Are you intrigued by the world of PCIe Advanced Error Reporting (AER)? Do you want to delve into the intricacies of this crucial technology? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore PCIe AER in detail, covering its various aspects and shedding light on its significance. So, let’s embark on this journey and uncover the wonders of PCIe AER.
Understanding PCIe AER
PCIe AER, or Advanced Error Reporting, is a vital feature of PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) that enables the reporting of PCIe error information. It is an integral part of PCIe’s RAS (Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability) capabilities. PCIe AER plays a crucial role in identifying and resolving errors that may occur within the PCIe ecosystem.
Types of PCIe Errors
PCIe AER distinguishes between two types of errors: correctable errors and uncorrectable errors.
| Type of Error | Description |
|---|---|
| Correctable Errors | These errors can be resolved by the hardware itself, without any intervention from the user or the operating system. |
| Uncorrectable Errors | These errors cannot be resolved by the hardware and may impact the functionality of the PCIe device or the system as a whole. |
Uncorrectable errors are further categorized into two types: ERRFATAL and ERRNONFATAL. ERRFATAL errors are critical and can affect the PCIe link, while ERRNONFATAL errors impact the device functionality but do not disrupt the PCIe link.
The PCIe AER Register
The PCIe AER register is a collection of registers that contain information about the PCIe AER, such as its status, mask, and level. These registers are crucial for monitoring and managing PCIe errors.
PCIe AER Error Control Reporting Path
When an error occurs within the PCIe ecosystem, there are two primary paths for error control and reporting:
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MSI/INTx interrupts are used to report errors to the operating system’s PCIe AER driver.
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System error interrupts are used to report errors to the firmware.
The PCIe AER driver, which is a part of the PCIe port driver, is bound to the PCIe root port. The driver’s role is to handle PCIe AER-related tasks and ensure the smooth operation of the PCIe ecosystem.
PCIe AER Driver
The PCIe AER driver is responsible for managing PCIe AER-related tasks. It is a component of the PCIe port driver and is bound to the PCIe root port. The driver’s main functions include:
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Monitoring and reporting PCIe errors to the operating system.
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Handling correctable and uncorrectable errors.
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Providing information about the PCIe AER register.
The PCIe AER driver is implemented in the Linux kernel and is located in the drivers/pci/pcie/aer.c file. The driver’s name is “aer,” and it is associated with the PCIEANYPORT and PCIEPORTSERVICEAER port types. The driver’s probe and remove functions are responsible for initializing and deinitializing the PCIe AER driver, respectively.
Conclusion
PCIe AER is a crucial technology that ensures the reliability and stability of PCIe-based systems. By understanding the various aspects of PCIe AER, you can better appreciate its significance and effectively manage PCIe errors. So, the next time you encounter a PCIe error, you’ll be well-equipped to handle it with confidence.
