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Adrien Bourmault 2024-08-21 21:27:29 +02:00
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GPG Key ID: 57BC26A3687116F6
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28
Makefile
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@ -1,23 +1,25 @@
.PHONY: clean distclean all bibliography
.PHONY: clean distclean all force_update
all: hardware_init_review.pdf
XELATEX=xelatex -shell-escape
DOC=hardware_init_review
all: $(DOC).pdf
clean:
rm -rf *.log *.bak *.out *.xml *.gz *.aux *.bcf *.blg
distclean: clean
rm -rf *.bbl *.pdf *.toc
rm -rf *.bbl *.pdf *.toc $(DOC).bibready
bibliography: hardware_init_review.bbl
$(DOC).bibready:
$(XELATEX) $(DOC).tex
touch $(DOC).bibready
hardware_init_review.bbl: bibliographie.bib hardware_init_review.bcf
biber hardware_init_review
$(DOC).bbl: $(DOC).bibready bibliographie.bib
biber $(DOC)
hardware_init_review.bcf:
xelatex hardware_init_review.tex
$(DOC).pdf: $(DOC).bbl $(DOC).tex
$(XELATEX) $(DOC).tex
hardware_init_review.toc:
xelatex hardware_init_review.tex
hardware_init_review.pdf: hardware_init_review.bbl hardware_init_review.toc
xelatex hardware_init_review.tex
force_update: $(DOC).toc
$(XELATEX) $(DOC).tex

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hardware_init_review.pdf
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87
hardware_init_review.tex
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@ -8,9 +8,9 @@
% setup bibliography
\addbibresource{bibliographie.bib}
% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\begin{document}{
% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\sloppy % allow flexible margins
@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
\newpage
% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% License page
% License header
% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\setcounter{page}{2}
@ -695,11 +695,11 @@ research and advocacy for free software-compatible hardware.
physical disk, referred to here as ROM. A number of independent components, each
with a header added to the data, are located within the ROM. The components are
nominally arranged sequentially, although they are aligned along a predefined
boundary \ref{fig:coreboot_diagram}). \\
boundary (fig. \ref{fig:coreboot_diagram}). \\
Each stage is compiled as a separate binary and inserted into the CBFS with
custom compression. The \textbf{bootblock} is usually not compressed, while the
\textbf{ramstage} and the \textbf{payload} are compressed with LZMA.
custom compression. The bootblock stage is usually not compressed, while the
ramstage and the payload are compressed with LZMA.
Each stage loads the next stage at a given address (possibly decompressing it
in the process). \\
@ -713,7 +713,7 @@ research and advocacy for free software-compatible hardware.
\end{figure}
Some stages are relocatable and can be placed anywhere in the RAM. These stages
are typically cached in the \textbf{CBMEM} for faster loading times during
are typically cached in the CBMEM for faster loading times during
wake-up. The CBMEM is a specific memory area used by the
\textit{coreboot} firmware to store important data structures and logs during the
boot process. This area is typically allocated in the system's RAM and is used to
@ -722,52 +722,70 @@ research and advocacy for free software-compatible hardware.
\subsection{Bootblock stage}
The \textbf{bootblock} is the first stage executed after the CPU reset.
The bootblock is the first stage executed after the CPU reset.
The beginning of this stage is written in assembly language, and its main task is
to set everything up for a C environment. The rest, of course, is written in C.
\\
The \textbf{bootblock} occupies the last 20k and within it is a main
header containing information about the ROM, including the size, component
alignment, and the offset of the start of the first CBFS component in the ROM.
This block is a mandatory component of the ROM as it also contains the entry
point of the firmware. \\
This stage occupies the last 20k (fig. \ref{fig:coreboot_diagram}) of the image
and within it is a main header containing information about the ROM, including
the size, component alignment, and the offset of the start of the first CBFS
component in the ROM.
This block is a mandatory component as it also contains the entry point of the
firmware. \\
Upon startup, this stage is responsible for the initial hardware setup, which
involves identifying and configuring the CPU. This process is particularly
significant for AMD Family 10h/15h processors, where the firmware sets up the
Bootstrap Processor (BSP) and executes the necessary initialization routines.
Using the BSP, it enables the processor's cache, a small but fast type of memory
Bootstrap Processor (BSP) and executes the necessary initialization routines:
using the BSP, it enables the processor's cache, a small but fast type of memory
that stores frequently accessed data, improving overall system speed by reducing
data access time. However, the cache is there used as memory since DDR DIMMs are
not available yet. It is done by programing the \textbf{Memory Type Range
Registers} (MTRRs), which define how different ranges of system memory are
accessed, such as whether they are cacheable or non-cacheable, used to optimize
memory performance on normal operation.
not available yet. This is done by programming the Memory Type Range
Registers (MTRRs), which define how different ranges of system memory are
accessed such as whether they are cacheable or non-cacheable, used to optimize
memory performance on normal operation \cite{BKDG}.
The firmware will then set the stack pointer, allocate memory for the BSS, and
decompress and load the next stage. On x86 platforms, this process also includes
updating the CPU microcode, initializing the timer, and transitioning from 16-bit
real mode to 32-bit protected mode. The \textbf{bootblock} is responsible for
loading the romstage, or the verstage if verified boot is enabled.
real mode to 32-bit protected mode. The bootblock is responsible for
loading the romstage, or the verstage if verified boot is enabled
\cite{coreboot_docs}.
\subsection{Romstage}
The firmware also configures the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
(APIC), which manages how the processor handles interrupts to ensure
the system can respond efficiently to hardware and
software events. Lastly, it sets up the routing for HyperTransport (HT)
The purpose of the romstage is the early initialization of peripherals,
particularly system memory. The firmware also configures the Advanced
Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC), responsible in handling interrupts
correctly across multiple CPUs, particularly in systems that use Symmetric
Multiprocessing (SMP).
In this phase, \textit{coreboot} sets up the APIC to manage interrupt routing,
which includes configuring the Local APIC on each processor and the IOAPIC, part
of the southbridge, for routing interrupts from peripherals to the appropriate
CPUs.
Lastly, it sets up the routing for HyperTransport (HT)
technology, a high-speed communication protocol used for data exchange between
the processor and the northbridge, ensuring that data flows smoothly
between these components.
between these components. \\
Memory training and optimization are key functions of the firmware. During this
process, the firmware adjusts memory settings, such as timings, frequencies, and
voltages, to ensure that the installed memory modules operate efficiently and
stably. This step is crucial for achieving optimal performance, especially when
dealing with large amounts of RAM for a large amount of CPU cores, as
supported by the KGPE-D16. \\
supported by the KGPE-D16. We will dive into this topic later on. \\
\subsection{Ramstage}
The ramstage performs the general initialization of all peripherals, including
the initialization of PCI devices, on-chip devices, the TPM (if not done by
verstage), graphics (optional), and the CPU (setting up the System Management
Mode). After this initialization, tables are written to inform the payload or
operating system about the existence and current state of the hardware. These
tables include ACPI tables (specific to x86), SMBIOS tables (specific to x86),
coreboot tables, and updates to the device tree (specific to ARM). Additionally,
the ramstage locks down the hardware and firmware by applying write protection to
boot media, locking security-related registers, and locking SMM (specific to
x86). \\
Effective resource allocation is essential for system stability, particularly in
complex configurations involving multiple CPUs and peripherals. The firmware
manages resource allocation, resolving any conflicts between hardware components
@ -789,6 +807,16 @@ research and advocacy for free software-compatible hardware.
TODO
\begin{listing}[H]
\begin{adjustwidth}{0.5cm}{0.5cm}
\inputminted{c}{listings/test.c}
\end{adjustwidth}
\caption{\textit{Example Python functions}}
\label{lst:python_code}
\end{listing}
We saw that in (lst. \ref{lst:python_code}).
\section{Advanced Configuration and Power Interface}
The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is a critical component
@ -1587,3 +1615,4 @@ free software license, such as the GNU General Public License,
to permit their use in free software.
\end{document}

72
hardware_init_review.toc
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\babel@toc {english}{}\relax
\contentsline {chapter}{Abstract}{5}{chapter*.1}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {1}Introduction to firmware and BIOS evolution}{6}{chapter.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.1}Historical context of BIOS}{6}{section.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.1.1}Definition and origin}{6}{subsection.1.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.1.2}Functionalities and limitations}{7}{subsection.1.1.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.2}Modern BIOS and UEFI}{8}{section.1.2}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.2.1}Transition from traditional BIOS to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)}{8}{subsection.1.2.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.2.2}An other way with \textit {coreboot}}{8}{subsection.1.2.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.3}Shift in firmware responsibilities}{10}{section.1.3}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {2}Characteristics of ASUS KGPE-D16 mainboard}{11}{chapter.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.1}Overview of ASUS KGPE-D16 hardware}{12}{section.2.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.2}Chipset}{13}{section.2.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.3}Processors}{15}{section.2.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.4}Baseboard Management Controller}{16}{section.2.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {3}Key components in modern firmware [WIP]}{18}{chapter.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.1}General structure of coreboot}{18}{section.3.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.1}Bootblock stage}{19}{subsection.3.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.2}Romstage}{19}{subsection.3.1.2}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.3}Ramstage}{20}{subsection.3.1.3}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.4}Payload}{20}{subsection.3.1.4}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.2}Advanced Configuration and Power Interface}{20}{section.3.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.3}System Management Mode}{21}{section.3.3}%
\contentsline {chapter}{Abstract}{4}{chapter*.1}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {1}Introduction to firmware and BIOS evolution}{5}{chapter.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.1}Historical context of BIOS}{5}{section.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.1.1}Definition and origin}{5}{subsection.1.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.1.2}Functionalities and limitations}{6}{subsection.1.1.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.2}Modern BIOS and UEFI}{7}{section.1.2}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.2.1}Transition from traditional BIOS to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)}{7}{subsection.1.2.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {1.2.2}An other way with \textit {coreboot}}{7}{subsection.1.2.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {1.3}Shift in firmware responsibilities}{9}{section.1.3}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {2}Characteristics of ASUS KGPE-D16 mainboard}{10}{chapter.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.1}Overview of ASUS KGPE-D16 hardware}{11}{section.2.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.2}Chipset}{12}{section.2.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.3}Processors}{14}{section.2.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {2.4}Baseboard Management Controller}{15}{section.2.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {3}Key components in modern firmware [WIP]}{17}{chapter.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.1}General structure of coreboot}{17}{section.3.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.1}Bootblock stage}{18}{subsection.3.1.1}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.2}Romstage}{18}{subsection.3.1.2}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.3}Ramstage}{19}{subsection.3.1.3}%
\contentsline {subsection}{\numberline {3.1.4}Payload}{19}{subsection.3.1.4}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.2}Advanced Configuration and Power Interface}{19}{section.3.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.3}System Management Mode}{20}{section.3.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {3.4}AMD Platform Security Processor and Intel Management Engine}{21}{section.3.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {4}Memory initialization and training algorithms [WIP]}{23}{chapter.4}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.1}Importance of memory initialization}{23}{section.4.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.2}Memory training algorithms}{23}{section.4.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.3}Practical examples}{24}{section.4.3}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {5}Firmware and hardware virtualization [WIP]}{25}{chapter.5}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.1}Introduction to hardware virtualization}{25}{section.5.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.2}Role of BIOS/UEFI in virtualization}{25}{section.5.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.3}Security and freedom considerations}{25}{section.5.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.4}Future trends in firmware and virtualization}{25}{section.5.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{Conclusion}{26}{chapter*.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.5}Summary of key points}{26}{section.5.5}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.6}Call for action}{26}{section.5.6}%
\contentsline {chapter}{Bibliography}{27}{section.5.6}%
\contentsline {chapter}{GNU Free Documentation License}{32}{chapter*.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {4}Memory initialization and training algorithms [WIP]}{22}{chapter.4}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.1}Importance of memory initialization}{22}{section.4.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.2}Memory training algorithms}{22}{section.4.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {4.3}Practical examples}{23}{section.4.3}%
\contentsline {chapter}{\numberline {5}Firmware and hardware virtualization [WIP]}{24}{chapter.5}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.1}Introduction to hardware virtualization}{24}{section.5.1}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.2}Role of BIOS/UEFI in virtualization}{24}{section.5.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.3}Security and freedom considerations}{24}{section.5.3}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.4}Future trends in firmware and virtualization}{24}{section.5.4}%
\contentsline {chapter}{Conclusion}{25}{chapter*.2}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.5}Summary of key points}{25}{section.5.5}%
\contentsline {section}{\numberline {5.6}Call for action}{25}{section.5.6}%
\contentsline {chapter}{Bibliography}{26}{section.5.6}%
\contentsline {chapter}{GNU Free Documentation License}{31}{chapter*.4}%

4
listings/test.c Normal file
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@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
void main(int a, int b)
{
return 0;
}

14
packages.tex
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@ -13,9 +13,11 @@
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[english]{babel}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{listings}
\usepackage{listing}
\usepackage{minted}
\usepackage{xcolor}
\usepackage{chngcntr}
\usepackage{changepage}
\usepackage[a4paper, portrait, margin=1.45cm]{geometry}
\title{Titre du mémoire}
\author{Nom et prénom de l'auteur}
@ -46,3 +48,13 @@
\renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault}
\setlength\parindent{0pt}
\usemintedstyle{solarized-light}
\definecolor{bg}{HTML}{FAF9F6}
\definecolor{linenumcolor}{rgb}{0.6, 0.6, 0.6} % Light gray color
%\renewcommand{\theFancyVerbLine}{\textcolor{linenumcolor}{\arabic{FancyVerbLine}}}
\setminted{
linenos,
numbersep=5pt,
bgcolor=bg
}