Abstract: The invention provides methods and logic for determining the source of a processor reset in a system having a processor and a plurality of processor reset sources. The plurality of processor reset sources couple to a corresponding plurality of RS latches. One of the RS latches sets in response to a processor reset generated by one of the processor resets. That one RS latch writes logic high to a dedicated register of a read register. After rebooting, the processor reads the read register to determine which register is logic high, corresponding to the source that generated the reset. The read register is reset by writing logic high into a write register, thereby resetting the set RS latch and clearing the logic high register of the read register. The processor writes logic low to all write register bits to clear enable the RS latches so that subsequent processor resets are identified.

Abstract: Logic apparatus filters noise signals on a signal line to a digital circuit. An edge detector determines one or more edges of the noise signals relative to a fast clock. Signals indicative of the edges asynchronously reset a timer; the timer clocks the latch of the signal line when the signal line is stable, and without noise signals detected by the edge detector, for a period defined by a slow clock. The slow clock is slower than the fast clock by several orders of magnitude. The edge detector may be constructed by one flip-flop and an XOR gate. A second flip flop couples to the signal line and the output of the timer to pass through the latched value of the signal line to the digital circuit when clocked by the timer.

Abstract: A system for removal and replacement of core I/O devices while the rest of the computer system is powered-up and operational. The system comprises a custom form-factor core I/O card that contains a plurality of I/O devices, including a processor for managing the card's I/O functions. A command is sent to an operating system, running on a system processor external to the core I/O card, that notifies the system to stop using, and de-configure, the hardware on the core I/O card. Once the OS receives this notification, an indication that the card is ready to be removed is sent to the user. The user then removes the card from its slot and inserts a replacement card into the same slot. The system software then discovers the I/O components on the core I/O card to determine what components are available, and then configures the new I/O device(s).

Abstract: A method of updating programmable device configuration code stored in EEPROMs of a system is operable on complex systems having separate management and system processors. The method includes executing a sequence for updating programmable device configuration code on a management processor of the system including erasing the EEPROMs, writing at least one block of configuration code to the EEPROMs, and checking for errors after writing. The errors checked for include failure of a FIFO to empty. Upon detecting errors, the method includes automatically retrying writes. Embodiments of the method are operable on systems having multiple serial busses interconnecting EEPROMs to a common configuration logic, and on systems having multiple management processors each capable of accessing the common configuration logic.

Abstract: The system of the invention ensures pin assignments between system board connections of printed circuit boards. A plurality of software configuration files define connections of a plurality of printed circuit boards. A mapping file correlates pin assignment attributes between the software configuration files. A processing section processes the configuration files and the mapping file to generate board schematics for the plurality of printed circuit boards with common pin assignment for the connections of each of the printed circuit boards. The software configuration files may include symbol files representing parts within the plurality of printed circuit boards. The software configuration files may include geometry files representing physical attributes of the parts. Changes to the design are automatically correlated to pin assignments through the boards and layout.

Abstract: A system for providing basic system control functions upon failure of a management processor in a computer system. During normal system operation, a management processor monitors system sensors that detect system power, temperature, and cooling fan status, and make necessary adjustments. The management processor normally provides an output signal indicating that it is operating properly. A high-availability controller monitors each of these signals to verify that there is at least one operating management processor. When none of the processors indicate that they are operating properly, the high-availability controller monitors the system sensors and updates system indicators. If a problem develops, such as failure of a power supply or a potentially dangerous increase in temperature, the high-availability controller sequentially powers down the appropriate equipment to protect the system from damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of implementing firmware updates to programmable parts within circuit boards on a manufacturing line. An image file of firmware for each of the parts is created and stored on a firmware server. The programmable parts are preferably integrated with the printed circuit boards; each of the boards networks to the firmware server by connection with an interface server, such that the image files download to the circuit board for programming the board's internal programmable parts. Networking between the parts and the firmware server can include communications across the Internet and/or one or more area networks. Multiple interface servers may be integral with the products incorporating the programmable parts so that many products may be updated concurrently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hot swapping and bus extension without data corruption. During the hot swapping of a circuit board in a bus, the bus is extended onto or retracted from the circuit board in a manner which does not corrupt the data on the bus. The extension or retraction of the bus is detected and a bus reset is asserted interrupting and preventing transactions on the bus. The bus reset is asserted for a minimum amount of time to allow the bus to stabilize after the hot swap. A bus extension/retraction detection component and a bus reset component perform these functions.