Distributed multi-processor boot system for booting each processor in sequence including watchdog timer for resetting each CPU if it fails to boot
AssigneeAST Research, Inc.
InventorBarry Kennedy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
AssigneeAST Research, Inc.
InventorBarry Kennedy
Estimating the term…
A system for controlling initialization and self test operations in a multiprocessor system facilitates the use of central processing units based around differing microprocessor types. More specifically, the present invention involves storing configuration information, initialization self-test code, and boot code specific to each processor, memory module, or I/O circuit board in non-executable form in a non-volatile memory, on the respective circuit board, and storing the executable portion of the boot code needed by the initial boot processor in a centrally accessible non-volatile memory. Moreover, the present invention provides a system to automatically transfer default system initialization operations from a default processor to a first alternative processor if the default processor fails, and to automatically transfer initialization operations to a second alternative processor if the first alternative processor fails, and so forth depending upon how many alternative processors are installed in the multiprocessor system.
A system for coordinating the initialization of multiprocessor systems utilizing a multiprocessor backplane bus, wherein said backplane bus has connector slots for connecting multiple central processing units, memory modules, and other input/output modules, said system for coordinating comprising:
A system for coordinating the initialization and self-test of multiprocessor systems, said multiprocessor system having a backplane bus with slots for connecting multiple central processing units, memory modules, and other input/output modules, said system comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.