Insights

Unlocking excellence: The power of firmware validation services for high-performance computing and AI

In the world of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI), firmware validation plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration and functioning of various hardware and software components.

UST Silicon Engineering delves into the significance of firmware validation services, particularly focusing on UEFI, BMC, GPU, and accelerator product lines like MI300, Hopper and Gaudi, as well as other critical technologies.

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1) The role of firmware validation

Firmware validation is an essential process that verifies the compatibility and performance of firmware with hardware components. It encompasses defining and developing test content for validation, executing tests on server platforms, and covering end-to-end system-level tests. These tests simulate real-world scenarios such as customer use cases and functional and rack-level tests.

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2) Achieving excellence in high-performance computing

A specialized team takes charge of firmware development, validation, and deployment for various product lines. The team collaborates closely with major hyperscalers to create high-performance AI chipsets, which are set to revolutionize the future of smart devices and applications.

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3) UEFI and BMC: The core of server and data center operations

The team behind the development of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) has crafted firmware that allows chipsets to boot from various devices and platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Android. UEFI provides critical security features and power management functionalities that are indispensable for data center servers.

In addition to UEFI, UST Silicon Engineering holds expertise in all three major BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) code stacks, i.e., AMI, Vertiv, and OpenBMC, with protocols like I2C, I3C, SPI, IPMI, RedFish, on X86 architecture.

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4) GPU and accelerator integration

UST’s AI Accelerator team leverages its expertise and experience with leading-edge AI chipsets to ensure compatibility and stability. The team tests and optimizes the performance of GPUs (graphics processing units) and accelerators on various workloads using PCIe protocols such as deep learning, high-performance computing, and computing tasks like image processing, natural language processing, and data analysis. The team tests and optimizes the performance of GPUs and accelerators on various workloads using PCIe protocols. The emphasis is on testing AI chipsets by facilitating high-speed data transfer between servers and AI accelerators, ensuring efficient processing of large datasets.

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5) Pioneering innovation in AI and HPC

UST Engineering has taken ownership of the end-to-end firmware validation activity of servers using MI-300/Hopper, primarily used for data center servers catering to machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. More than 400 test cases are executed with each release, covering a wide range of test features.

Engaging in system C-modeling for upcoming AI chips, UST Silicon Engineering plays a crucial role in shaping the future of AI technology. They are also responsible for enhancing RAS features, hardware diagnostics, and telemetry on current and upcoming products while continuously developing, validating, and automating test content related to PCIe, RAS, and firmware.

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Conclusion

At UST, Firmware validation services form the backbone of high-performance computing and AI applications, ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. Through expert development, validation, and optimization, the team is unlocking new possibilities in high-performance computing and AI, paving the way for the next generation of smart devices and applications. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we are shaping the future of technology for the better.

RESOURCES

https://ust.com/en/silicon-engineering

https://ust.com/en/silicon-engineering/post-silicon-engineering