bus controller is coupled to the same management bus. Thereafter, at least one feature device is coupled to the first system bus, the second system bus, and the management bus. The feature device is also configured to communicate system processor communications with the first system processor via the first system bus. Next, a problem that affects system processor communications over the first system bus between the feature device and the first system processor is detected. In response to detecting such a communications problem, a command is sent to the feature device via the management bus. In response to receiving the command on the management bus, the feature device is configured to communicate system processor communications with the second system processor via the second system bus, wherein the feature device continues to operate in the data processing system as a result of communicating system processor communications with the second system processor via the second system bus in the presence of a problem that affects system processor communications over the first system bus. A second management bus may be coupled to the first bus controller, the second bus controller, and the feature device for providing a redundant management bus.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

James Gregory Mulkey