Multi-processor system for selecting a processor which has successfully written it's ID into write-once register after system reset as the boot-strap processor
US6594756B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F15/177
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A bootstrap processor selection mechanism for a computer system employs system logic having a memory-mapped sticky, e.g. write-once, register, multiple processors, and a firmware routine through which the processors may store values to and load values from the sticky register. When a reset event is detected, the processors vie for access to the sticky register, using the firmware routine. The first processor that successfully stores its associated processor ID to the sticky register, locks the register against subsequent store operations by the remaining processors. Each processor loads the value stored in the sticky register and compares it with its processor ID to determine whether it is the bootstrap processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.