Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Patent
1998-09-18
2000-12-05
Grant, William
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
713 2, 712 21, G06F 15177, G06F 900, G06F 1500
Patent
active
061580007
ABSTRACT:
A multiprocessor computer system is provided with a BIOS that allows parallel execution of system initialization tasks by at least two processors to reduce system boot-up time. At power-on, one of the processors is designated as a bootstrap processor and the remaining processors are designates as application processors. The processors are coupled to a shared memory module by a shared processor bus. The bootstrap processor is configured to instruct the application processor to test and initialize memory locations in the shared memory module while the bootstrap processor proceeds with other system initialization tasks which may include determining the system configuration, initializing peripheral devices, testing the keyboard, and setting up the BIOS data area with configuration information. After completing its tasks, the bootstrap processor determines whether the application processor has completed the memory test, and if so, the bootstrap processor proceeds to locate and execute an operating system. It is expected that testing and initializing memory in parallel with other system initialization tasks will advantageously reduce system boot-up time in multiprocessor systems having large memories (e.g. 1-4 gigabytes).
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A Technical Reference for Designing PCs and Peripherals for the Microsoft Windows Family of Operating Systems, PC98 System Design Guide, Version 1.0--Sep. 5, 1997.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Grant William
Hartman Jr. Ronald D
Heim Michael F.
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