Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality, Computer Engineering

Assignment Help:

In a raw Itanium, a "Processor Abstraction Layer" (PAL) is integrated into the system. When it is booted the PAL is loaded into the CPU and gives a low-level interface that abstracts some instructions and gives a mechanism for processor updates distributed via a BIOS update.

During BIOS initialization an additional layer of code, the "System Abstraction Layer" (SAL) is loaded that gives a uniform API for execution-specific platform functions.

On top of the PAL/SAL interface sits the "Extensible Firmware Interface" (EFI). EFI is not part of the IA-64 architecture but by convention it is needed on all IA-64 systems. It is a easy API for access to logical aspects of the system (display, storage, keyboard, etc) combined with a lightweight runtime environment (same to DOS) that allows basic system administration tasks such as configuring storage adapters, flashing BIOS and running an OS boot-loader.

Once the OS has been booted, some aspects of the PAL/SAL/EFI stack remain resident in memory and can be accessed by the OS to perform low-level tasks that are implementation-dependent on the underlying hardware.


Related Discussions:- Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality

Explain the accuracy of an ADC, Explain the Accuracy o f an ADC. Ans...

Explain the Accuracy o f an ADC. Ans Accuracy- The accuracy of D to A converter is the difference among actual output voltage and the expected output voltage in D to A c

What is check box, A dialog box, generally square, that records an on or of...

A dialog box, generally square, that records an on or off value.

What is the best way offload responsibility, What is the best way offload r...

What is the best way offload responsibility? The best way to offload responsibilities is to purchase services through a Service Provider. ISPs, customers and Service Provide

Explain what the difference between the two readings, The following sentenc...

The following sentences have a (potential) scope ambiguity. Give two translations into predicate logic for each sentence (one formula for each reading), and explain in words what t

Standards for scan codes, Q. Standards for scan codes ? There are 3 sta...

Q. Standards for scan codes ? There are 3 standards for scan codes: Mode1 (83-key keyboard PC, PC-XT) and Mode2 (84-key AT keyboard) and Mode3 (101-key keyboard onwards). In Mo

Explain about behavioral notations, Explain about Behavioral Notations ...

Explain about Behavioral Notations These notations contain dynamic elements of the model.  Their elements comprise interaction and the state machine. It also comprise classe

Branch (control) hazards in computer architecture, Branch (control) hazards...

Branch (control) hazards in computer architecture : Branching hazards (also called control hazards) take place when the processor is told to branch -for example, if a defin

Determine the primary memory of the server, Determine the primary memory of...

Determine the primary memory of the server The keys used for accessing the server are held at a secret location in the primary memory of the server. This area or location is hi

Bank prevent an infinite loop, a) Write a program that figures out how long...

a) Write a program that figures out how long it will take to pay off a credit card by making payments of $10 every month. Take care to avoid infinite loops. (How would a bank preve

What is roll area, What is roll area? A roll area having the program's...

What is roll area? A roll area having the program's runtime context.  In addition to the runtime stack and other structures, all local variables and any data known to the prog

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd