Patent ID: 6178445
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for determining a master processor in an information handling system containing a plurality of processors, comprising the steps of:assigning a logical identifier to each processor, wherein the logical identifier is unique for each processor, and wherein the logical identifier determines a priority for each processor;bringing each processor on-line; anddeciding, by each processor, in response to being brought on-line, if it is the master processor, wherein said deciding step includes the steps of:indicating, by each processor, that it is functioning, wherein said indicating includes writing a first indicator into a first designated memory area, wherein each processor has a unique first designated memory area;determining if the master processor has already been selected, wherein said determining includes checking a global flag;if the master processor has not already been selected, determining if one or more higher priority processors is functioning, wherein said determining includes checking the first designated memory area of each higher priority processor;if no higher priority processor is functioning, then committing to be the master processor, wherein said committing includes writing a second indicator into a second designated memory area, wherein each processor has a unique second designated memory area;determining if one or more other processors has committed to be the master processor, wherein said determining includes checking the second designated memory area of each of the other processors;if one or more other processors has committed to be the master processor, de-committing to be the master processor; andif no other processor has committed to be the master processor, indicating that the master processor has been determined, wherein said indicating includes setting the global flag.