Intel is set to launch its new Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” processors, which will feature a new capability called Structure-Based Functional Testing (SBAF) to ensure the health of CPU cores. This technology has been in development by Intel Linux engineers for the past two years and is aimed at helping identify any silicon defects in the CPU cores before the launch of new servers or during ongoing operations.
The In-Field Scan driver, developed by Intel, has been supporting the ability to check CPU status and detect defects since the Xeon “Sapphire Rapids” processors. This technology is especially useful for hyperscalers, cloud providers, and other users who need to perform functional tests on the internal components of the processor to ensure its health. With the upcoming Granite Rapids processors, the field scanning technology will now include SBAF testing.
Intel Linux engineer Kuppuswamy Sathyanarayanan recently released a new set of patches to extend the IFS Linux kernel driver to support SBAF testing. This new capability will enable comprehensive testing of CPU cores using DFT observation sites and functions, maximizing test coverage in a minimal amount of time. The SBAF test isolates the core under test from the rest of the system during execution, ensuring that any machine checks or crashes are limited to the isolated core and do not disrupt the overall system.
The IFS driver additions for SBAF testing are expected to be ready for integration in time for the Linux v6.11 kernel cycle if development progresses smoothly.
Overall, the new Intel Xeon 6 processors with the SBAF capability will provide users with a reliable way to verify the health of CPU cores and detect any defects, ensuring smooth operation and ongoing performance. This technology will be especially valuable for data centers, cloud providers, and other users who rely on Intel server processors for their computing needs.
Article Source
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-Granite-Rapids-SBAF-IFS
