Quanta Computer Incorporated

Yu-Han Lin

Wei-Yu Chien

Ming-Hung Hung

Yu-Ting Lin

An example computer-implemented method is for initializing a compute system. The computer-implemented method includes causing a cache to be initialized in a central processing unit (CPU) of the compute system in response to basic input/output system (BIOS) code being executed directly from flash memory. Moreover, a communication path is initialized, the communication path extending between the CPU and memory corresponding to a baseboard management controller (BMC) of the compute system. BIOS firmware is copied from the BMC memory to the CPU cache, and the BIOS firmware is initiated from the CPU cache. The computer-implemented method includes causing a memory controller of the CPU to be initialized, in addition to causing a portion of the BIOS firmware to be copied from the CPU cache to memory corresponding to the CPU. Furthermore, a portion of the BIOS firmware is initiated from the CPU memory.

Selective firmware placement during initialization of compute systems

A system includes one or more data processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed on the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform operations. The operations include receiving a modified basic input-output system (BIOS) setting using an application programming interface (API). The modified BIOS setting includes an attribute describing at least one extensible firmware interface (EFI) variable. The operations further include storing the modified BIOS setting in a future setting data structure in a baseboard management controller (BMC). The operations further include providing a current setting data structure stored in the BMC. The operations further include replacing at least a portion of the current setting data structure with the modified BIOS setting to provide a modified current setting data structure. The modified current setting data structure is then applied to the system.

Storing EFI variables in a BMC using an API

A system and method for automatically generating a control bifurcation signal to configure ports of a PCIe IO unit on a computing device. The lanes of the PCIe IO unit are divided into initial ports of the lowest granularity. It is determined whether a PCIe device is connected to each of the initial ports. The bifurcation port configuration of the PCIe IO unit is determined based on the initial ports having a connected PCIe device. Ports for the PCIe IO unit are configured based on the bifurcation port configuration.

Method and system for automatic bifurcation of PCIe in BIOS

The present disclosure describes devices and methods that allow for authenticating a firmware settings input file. The devices and methods of the present disclosure provide for receiving a firmware settings input file and a code associated with the firmware settings input file. The firmware settings input file is configured for updating firmware settings within the computer system. The devices and methods further generate a first value based on the firmware settings input file, and decrypt the code with an encryption key to obtain a second value from the code. The devices and methods further compare the first value and the second value to authenticate the firmware settings input file based on whether the first value and second values satisfy one or more conditions. When the conditions are satisfied, the firmware within the computer system can be updated based on the firmware settings input file.

Methods and apparatus for authenticating a firmware settings input file

The present disclosure provides a system and method for preserving firmware settings in a baseboard management controller (BMC) or a flash memory component of a server system. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for automatically preserving firmware settings of the server system, comprises: powering on the server system; retrieving a plurality of future firmware settings from a baseboard management controller (BMC) of the server system; applying the plurality of future firmware settings to the server system; sending a plurality of current firmware settings to the BMC with a unique string mapping scheme; performing an entire firmware flash update; copying the plurality of current firmware settings stored on the BMC to the plurality of future firmware settings of the BMC; and rebooting the server system by applying the plurality of future firmware settings stored on the BMC.

Preserving firmware setting during firmware update

Systems and methods are provided for updating firmware on a firmware storage device in a computing device without losing existing data on the firmware storage device. An exemplary method comprises a local utility retrieving an existing image of the firmware from a management device in the computing device. The firmware can be located on a firmware storage device in the computing device. The method can then retrieve a new image of updated firmware. The method can analyze the existing image and the new image. Based on analysis of the existing image and the new image, the method can create a processed image from the existing image and the new image. The method can then provide for writing the processed image to the firmware storage device of the computing device.

Updating firmware via a remote utility

A BIOS settings configuration may be stored in BIOS of a computer system. A default BIOS status may be set as a locked state. The BIOS status can be changed from the locked state to an unlocked state when an authentication request is received and when the received authentication information matches stored authentication information in BIOS. In some embodiments, a BIOS settings change request can be received. The BIOS settings can be modified based on the BIOS settings change request. The BIOS status can be changed back to the locked state after the BIOS settings modification has been made.

System and method for managing BIOS setting configurations

Each of a plurality of Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) performance profiles can be determined upon a corresponding performance goal. A particular performance profile can be selected from the plurality of BIOS performance profiles. A BIOS configuration can be determined for a computer system automatically based at least in part on the particular performance profile or a hardware configuration of the computer system. The computer system can be initialized with the BIOS configuration.

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Taoyuan, Taiwan

Yu-Han Lin