Self-diagnostic testing of a network interface adapter

Details Self-diagnostic testing of a network interface adapter Self-diagnostic testing of a network interface adapter

2000-06-09

2003-03-25

Hoff, Marc S. (Department: 2857)

Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing

Measurement system

Performance or efficiency evaluation

C455S115200

Reexamination Certificate

active

06539338

ABSTRACT:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of testing of electronic equipment and more particularly to the execution of self diagnostic tests within a network interface adapter.
In a typical computer system interconnected to a network, a network-interface-adapter (NIA) acts as an interface between the host computer and a computer network. The NIA performs the necessary interface functions for transmitting and receiving data over the computer network. Typical NIAs are controlled by state machines or hard wired controllers and do not possess a dedicated processor. Accordingly, the NIAs typically rely upon the use of a processor within an associated host computer to perfrom perform diagnostic testing of the network interface adapter once the adapter is installed within or coupled to the host computer.
In the circumstance in which the NIA is coupled to the host computer, the ability of the host computer to diagnose internal operational capabilities of the NIA may be limited. In particular, functions on the NIA may not be visible to the host computer and suitable inputs or outputs may not be accessible to allow for the diagnose of failures with respect to such functions. Consequently, the host computer cannot monitor all of the systems and circuits contained on the NIA. Accordingly, the host computer may not be able to thoroughly test the NIA and problems on the NIA may be undetectable by a diagnostic routine executing on the host processor.
Additionally, during the manufacture of each NIA it is desirable to be able to verify the operation of the device prior to installation of the NIA within a system. In NIAs with limited intelligence, a computer or test station is typically employed to perform fault diagnosis on the NIAs. Such test equipment is usually costly and ongoing maintenance of the test equipment is desirable. It is therefore desirable to be able to minimize the need for and complexity of test equipment employed in the manufacturing process.
It would therefore be desirable to have a NIA that is capable of executing self-diagnostics to verify the basic operation of the NIA prior to installation and during ongoing use of the device within a system. If would further be desirable for the NIA to be able to identify predetermined faults which are capable of being corrected and to repair such faults if possible.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and apparatus is disclosed for implementing self-diagnostic capability within a network interface adapter (NIA) and correcting predetermined faults detected during the self diagnostic testing of the network interface adapter. The NIA includes a host processor that is coupled to a Read Only Memory, Instruction and Data RAMs, a flash RAM and registers and is employed in the communication of information between the NIA processor and a host computer. In response to an indication of a power up condition or a reset condition, the NIA processor executes certain instructions within the ROM to access a self diagnostic code image contained within the flash RAM and to load the self diagnostic code image into predetermined locations within the instruction RAM within the NIA. The NIA processor then commences execution of the self diagnostic code to test basic functions within the NIA. Errors detected during execution of the self diagnostic routines are reported to the host computer, if possible. In the event of the detection of an error within the flash RAM, the host processor is operative to initiate a sequence to correct the failure by reprogramming at least the portion of the flash RAM that caused the error indication during the diagnostic test. Code stored in the host computer may be downloaded for purposes of correcting the errant code. Alternatively, redundant code stored in another portion of the flash RAM or in another memory device may be employed in place of the flash RAM code upon detection of an error within such code.


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