Computer server architecture and diagnostic framework for testing same

• US 7,080,284 B1
• Filed: 07/19/2002
• Issued: 07/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sanmina-SCI Corporation
• Original Assignee: Newisys, Inc. (Sanmina-SCI Corporation)
• Inventors: Sanders, Richard Lee, Zeevi, Josef
• Primary Examiner(s): Baderman, Scott
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHU, GABRIEL L
• Application Number:
  US10/199,938
• Time in Patent Office: 1,460 Days
• Field of Search: 714/31, 714/46
• US Class Current: 714/31
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2736 using a dedicated service processor for test

Abstract

A computer server architecture and diagnostic framework for testing same is described. The diagnostic infrastructure consists of various logical modules present on both service processor-side and platform-side regions of a server. These modules work together to present a modular, extensible yet unitary diagnostic framework. The invention permits dynamic operation of information resources, and extensibility when/if expansion is needed. The server architecture includes an OS independent, custom ASIC and processors configured in a 4-way geometry which permits scalable expansion up to a 16-way configuration geometry within a SMP programming model. The server architecture is capable of integration with third party management frameworks, for example, SNMP and CIM, and is modularly scalable, i.e., offers a “one to many” management capability. The server architecture is capable of both 32-bit and 64-bit computing, and the 64-bit computing ability is 32-bit application backward compatible, offering the advantage of a non-disruptive migration to 64-bit computing.

Claims

1. A system including a plurality of servers coupled together via expandable interfaces, said plurality of servers comprising:

a plurality of platforms associated with particular servers, said plurality of platforms coupled in 4 way configurations via point-to-pint communication links, and including access ports;

service processors associated with particular servers, said service processors coupled to said plurality of platforms via said access ports; and

at least one program of instructions including instructions to permit said service processors and said plurality of platforms to form a unitary diagnostic framework;

wherein a first service processor associated with a particular server is coupled to particular platforms of said plurality of platforms via said access ports; and

wherein a second service processor associated with a different server communicates with said first service processor within said unitary diagnostic framework.

2. A system comprising:

a first platform;

a second platform;

a first service processor capable of communicating with said first platform to diagnose elements associated with said first platform, wherein said first service processor diagnoses said elements using;

a first set of diagnostic modules to be executed by said first platform; and

a second set of diagnostic modules to be executed by said first service processor; and

a second service processor, wherein said first second service processor is capable of diagnosing elements associated with said second first platform using said second first service processor.

3. A system comprising:

a first platform;

a second platform;

a first service processor capable of communicating with said first platform to diagnose elements associated with said first platform, wherein said first service processor diagnoses said elements using;

a first set of diagnostic modules to be executed by said first platform; and

a second set of diagnostic modules to be executed by said first service processor, wherein said first set of diagnostic modules and said second set of diagnostic modules form a unitary diagnostic framework; and

a second service processor, wherein said second service processor is capable of diagnosing elements associated with said first platform using said first service processor.

4. A method comprising the steps of:

establishing a diagnostic framework having modules running on a first service processor and a first platform, the diagnostic framework including;

a first executive module running on the first service processor; and

a second executive module running on the first platform;

providing a diagnostic command to the first executive module;

routing the diagnostic command to the second executive module; and

delivering the diagnostic command to a test module running on the first platform;

wherein the diagnostic framework further includes;

a third executive module running on a second service processor; and

a fourth executive module running on a second platform; and

further including the steps of;

providing a diagnostic command to the first executive module;

routing the diagnostic command to the third executive module;

routing the diagnostic command to the fourth executive module; and

delivering the diagnostic command to a test module running on the second platform.

5. A server comprising:

a plurality of processors;

at least one service processor coupled to said plurality of processors;

a scaling device coupled to said plurality of processors and said service processor;

a first set of diagnostic modules to be executed by said service processor; and

a second set of diagnostic modules to be executed by one or more of said plurality of processors;

wherein said first and second set of diagnostic modules form a diagnostic framework across an interface linking said service processor and said plurality of processors; and

wherein said scaling device enables said server to be scaled with one or more additional servers to form up to a 16-way configuration.