Patent ID: 7523350
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for automatically selectively booting from redundant copies of a stored program in a storage-controller to tolerate a fault in up to all but one of the copies, the controller having a processor that begins fetching instructions of the stored program each time the processor is reset, the apparatus comprising: a timer, coupled to the processor, configured to commence running when the processor is reset a first time, and to reset the processor a second time if said timer expires, wherein said timer is further configured to recommence runing when resetting the processor said second time, and to reset the processor a third time if said timer expires after re-commencing; and selection logic, coupled to the processor, configured to select a first of the redundant copies for provision to the processor in response to said first reset, and to select a second of the redundant copies other than said first of the redundant copies for provision to the processor in response to said second reset, wherein said selection logic is further configured to select said first of the redundant copies for provision to the processor when said timer resets the processor said third time, wherein the storage controller comprises a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) controller, wherein the stored program comprises a program for controlling a redundant array of inexpensive disks.