JPH10161879A - Computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the parts mounting area of an extension board and to reduce the size and the cost of an entire computer system. SOLUTION: A start program BP and the firmware FW are held at the side of a main arithmetic unit 10 for every option board 20. Then the unit 10 prepares the program BP and the firmware FW in a main memory 12 at its starting time. A local arithmetic processing part 21 of every board 20 successively reads a prescribed program BP out of the memory 12 and executes it to proceed to an operable state when a start command is received from the unit 10. When a command is received from a main arithmetic processing part 11, the firmware FW is successively read out of the memory 12 and executed for the part 21. Then a prescribed process is carried out in response to the command given from the part 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a computer system comprising, for example, a computer and various expansion boards which are added to an expansion slot of the computer and are connected via an internal bus or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an arithmetic unit 10 such as a personal computer as shown in FIG.
0, a plurality of option boards 20 such as expansion boards added to the expansion slot 0
, Each option board 20 is
It operates based on a command from the company. In the computer system 100, for example, an operation device 10 having a main operation processing unit 11 and a main memory 12 and an option board 20 are connected via a system bus 14. The option board 20 includes a local arithmetic processing unit 21 that operates based on a command from the main arithmetic processing unit 11,
A ROM 22 storing a predetermined processing program such as a local activation program BP and a local firmware FW executed by the local arithmetic processing unit 21;
It comprises an AM 23 and an interface unit 24 for performing input / output processing with the arithmetic unit 10. These units and the local arithmetic processing unit 21 are connected via an internal bus 25.

FIG. 10 shows an address space of the local arithmetic processing unit 21. A boot program area A ₁ for storing a local boot program BP and a firmware area A ₂ for storing a local firmware FW are a ROM 22. , And the work area A _{3 and the} like are allocated to the local RAM 23.

When the computer system 100 is powered on, the main processing unit 11 of the arithmetic unit 10 is activated to execute the activation program stored in the main memory 12 and becomes operable. Outputs a start command. Thereby, in the option board 20,
The local operation processing unit 21 executes the local start-up program BP stored in the ROM 22 to be in an operable state, and is stored in the ROM 22 based on an instruction from the main operation processing unit 11 transmitted via the interface unit 24. By reading the local firmware FW and sequentially executing the firmware, predetermined processing is performed.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional computer system, each option board 2
0, in order to activate the option board 20, the local arithmetic processing unit 21 is activated and the activation program BP for activating the local operation processing unit 21 or the RO storing the local firmware FW for executing the predetermined processing is stored.
You must have at least one M22. Therefore, there is a limit in reducing the component mounting area of the option board 20 or the cost of the option board 20 as a whole, and as a result, high performance, small size, and cost reduction of the computer system are achieved. There is a problem that cannot be obtained.

When the program written in the ROM 22 is changed, the program is written into the ROM each time.
Alternatively, there is a problem that the operation of replacing the ROM must be performed, which complicates the operation, and makes it difficult to change the program. Further, there is an unsolved problem that management of program change history becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned unsolved problems. It is possible to easily update a boot program or firmware for an option board and to reduce the size of the option board. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer system capable of realization.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising: a main processing unit having a main processing unit and a main storage unit;
A sub-operation processing unit that operates based on a command from the main operation processing unit, wherein an operation program for operating the sub-operation processing unit is stored in the main storage unit; The section reads out the operation program stored in the main storage section and executes the operation program.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation program for the sub-processing unit for operating the sub-processing unit provided on, for example, an expansion board is stored in the main processing unit of the main processing unit such as a personal computer. The operation program stored in the storage unit and sequentially read out from the sub-operation processing unit and stored in the main storage unit and executed. Therefore, the slave operation processing unit executes the operation program stored in the main storage unit as if it were executing an operation program stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM provided on the extension board. become. Therefore, storage for storing an operation program such as a startup program for shifting a slave processing unit mounted on an expansion board or the like to an operable state or a processing program for performing processing unique to the slave processing unit. Since the section does not need to be provided on the extension board, the mounting area of the extension board is reduced correspondingly, and the extension board can be downsized.

In a computer system according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main processing unit having a main processing unit and a main storage unit, and a command activated by the main processing unit and issued from the main processing unit. And a slave processor having a slave processor and a slave storage unit that operates in accordance with the following. In the computer system, the starting program for shifting the slave processor to the operable state and the main processor are A processing program for performing a process according to the instruction is stored in the main storage unit, and the slave arithmetic processing unit executes the startup program stored in the main storage unit at the time of startup, and then executes the processing program. The program is transferred to a secondary storage unit, and thereafter, the processing program stored in the secondary storage unit is read and executed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in response to a start program for shifting a sub-processing unit provided in a sub-processing device such as an expansion board to an operable state and a command from the main processing unit. A processing program for performing the above processing is stored in a main storage unit of a main processing device such as a personal computer. The sub-operation processing unit reads out the start-up program stored in the main storage unit, executes it, shifts to an operable state, and then transfers the processing program stored in the main storage unit to the sub-storage unit. Is read out and executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the operation programs required by the slave arithmetic processing unit such as the start-up program and the processing program in a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM and to mount the operation programs on the expansion board, so that the mounting area of the expansion board is reduced. At the same time, the processing program is transferred to a memory provided on the expansion board as a work area of a sub-processing unit such as a RAM, and thereafter, the RA
Since the processing program of M is executed, the processing program is executed in the same read time as the conventional one.

A computer system according to a third aspect of the present invention has storage state detecting means for detecting whether or not the processing program is stored in the sub storage unit, and the sub processing unit comprises: Only when the storage state detecting means detects that the processing program is not stored in the secondary storage unit at the time of activation, the processing program is transferred to the secondary storage unit.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, a flag is set when the main processing unit is started, and the flag is reset when the slave processing unit transfers the processing program to the slave storage unit. Whether or not the processing program is stored in the secondary storage unit is detected by the storage state detection unit. Therefore, from the state where the slave arithmetic unit is in the operable state and the processing program is transferred to the slave storage unit and is normally operating, when the master arithmetic processing unit is restarted by some abnormality, the slave arithmetic processing unit Then, the startup program stored in the main storage unit is executed again to be in the operable state. When the flag is not set, the processing program is not transferred. However, when the power supply to the computer system is turned on and the slave processing device is started, the processing program is already transferred to the slave storage unit. Yes,
Since the storage information in the secondary storage unit is kept as long as the power is not turned off, the processing program is still stored in the secondary storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to omit the trouble of transferring the processing program again, and it is possible to perform a quicker restart.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system, comprising: a setting means for setting a flag when power is supplied to the slave processing unit; and when the processing program is transferred to the slave storage unit. Reset means for resetting the flag, wherein the slave processing unit transfers the processing program to the slave storage unit only when the flag is set.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the flag is set by setting means such as a circuit for setting the flag when the power supply to the slave arithmetic unit is turned on, and the arithmetic processing is performed when the processing program is transferred to the slave storage unit. The flag is reset by resetting means such as a unit resetting the flag. For example, when the slave storage unit is a volatile memory, when power is turned on to the slave arithmetic unit, no information is stored in the slave storage unit, and after the power is turned on, information is processed by the slave processing unit. Since the processing program is stored in the secondary storage unit only when the program is first transferred to the secondary storage unit, from the time when the flag is set at power-on to the time when the processing program is transferred to the secondary storage unit Only during the period is a state where the processing program is not transferred to the secondary storage unit. Therefore, by transferring the processing program to the slave storage unit only when the flag is set, the processing program is transferred only when the processing program is not stored in the slave storage unit.

Further, in the computer system according to claim 5, the slave processing unit is configured to perform an abnormality process in the processing program stored in the main storage unit, the countermeasures being performed when an abnormality occurs in the slave processing unit. A processing program excluding a program is transferred to the slave storage unit.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the slave arithmetic processing unit transfers the processing program to the slave storage unit, the slave arithmetic processing unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the slave arithmetic unit in the processing program stored in the main storage unit. For example, an abnormal processing program for taking measures such as maintaining or displaying the state of the system at that time is not transferred, but is stored in the main storage unit, and a processing program other than the abnormal processing program is transferred. Therefore, for example, even when an abnormality occurs in the slave processing unit and the storage information in the slave storage unit is destroyed, the abnormality processing program of the slave processing unit is stored in the main storage unit. By reading and executing the abnormality processing program in the main storage unit, predetermined information at the time of abnormality is reliably collected.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer system according to the first embodiment.
For example, an arithmetic unit (main arithmetic unit) 10 composed of a personal computer or the like, and a plurality of option boards (slave arithmetic units) 20 including various types of expansion boards and the like added to expansion slots of the arithmetic unit 10 are provided. It is configured.

The arithmetic unit 10 includes, for example, a main processing unit 11 and a main startup program P for the main processing unit 11.
A main memory having at least a non-volatile storage _{area 1} and the main firmware P ₂ is stored (main storage unit) 12
And an auxiliary storage unit 13 storing a predetermined operation program for each option board 20, and a system bus 14 connecting these. Then, the arithmetic unit 10, when the power is turned on, it does this by reading the main startup program P ₁ to the main processing part 11 is stored in the main memory 12, the operation state of the operation unit 10 after migration, to do this sequentially reads the main firmware P ₂ which is stored in the main memory 12. Further, for example, the local startup program BP and the local firmware (processing program) FW for each option board 20 stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage unit 13 such as a hard disk device are stored in predetermined areas of the main memory 12. Write. Then, a start command is output to each option board 20.

On the other hand, each of the option boards 20 includes, for example, a local operation processing unit (slave operation processing unit) 21, a local RAM (slave storage unit) 23, and the system bus 14.
And an interface unit 24 connected thereto. These units are connected via an internal bus 25.

[0021] Figure 2 is shows the address space of the local processing unit 21, stores the local startup program BP regions A ₁ and the local firmware FW
The storage areas A ₂ assigned to the main memory 12, a work area A ₃ is assigned to the local RAM 23.

In the option board 20, when the power is turned on and a start command is notified from the main processing unit 11, the local processing unit 21 executes the main processing according to the allocation of the storage areas of the respective programs in FIG. The corresponding local activation program BP stored in the memory 12 is read and executed sequentially. Then, after shifting to the operable state, the local firmware FW stored in the main memory 12 based on a command from the main processing unit 11 thereafter.
Are sequentially read and executed.

Therefore, when the power of the computer system 100 is turned on, in the arithmetic unit 10, the main operation processing unit 11 executes the main start-up program P ₁ stored in the main memory 12.
Both migrate an arithmetic unit 10 in the operation state by the execution, performs a predetermined process by executing the main firmware P _2. Further, the local startup program BP and the local firmware FW for each option board 20 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 are read out and read from the main memory 12.
, Respectively, and then outputs a start command to each option board 20.

In response to this, each option board 20 reads out and sequentially executes the local start-up program BP stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12 predetermined for each option board 20. by this,
The option board 20 shifts to the operable state. Then, based on a command from the main memory 12, the main memory 12
The corresponding local firmware FW stored in the predetermined storage area is read and executed, and a predetermined operation is performed based on a command from the arithmetic unit 10.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the local activation program BP and the local firmware FW required by each option board 20 are stored and held in the arithmetic unit 10, and the local arithmetic processing unit 21
Then, the program stored in the main memory 12 of the arithmetic unit 10 is read and executed as if a local program stored in the option board 20 were executed. On the side, there is no need to store and hold the local startup program BP and the local firmware FW. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM on the option board 20, the component mounting area of the option board 20 can be reduced, and the size of the option board 20 can be reduced. Along with this,
The cost of the option board 20 can be reduced.

Further, the local startup program BP and local firmware FW, since stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, a main startup program P ₁ or the main firmware P _2, etc., executed by the main processing unit 11 It can be managed similarly to the processing program. Therefore,
For example with the change of the main firmware P ₂ even when it is necessary to change the local firmware FW,
The arithmetic unit 10 has nothing to do with the option board 20.
Changes can be made within.

In the case where the program is stored in a ROM or the like as in the prior art, a considerable amount of time is required to change the program, but the program is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Even when the local program BP or FW is changed, it can be easily changed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of a computer system according to the second embodiment. Since the device configuration of the computer system and the processing of the arithmetic unit 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment, their details will be described. Detailed description is omitted.

The arithmetic unit 10 according to the second embodiment
The local storage program 13 stores a local boot program BP and a local firmware FW for each option board. Each local boot program BP stores the local firmware FW in the local R.
A transfer program SP for transferring to a predetermined area of the AM 23 is added.

[0030] Figure 4 is shows the address space of the local processing unit 21 of the option board 20, the storage area A ₁ of the local startup program BP is allocated to the main memory 12, stores the local firmware FW Area A ₂ and work area A ₃ are local RAM
23.

Then, as in the first embodiment, when activated by the arithmetic unit 10, the option board 20 reads the local activation program BP allocated to the main memory 12 and executes it. Next, the transfer program SP added to the local start-up program BP is subsequently executed to transfer the local firmware FW stored in the main memory 12 to a predetermined area of the local RAM 23. Thereafter, based on a command from the main processing unit 11, the local RAM 23
A predetermined process is executed in accordance with the local firmware FW transferred to.

Therefore, when the power of the computer system 100 is turned on, the main processing unit 11
Stored by executing the main startup program P ₁ moves an arithmetic unit 10 to the operable state, the main memory is read out the boot program BP and firmware FW for local stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 After storing in the predetermined area of No. 12, a start command is output to the option board 20.

As a result, the local operation processing section 21 first executes the local start-up program BP stored in the main memory 12, and is brought into an operable state. Further, the transfer program added to the local activation program BP is executed, and the corresponding local firmware FW stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12 is transferred to its own local RAM 23.

Thereafter, the firmware FW stored in the local RAM 23 is sequentially read out and executed based on a command from the main processing unit 11. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the local operation processing unit 11 allows the local firmware FW after shifting to the operable state.
Does not need to access the main memory 12 via the interface unit 24 and the system bus 14 and only needs to access the local RAM 23 in the option board 20 having a shorter access time. The operation speed can be greatly improved, and the processing efficiency of the entire computer system 100 can be improved.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of a computer system according to the third embodiment. Since the device configuration of the computer system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The arithmetic unit 10 according to the third embodiment
The local storage program 13 stores a local boot program BP and a local firmware FW for each option board 20. Each local boot program BP stores the local firmware FW in a predetermined area of the local RAM 23. Transfer program SP to transfer to
Is added.

[0037] Then, the main processor unit 11, when the power is turned on, to do this sequentially reads the main startup program P ₁ stored in the main memory 12, the process proceeds to the operation state. Further, it reads out a predetermined local activation program BP and local firmware FW stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 and stores them in the main memory 12.
In a predetermined storage area. At this time, when the write flag F provided on each option board 20 is set to "1" and the communication with the option board 20 does not operate normally for some reason after the option board 20 is activated. Alternatively, when the option board 20 is returned to the state immediately after the power is turned on other than when the power is turned on, such as when the basic settings are changed on the arithmetic device 10 side, a start command is transmitted to the option board 20, The write flag F is reset to "0" (storage state detection means).

On the other hand, each of the option boards 20 includes a local operation processing unit 21, a local RAM 23, an interface unit 24, and an internal bus 2 as in the first embodiment.
5, the interface unit 24
A flag area 28 that stores the write flag F and that can be written from the main operation processing unit 11 and can be read from the local operation processing unit 21 is formed.

Further, the address space of the local processing unit 21 of the option board 20, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage area A ₁ of the local startup program BP is the main memory 1
The storage area A ₂ for the local firmware FW and the area A ₃ for the work are assigned to the local RAM 2.
Assigned to 3.

In the option board 20, when a start command is notified from the arithmetic unit 10, the local arithmetic processing unit 21 first refers to the write flag F in the flag area 28 formed in the interface unit 24, and If F = 1, the local activation program BP stored in the main memory 12 is sequentially executed, the transfer program SP is subsequently executed, and the local activation program BP stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12 is executed. The firmware FW is transferred to the local RAM 23. Thereafter, predetermined processing is executed in accordance with a command from the main processing unit 11 based on the local firmware FW in the local RAM 23. On the other hand, when the write flag F is F = 0, after sequentially executing the local activation program BP allocated to the main memory 12, the transfer program SP
, And waits for a command from the main processing unit 11. Thereafter, based on the command from the main processing unit 11, a predetermined process is executed according to the local firmware FW stored in the local RAM 23. .

Therefore, when the power of the computer system 100 is turned on, the main processing unit 11
To execute the main boot program P ₁ stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and subsequently reads out the local boot program BP and firmware FW for each option board 20 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. This is stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12, and in a flag area 28 formed in the interface section 24 of each option board 20, a write flag F is set to F = 1, and then a start command is issued to the option board 20. Output.

When the local operation processing unit 21 is notified of the start command, the local operation processing unit 21 first writes the write flag F in the flag area 28.
See In this case, since F = 1 is set, the local startup program BP stored in the main memory 12 is executed, and after the operable state, the transfer program SP is continuously executed to execute the predetermined operation of the main memory 12. Is transferred to the local RAM 23. Thereafter, the firmware FW stored in the local RAM 23 is sequentially read and executed based on a command from the main processing unit 11.

From this state, if, for example, communication with the option board 20 becomes defective for some reason, the main processing unit 11 outputs a start command to the option board 20 again and sets the write flag F to F
= 0 is set.

When the start command is notified, the option board 20 refers to the write flag F. In this case, F = 0
Therefore, after the local startup program BP stored in the main memory 12 is executed to be in an operable state, the state is awaiting a command from the main processing unit 11. At this time, when restarting, the local RAM 23 stores
When the computer system 100 is powered on, the local arithmetic processing unit 21
Since the local firmware FW transferred to the storage device 23 remains stored, there is no problem even if the local firmware FW is not transferred.

The local operation processing unit 21 executes a predetermined process based on a command from the main operation processing unit 11 in accordance with the local firmware FW already stored.

Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the local RAM 23
In the case where the firmware FW is already stored in the local RAM 23 at the time when the start command is notified, for example, when the firmware FW is stored, the local arithmetic processing is performed. Since the firmware FW is not transferred in the unit 21, the time required until the option board 20 can receive the command from the main processing unit 11 can be greatly reduced.

Also, the option board 20 is activated once and the local firmware F is stored in the local RAM 23.
When the W is transferred, the local firmware FW of the main memory 12 will not be called thereafter. Therefore, the memory area of the main memory 12 in which the local firmware FW is stored is replaced by the main arithmetic processing unit 11. The main memory 12 can be used effectively as a work area or other areas.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a computer system according to the fourth embodiment. This computer system 100
Is composed of an arithmetic unit 10 and a plurality of option boards 20 as in the first embodiment.

The arithmetic unit 10 includes a main operation processing unit 11 and a main operation processing unit 1 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
1, a main memory 12 storing a main boot program P ₁ and a main firmware P _{2 to} be executed, an auxiliary storage unit 13 storing a local boot program BP and a local firmware FW for each option board,
A transfer program SP for transferring the local firmware FW to the local RAM 23 is added to the local start program BP. When the power is turned on, the main processing unit 11 executes the main boot program P ₁ stored in the main memory 12 to be in an operable state, and executes predetermined processing according to the main firmware P _2. At the same time, the local startup program BP and the local firmware FW for each option board stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 are read and stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12, and then a startup command is output to the option board 20. I do.

On the other hand, each option board 20 includes a local operation processing section 21, a local RAM 23, an interface section 24, an internal bus 25 connecting them, and a flag setting circuit (setting means) for setting a write flag F.
29. The interface unit 2
4, a flag area 28 for storing a write flag F, which is readable and writable from the local arithmetic processing unit 21, is formed.

The flag setting circuit 29 is formed of, for example, a contact circuit, and sets the write flag F to 1 when the power to the option board 20 is turned on. The address space of the local processing unit 21 of the option board 20, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage area A ₁ of the local startup program BP is allocated to the main memory 12, storage area A of the local firmware FW
₂ and a work area A ₃ are allocated to the local RAM 23.

The local operation processing unit 21
When the start command is notified, the flag area 28 of the interface section 24 is referred to, and when the write flag F is F = 1, it is set to F = 0 (reset means) and stored in the main memory 12. The local activation program BP is executed. Then, the flag area 28
When the write flag F of F is 1, the transfer program SP attached to the local start program BP is executed following the local start program BP, and the local firmware FW stored in the main memory 12 is transferred to the local RAM. . Then, thereafter, predetermined processing is executed according to the local firmware FW of the local RAM. On the other hand, when the write flag F is F = 0, after executing the local start program BP, the transfer program SP is not transferred, and the predetermined processing is performed according to the local firmware FW already stored in the local RAM 23. Execute

Therefore, when the power of the computer system 100 is turned on, the main processing unit 11
Executing the main boot program P ₁ stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 to make the arithmetic unit 10 operable, and subsequently reading out the local boot program BP and firmware FW for each option board stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 After storing this in a predetermined area of the main memory 12, a start command is output to each option board 20.

In the option board 20, when the power is supplied, the flag setting circuit 29 operates to set the write flag F in the flag area 28 of the interface section 24 to F = 1. Then, when the start instruction is notified, the local arithmetic processing unit 21 first refers to the write flag F in the flag area 28. In this case, since F = 1 is set, after setting this to F = 0, the local startup program BP stored in the main memory 12 is executed, and after transition to the operable state, the transfer program is continued. SP
Execute Then, the local firmware FW stored in a predetermined area of the main memory 12 is stored in the local R
Transfer to AM23. Then, thereafter, the main operation processing unit 11
The firmware FW stored in the local RAM 23 is sequentially read and executed on the basis of the command from the CPU, and a predetermined process is performed.

In this state, if the communication with the option board 20 becomes defective due to any cause, for example, the main arithmetic processing unit 11 causes the local arithmetic processing unit 21
, And the option board 20 is restarted.

Upon receiving the start instruction, the option board 20 first receives a write flag F.
See In this case, since F = 0, the local activation program B stored in the main memory 12
After the execution of P and the operation state, the transfer program SP is not executed, and a command is issued from the main processing unit 11. Then, when a command is issued from the main processing unit 11, at this time, the local firmware FW transferred when the power to the computer system 100 is turned on is already stored in the local RAM 23. A predetermined process is executed according to the local firmware FW stored in the RAM 23.

Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the setting of the write flag F is not performed by the main processing unit 11, and the flag setting circuit 29 is used.
Automatically set when the power is turned on, the processing in the main processing unit 11 can be reduced,
The addition of the main processing unit 11 is reduced, and the computer system 10
0 can further improve the processing efficiency.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of a computer system according to the fifth embodiment.

The device configuration of the computer system 100 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The arithmetic unit 10 according to the fifth embodiment includes a main arithmetic processing unit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, and a system bus 14. A local startup program BP, an abnormality processing program FW ₁ including a branch destination vector of processing for saving or displaying a system state when an abnormality occurs in the option board 20, and an option board 20. a local firmware FW ₂ to execute processing other than the abnormality processing program FW ₁ are stored in the locally startup program BP is the local firmware FW ₂ is added transfer program SP to be transferred to the local RAM23 I have.

Then, in the main processing unit 11, the power is turned on.
Is performed, the main startup program P ₁Run this on
When it becomes more operable, the main firmware P_TwoTo
Therefore, while executing predetermined processing, the auxiliary storage unit 1
3 row for each option board 20
Startup program BP and abnormality processing program FW ₁
And local firmware FW_TwoAnd read
It is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 12. And optional
A start command is output to the board 20.

The option board 20 comprises a local operation processing section 21, a local RAM 23, an interface section 24, and an internal bus 25 connecting these sections.

FIG. 8 shows an address space of the local operation processing unit 21 in the fifth embodiment.
Storage area A ₁ for storing local activation program BP
Storage area A ₄ for storing the abnormality processing program FW ₁
Is allocated to the main memory 12, and a storage area A ₂ for storing the local firmware FW ₂ and a work area for the local arithmetic processing unit 21 are allocated to the local RAM 23.

When the local arithmetic processing unit 21 is turned on and activated by the main arithmetic processing unit 11,
The main processing unit 11 reads and executes the local activation program BP in the main memory 12 and
Is transferred to the operating state, the transfer program is subsequently executed to transfer the local firmware FW ₂ stored in the main memory 12 to the local RAM 23.
Then, thereafter, according to the local firmware FW ₂ stored in the local RAM23 based on a command from the main processor unit 11, performs predetermined processing. In addition, if any abnormality occurs in the option board 20 and the option board 20 cannot return to the operation state,
Error processing program FW stored in main memory 12
Step ₁ is executed, and abnormal processing such as storage or display of information necessary for analyzing the abnormality of the system state or the like is performed.

Therefore, when the power is turned on to the computer system 100, the arithmetic unit 10
Executes the main boot program P ₁ to be in an operable state, and the local boot program BP, the abnormality processing program FW ₁ , and the local firmware F for each option board 20 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13.
To store the W ₂ to the main memory 12. Then, a start command is output to each option board 20.

In the option board 20, when the start command is notified, the local arithmetic processing unit 21 sequentially reads out and executes the local start program BP stored in the main memory 12, and shifts to the operable state. . Then, the transfer program SP is executed to transfer the local firmware FW ₂ stored in the main memory 12 to the local RAM 23, and thereafter, the local firmware FW ₂ stored in the local RAM 23 based on a command from the main processing unit 11. according firmware FW _2, executes a predetermined process.

From this state, if for some reason, for example, the storage contents of the local RAM 23 are destroyed and the option board 20 becomes inoperable and cannot return to the operation state, the local arithmetic processing unit 21 stores it in the main memory 12. Abnormal processing program FW ₁
To perform processing such as storage or display of the current state of the system.

Therefore, at this time, for example, the local RAM 2
If the 3 to the abnormality processing program FW ₁ was stored, when the stored contents of the local RAM23 is destroyed, the content of the abnormality processing program FW ₁ also becomes be destroyed, the system at abnormal state etc., can not be collected abnormality predetermined information needed for the analysis, but the abnormality processing program FW ₁ is it is so arranged and stored in the main memory 12, ensure the predetermined information required by abnormality analysis It can be collected, and the reliability of the computer system can be further improved.

Further, since the local firmware FW ₂ is transferred to the local RAM 23 and read out and executed, the same operation and effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

As in the third or fourth embodiment, the state of writing the local firmware FW ₂ to the local RAM 23 is monitored and the local RAM 23
When the already written local firmware FW ₂ is restart, it is possible not to perform the transfer of local firmware FW _2.

In each of the above embodiments, the local start program B for each option board 20 is used.
P and firmware FW or abnormality processing program F
W ₁ and the local firmware FW ₂ are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and when the arithmetic unit 10 is started, the main arithmetic processing unit 11 stores each local program in the main memory 1.
2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to store the data in the main memory 12 in advance. Also, the main firmware P ₂ may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, read out from the auxiliary storage unit 13 together with the local programs BP and FW, and written in the main memory 12 at startup. .

In each of the above embodiments, the case where an expansion board is applied as a slave processor has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a lower computer that performs a predetermined process according to a command from a higher computer. Etc. can be applied.

[0072]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the computer system of the above, the operation program for operating the sub-processing unit is stored in the main storage unit of the main processing unit, and the sub-processing unit reads out and executes the operation program of the main storage unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a nonvolatile storage unit for storing an operation program in, for example, an expansion board or the like having a slave operation processing unit, and thus the expansion board or the like can be reduced in size.

According to the computer system of the second aspect of the present invention, a start program for shifting the sub-processing unit of the sub-processing unit to the operable state and a command from the main processing unit of the main processing unit. A processing program for performing a process according to is stored in the main storage unit of the main processing unit, and the sub-processing unit executes the start-up program at the time of startup, and then transfers the processing program to the sub-storage unit. Since the processing program stored in the slave storage unit is read and executed, there is no need to provide a non-volatile storage unit for storing and holding the programs in the slave arithmetic unit. And the processing can be performed in the same read time as in the related art.

Further, according to the computer system according to the third aspect of the present invention, at the time of startup, the slave arithmetic processing unit detects that the processing program is not stored in the slave storage unit by the storage state detecting means. Only when the processing program is transferred to the secondary storage unit, it is not necessary to transfer the processing program again in a state where the processing program is already stored in the secondary storage unit, for example, when restarting. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time required for the arithmetic processing unit to be able to receive a command from the main arithmetic processing unit at the time of restart.

According to the computer system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the flag is set by the setting means when the power supply to the slave arithmetic unit is turned on, and reset when the processing program is transferred to the slave storage unit. Since the flag is reset by the means, for example, it is possible to easily detect the state of writing the processing program into the secondary storage unit without imposing a load on the main processing unit and the like.

Further, according to the computer system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, among the processing programs required by the sub-processing unit, the abnormal processing program is stored in the main storage unit. Even when the information stored in the storage unit is destroyed, it is possible to reliably execute the abnormality processing program and collect predetermined information, and perform accurate abnormality analysis.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a computer system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an address space of a local operation processing unit 21 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of a computer system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an address space of a local operation processing unit 21 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an example of a computer system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of a computer system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a computer system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an address space of a local operation processing unit 21 according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional computer system.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an address space of a local operation processing unit 21 in a conventional computer system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 arithmetic unit 11 main processing unit 12 main memory 20 option board 21 local processing unit 23 local RAM 28 flag area 100 computer system

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A computer system comprising: a main processing unit having a main processing unit and a main storage unit; and a sub-processing unit that operates based on a command from the main processing unit.
An operation program for operating the slave operation processing unit is stored in the main storage unit, and the slave operation processing unit reads the operation program stored in the main storage unit and executes the operation program. Characteristic computer system. 2. A main processing unit having a main processing unit and a main storage unit, a sub-processing unit and a sub-storage unit activated by the main processing unit and operated in response to a command from the main processing unit. And a processing program for performing a process in accordance with a command from the main processing unit, wherein the starting program for shifting the sub processing unit to an operable state is provided. Stored in the main storage unit, the sub-operation processing unit transfers the processing program to the sub-storage unit after executing the start-up program stored in the main storage unit at start-up, and thereafter to the sub-storage unit A computer system wherein a stored processing program is read and executed. 3. A storage state detecting means for detecting whether or not the processing program is stored in the sub-storage section, wherein the sub-operation processing section executes the processing program by the storage state detecting means at startup. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the processing program is transferred to the secondary storage unit only when it is detected that the processing program is not stored in the secondary storage unit. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: setting means for setting a flag when power is supplied to the slave arithmetic unit; and reset means for resetting the flag when the processing program is transferred to the slave storage unit. 3. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the sub-operation processing unit transfers the processing program to the sub-storage unit only when the flag is set. 5. The sub-operation processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the processing programs stored in the main storage unit include a processing program excluding an abnormal processing program for coping with the occurrence of an abnormality in the sub-operation device. 5. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the data is transferred to a computer.