Abstract: A computing system peripheral device compatible with the peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) protocol responds to a DL_DOWN command primitive by configuring a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) port into a known state without invoking a GPIO module reset. In addition, select resources are excluded from resources on the peripheral device that are issued a reset command. The select resources can include a GPIO module, a memory element and a PCI-E SERDES module. After the remaining reset resources have completed their individual initialization processes, the central processor core on the peripheral device is reset. The described response to the DL_DOWN command primitive avoids cache data loss, masks signal transitions on I/O ports and timing problems that prevent some peripheral devices from being recognized in a computer's basic input/output system (BIOS).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for modifying firmware settings within a data storage controller, such as a data storage controller used in a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) storage array. The method includes extracting a sub-module from a firmware image stored in the controller, stripping off the sub-module's header, decompressing the remaining compressed image by replacing the stripped sub-module header and an extended image header in the compressed image with an extended header image that allows conventional decompression, and separating the decompressed image into its executable code and at least one settings group.

Abstract: A computing system peripheral device compatible with the peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) protocol responds to a DL_DOWN command primitive by configuring a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) port into a known state without invoking a GPIO module reset. In addition, select resources are excluded from resources on the peripheral device that are issued a reset command. The select resources can include a GPIO module, a memory element and a PCI-E SERDES module. After the remaining reset resources have completed their individual initialization processes, the central processor core on the peripheral device is reset. The described response to the DL_DOWN command primitive avoids cache data loss, masks signal transitions on I/O ports and timing problems that prevent some peripheral devices from being recognized in a computer's basic input/output system (BIOS).

Abstract: A controller coupled to a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) includes a processor and a non-volatile memory element. The processor has an input/output port that is configurable in one of an open-drain driver configuration, a high-impedance driver configuration and a totem-pole driver configuration. The totem-pole driver configuration is capable of supplying sufficient current to operate a slave device coupled to the input/output port. Firmware stored in the non-volatile memory device dynamically adjusts the driver configuration to prevent negative voltage swings in a signal communicated via the input/output port.

Abstract: A controller coupled to a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) includes a processor and a non-volatile memory element. The processor has an input/output port that is configurable in one of an open-drain driver configuration, a high-impedance driver configuration and a totem-pole driver configuration. The totem-pole driver configuration is capable of supplying sufficient current to operate a slave device coupled to the input/output port. Firmware stored in the non-volatile memory device dynamically adjusts the driver configuration to prevent negative voltage swings in a signal communicated via the input/output port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for modifying firmware settings within a data storage controller, such as a data storage controller used in a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) storage array. The method includes extracting a sub-module from a firmware image stored in the controller, stripping off the sub-module's header, decompressing the remaining compressed image by replacing the stripped sub-module header and an extended image header in the compressed image with an extended header image that allows conventional decompression, and separating the decompressed image into its executable code and at least one settings group.