Warm processor swap in a multiprocessor personal computer system
AssigneeCompaq Computer Corporation
InventorDaniel R. Bowers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A scheme may be used to replace a processor in a multiprocessor computer without the need for turning the computer off to replace the processor. In this scheme, all of the processors on the bus are placed into sleep mode. Then, power is disconnected from the processor to be replaced, and the processor is removed. The replacement processor is then powered up and configured in the same manner as the processor it replaced. The replacement processor is then placed into return the computer to normal operation without the need to reboot the computer.
Claims48
A method of replacing a processor in a multiprocessor computer having a plurality of processors, the method comprising the acts of:
- (a) determining that one of the plurality of processors is to be replaced;
- (b) placing all of the plurality of processors into a sleep mode;
- (c) disconnecting power to the one of the plurality of processors;
- (d) informing a user to replace the one of the plurality of processors with a replacement processor;
- (e) configuring the replacement processor while the remaining plurality of processors remain in the sleep mode;
- (f) placing the replacement processor into a sleep mode;
- and
- (g) awakening all of the processors from the sleep mode and returning all processors to normal operation without rebooting the computer.
A method of replacing a processor in a multiprocessor computer having a plurality of processors, a like plurality of voltage regulator modules powering each respective processor, and a controller coupled to each processor and voltage regulator module, the method comprising the acts of:
- (a) determining that one of the plurality of processors is to be replaced;
- (b) placing all of the plurality of processors into a sleep mode;
- (c) shutting off the voltage regulator module associated with the one of the plurality of processors;
- (d) informing a user to replace the one of the plurality of processors with a replacement processor;
- (e) turning on the voltage regulator module associated with the replacement processor;
- (f) configuring the replacement processor while the remaining plurality of processors remain in the sleep mode;
- (g) placing the replacement processor into a sleep mode;
- and
- (h) awakening all of the processors from the sleep mode and returning all processors to normal operation without rebooting the computer.
A multiprocessor computer comprising:
- means for determining that one of the plurality of processors is to be replaced;
- means for placing all of the plurality of processors into a sleep mode;
- means for disconnecting power to the one of the plurality of processors;
- means for informing a user to replace the one of the plurality of processors with a replacement processor;
- means for configuring the replacement processor while the remaining plurality of processors remain in the sleep mode;
- means for placing the replacement processor into a sleep mode;
- and
- means for awakening all of the processors from the sleep mode and returning all processors to normal operation without rebooting the computer.
A computer comprising:
- a plurality of microprocessors operatively coupled to a bus;
- a plurality of voltage regulator modules, each voltage regulator module being operatively coupled to a respective one of the plurality of microprocessors;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of microprocessors and to each of the plurality of voltage regulator modules, the controller placing all of the plurality of microprocessors coupled to the bus into a sleep state in response to receiving a signal indicating that one of the plurality of microprocessors is to be replaced, and the controller turning off the respective one of the plurality of voltage regulator modules coupled to the one of the plurality of microprocessors after the controller has placed the plurality of microprocessors into the sleep state, and, after the one of the plurality of microprocessors has been replaced with a replacement microprocessor, the controller turning on the respective one of the plurality of voltage regulator modules coupled to the replacement microprocessor and resetting the replacement microprocessor for configuration, the controller placing the replacement microprocessor into the sleep state after configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.