Intel® Management Engine

Intel® Quiet System Technology (QST) Tools

User’s Guide for Intel® 5 Series Chipset Based
Platforms

Revision 0.75
July 2009

Intel Confidential
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2 Intel Confidential
Contents

1 Introduction .....................................................................................................9
1.1 About This User’s Guide ..........................................................................9
1.2 Terminology ..........................................................................................9

2 Tools Overview ...............................................................................................10

2.1 Configuration Management Tools ............................................................11
2.1.1 QstCfgD.exe/QstCfg.exe...........................................................11
2.1.1.1 Usage .....................................................................12
2.1.1.2 Invocation ...............................................................12
2.1.1.3 Examples ................................................................13
2.1.2 QstINID.exe/QSTINI.exe ..........................................................14
2.1.2.1 Invocation ...............................................................14
2.1.2.2 Examples ................................................................14
2.2 Configuration Tuning Tools ....................................................................15
2.2.1 QstLog.exe – Reading/Setting Logging Tool.................................15
2.2.1.1 Invocation ...............................................................15
2.2.1.2 Operation ................................................................16
2.2.2 QstCtrl.exe – Manual Fan Control Tool ........................................17
2.2.2.1 Commands ..............................................................17
2.2.3 QstStatD.exe/QstStat.exe – Status Tool .....................................18
2.2.3.1 Invocation ...............................................................18
2.2.3.2 Sample Reports ........................................................19
2.3 QstDtsD.exe/QstDts.exe – Process DTS Configuration Test .........................22
2.3.1.1 Invocation ...............................................................22
2.3.1.2 Examples ................................................................23
2.3.2 MAXPower ..............................................................................24
2.4 Intel® QST Compliancy Test Tool ............................................................24
2.4.1 Invocation..............................................................................24
2.5 INI Files..............................................................................................25

3 Using the Intel® QST Configuration GUI .............................................................26

3.1 Start Up - License Agreement ................................................................26
3.2 Main Program ......................................................................................27
3.3 Accessing Entities within an Entity Type...................................................27
3.4 Editing Parameters ...............................................................................28
3.5 Help Area ............................................................................................29
3.6 Menu Bar ............................................................................................29

4 Using the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard .........................................................33

4.1 Installation ..........................................................................................33
4.2 Invocation...........................................................................................33

5 Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard ..................................................................41

5.1 Installation ..........................................................................................41
5.1.1 Installing the Intel® MaxPower Program......................................41

Intel Confidential 3
 5.1.2 Installing the Microsoft* .NET Framework ...................................41
5.1.3 Installing the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard......................................42
5.2 Usage .................................................................................................42
5.2.1 Usage Process ........................................................................43
5.2.2 PID Gain Setting Tuning ...........................................................57
5.2.2.1 Determining the Quality of PID Gain Settings................57
5.2.2.2 Assessing Response Quality........................................57
5.2.2.3 Process for Adjusting the PID Gain Settings ..................61
5.2.3 Using the Plot Window .............................................................63
5.2.3.1 Plot Window Contents................................................63
5.2.3.2 Plot Window Options .................................................63

4 Intel Confidential
Figures
Figure 1: Flowchart for Wizard Process...............................................................43
Figure 2: Tool Option Screen on System with DTS Control Capability but WITHOUT
DTS Control Enabled .................................................................................45
Figure 3: Tool Option Screen on System with DTS Control Configured and Loaded....46
Figure 4: Weighting Bypass Warning Message Box ...............................................49
Figure 5: Weighting Calculation Results Screen After Skipping Process.................... 49
Figure 6: Warning Each Sensor Does Not Have At Least One Fan Controller with 100%
Weighting ................................................................................................50
Figure 7: PID Gain Tuning Scene.......................................................................51
Figure 8: DTS Specification Parameter Inputs Screen ...........................................54
Figure 9: Processor DTS RPM Gain Tuning Scene .................................................56
Figure 10: Power Level Changes for the PID Gain Settings Test ............................. 58
Figure 11: Fan Overshoot & Temperature Oscillation (Adjustment: Decrease
Response) ...............................................................................................59
Figure 12: Temperature Overshoot (Adjustment: Increase Both Damping and
Response) ...............................................................................................59
Figure 13: Fan Spike, Temperature and Fan Overshoot (Adjustment: Decrease
Damping) ................................................................................................60
Figure 14: Response from Tuned PID Gain Settings..............................................61
Figure 15: PID Gain Setting Adjustment Guide ....................................................62

Tables
Table 1: PID Gain Setting Adjustment Guide .......................................................60

Intel Confidential 5
Revision History

Revision Revision
Description
Number Date

Initial release (with preliminary information for

0.2 January 2009
testing purposes)

Updated to provide information about additional February

0.3
tools included and additional tool parameters 2009

Updated illustrated figures of the Configuration

0.5 April 2009
Wizard

Removed requirement of DOS4GW.EXE for DOS

based tools
0.7 July 2009
Updated Qstcply usage options in Section 2.3.1
Miscellaneous corrections throughout the doc

Added Sensor Base Specification DTS RPM

0.75 July 2009
Control screen descriptions

6 Intel Confidential
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Intel Confidential 7
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8 Intel Confidential
Introduction

1 Introduction

1.1 About This User’s Guide

This document is intended for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and System
Integrators. It introduces and provides details on the use of the various configuration
and tuning support tools for Intel® Quiet System Technology (Intel® QST). The tools
are included in the various Intel® Management Engine (Intel® ME) firmware kits
provided by Intel. These tools are provided to facilitate the configuration and fine
tuning of the Intel® QST subsystem.

For additional information on Intel® QST configuration and fine tuning, refer to the
latest version of the Intel® Quiet System Technology Configuration and Tuning
Manual.

1.2 Terminology

Term Description

Intel® QST Intel® Quiet System Technology

Intel® Management Engine; an embedded processor located within

Intel® ME
the PCH

Firmware (FW) Embedded firmware running on the Intel® ME

ATX Advanced Technology eXtended form factor.

BTX Balanced Technology eXtended form factor.

Graphic User Interface A visual framework that allows the user to interact with an application
(GUI) through direct manipulation of graphics objects.

DTS Digital Thermal Sensor reports a relative die temperature as an offset

from TCC activation temperature.

Intel Confidential 9
 Tools Overview

2 Tools Overview
Intel provides this collection of tools and utilities to enhance the ease-of-use of the
configuration and tuning processes for Intel® QST. The tools and utilities provided
include:

1. Configuration Management Tools – A collection of tools that are used by

OEM/ODM and System Integrators to create, edit, install and extract Intel®
QST configuration files. Individually, they are used as follows:

a. QSTCT_GUI.exe – Windows executable for the Intel® QST Configuration

GUI, a tool that supports the editing of QST Configuration (INI) files. See
xxxx for more information on the use of this tool.

b. QstConfigurationWizard.msi – Installation package for the QST

Configuration Wizard, which provides support for creating new QST
Configuration (INI) files with a minimum of user input.

c. QstCfgD.exe/QstCfg.exe – Dos and Windows executables, respectively,

for a tool that supports either the immediate installation of a QST
Configuration (INI) file or the creation of a file containing a QST Binary
Configuration Payload that can be subsequently installed (included in ME
(SPI) flash images).

d. QstINID.exe/QstINI.exe – DOS and Windows executables,

respectively, for a tool that supports the extraction of the currently-
installed QST Payload and the reconstitution of a QST Configuration (INI)
file from it.

e. QstCfgATXIP.ini – Default Intel® QST Configuration (INI) file for Intel® 5

Series Chipset based platforms. It is configured for the hardware that is
present on the Customer Reference Board (CRB). It is provided as a
starting point for the derivation of customer versions.

2. Configuration Tuning Tools – A collection of tools that are used by

OEM/ODM and System Integrators to support both manual and automated fine
tuning of Intel® QST configurations. Individually, they are used as follows:

a. QstTuningWizard.msi – Installation package for the QST Tuning Wizard,

which automatically tunes the Fan Weighting Matrix and assists with the
tuning of the Processor Temperature Response coefficients.

b. QstLog.exe – Windows executable for a command-line tool that is used

to display and collect (log) readings from the fan speed controllers and the
temperature, fan speed and (optionally) voltage and current sensors. The
comma-delimited log files produced can be input to various tools,
including Microsoft* Excel, for subsequent analysis.

c. QstCtrl.exe – Windows executable for an interactive command-line tool

that can be used to manually control fan speed, display sensors/controller
readings/settings and have Intel® QST perform fan redetection.

10 Intel Confidential
Tools Overview

d. QstStaDt.exe/QstStat.exe – DOS and Windows executables,

respectively, for a command-line tool that is used to obtain a report of the
status of the Intel® QST Subsystem and the sensors and fan speed
controllers being managed by it.

e. QstDtsD.exe/QstDts.exe – DOS and Windows executables for a

command-line tool that is used to test specific sets of parameters, before
they are committed into a BIOS, for the new, DTS-based thermal
management control capability utilized with the latest Intel processors.

3. Compliancy Test Tool – This executable (QstCply.exe) is used to check the

readiness of an Intel® QST-based system.

4. System Tools – These tools facilitate the Intel® QST configuration process.
Individually, they are used as follows:

a. Fitc.exe – This tool is used to combine individual images – the BIOS

firmware, the Intel® QST (Management Engine) firmware and Intel® QST
Configuration Payload – into a single image for the SPI flash.

b. Fpt.exe – This tool is used to write an image to SPI flash or update an

image in the SPI flash device.

Note: This document does not cover how to use the system tools. For details on how to use
the system tools (Fitc and Fpt), refer to the System Tools User’s Guide included in the
Management Engine firmware kit.

2.1 Configuration Management Tools

This collection of tools provides support for the creation, edit, installation and
extraction of Intel® QST Configuration (INI) files. The use of these tools is
documented in the subsequent sections. The QST Configuration GUI is documented
separately in Chapter 3 and the QST Configuration Wizard is documented separately in
Chapter 4.

2.1.1 QstCfgD.exe/QstCfg.exe

QstCfgD.exe: Pure DOS command line tool. The tool is supported on Free DOS and
Windows 98 DOS.

QstCfg.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

Intel Confidential 11
 Tools Overview

2.1.1.1 Usage
The Configuration Tool can be utilized to achieve different goals, including:

1) Initially configuring the Intel® QST subsystem: The Configuration Tool can generate
a binary payload from an INI file containing initial control parameters. The binary
payload can then be programmed into the SPI flash to configure Intel® QST
subsystem.

2) Tuning Intel® QST subsystem: after initially configuring the Intel® QST subsystem,
the parameters in the INI file can be modified and optimized, based upon specific
system design and thermal characteristics, to achieve optimum performance of the
Intel® QST Subsystem. The Configuration Tool can be used to deliver INI files with
optimized settings to the ME for subsequent storage in the SPI flash. The
Configuration Tool can be easily integrated into the factory floor tool/application to
automatically store the final settings into the SPI flash of production systems in
manufacturing line processes.

3) Intel® QST testing and validation: during testing, validation and tuning of the
Intel® QST subsystem, control parameters may need to be changed often, in order to
optimize Intel® QST performance. The Configuration Tool provides an easy way to
update the settings of the Subsystem.

2.1.1.2 Invocation
The primary environments for the execution of the Configuration Tool is the Windows*
O/S and DOS. The Configuration Tool takes an INI file containing configuration
settings and generates a binary payload from it. This Payload can be sent directly to
the Management Engine, for immediate application, or written to a file, for subsequent
application. Binary payload files so produced can be included in SPI flash images. A
system configured this way will have this configuration applied immediately after the
system is powered up for the first time.

The Configuration Tool will execute from the command line. Its operation is defined as
follows:

1. The Tool will parse the configuration contained within the specified INI file and
verify its contents. If an error is detected, a report will be generated and the
program’s execution terminated.

2. If the Tool successfully parses the configuration, it will prepare a binary payload
and either deliver it to the ME or write it to a file. If it is delivered to the ME, the
results of the ME’s processing of this payload will be output. If the payload is
rejected by the ME, information about the parameter that caused it to be rejected
will be displayed.

Note: The Tool directs its output (status updates, error messages, etc.) to the standard
output stream (STDOUT; normally the console). If the command line redirects the
program’s output to a (log) file, the program will also duplicate its output to the
standard error stream (STDERR; always the console). This ensures that the operator
always sees the results of the operation, even if it is also written to a (log) file.

12 Intel Confidential
Tools Overview

The syntax for the tool is defined as follows:

QstCfgD [<INI File Path>] [{-d|{-w|-o} [<Binary File Path>]}]

QstCfg [<INI File Path>] [{-d|{-w|-o} [<Binary File Path>]}]

Where:

INI File Path Specifies the pathname for the INI file.

-d Specifies that the tool is to wait (delay

termination) until QST has completed its fan
detection process.

-w [<Binary File Path>] Specifies that the payload is to be written to a file.

If this file already exists, the tool will request
confirmation before overwriting it.

-o [<Binary File Path>] Specifies that the payload is to be written to a file.

If the file already exists, it will be overwritten.

Note:

• If the optional INI File Path is not specified, the default pathname for the INI file
will be “QstCfg.ini”.

• If the optional Binary File Path is not specified, the default pathname for the
Payload file will be “QstCfg.bin”.

• The “-d” parameter and the “–w”/“–o” parameters are mutually exclusive. If “-
w” or “-o” is specified, “-d” cannot be specified.

• The “-w” parameter and the “-o” parameter are mutually exclusive. Only one of
them may be specified.

• The tool also supports two additional parameters, “-e” and “-c”, that are used for
testing purposes. Customers should not use these parameters.

2.1.1.3 Examples
1. “qstcfg”: Specifies that the configuration contained within file “Qstcfg.ini” will be
parsed and, if no errors are detected, delivered to the ME for processing.

2. “qstcfg config.ini -d”: Specifies that the configuration contained within file
“config.ini” will be parsed and, if no errors are detected, delivered to the ME for
processing. The tool will wait to terminate until the fan detection process is
completed.

3. “qstcfg –o”: Specifies that the configuration contained within file “qstcfg.ini” will
be parsed and, if no errors are detected, written to file “qstcfg.bin”. If file
“qstcfg.bin” already exists, it will be overwritten.

4. “qstcfg config.ini –o config.bin”: Specifies that the configuration contained

within file “config.ini” will be parsed and, if no errors are detected, written to file
“config.bin”. If file “config.bin” already exists, it will be automatically overwritten.

Intel Confidential 13
 Tools Overview

2.1.2 QstINID.exe/QSTINI.exe

This tool provides support for a level of post-mortem analysis of the Intel® QST
Subsystem configuration. It provides the ability to reconstitute an INI file from a
binary configuration payload. This payload may be read from a file (created previously
using QstCfg.exe/QstCfgD.exe) or it may be obtained from the Intel® QST Subsystem.
Once an INI file has been reconstituted, it can be compared to other INI files, in order
to determine whether any differences are present or, in the latter case, to verify that
the configuration in use by the Intel® QST Subsystem is as expected.

QstINID.exe: Pure DOS command line tool. The tool is supported on Free DOS and
Windows* 98 DOS.

QstINI.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

2.1.2.1 Invocation
The tool is an executable file for either the Windows or DOS environment. It executes
in from the command line. Its command line syntax is defined as follows:

QstINID [-P <Payload-Path>] [-I <INI-Path>]

QstINI [-P <Payload-Path>] [-I <INI-Path>]

Where:

-P <Payload-Path> Specifies the pathname for a Binary Payload File. If one is

specified, the INI file will be reconstituted from its contents.
If no path is specified, the current Configuration Payload will
be obtained from the Intel® QST Subsystem and used to
reconstitute the INI file.

-I <INI-Path> Specifies the pathname for the resulting INI file. If no

pathname is specified, default pathname “QstCfg.ini” will be
used.

2.1.2.2 Examples
1. “QstINI”: Specifies that the current configuration payload is to be retrieved from
the Intel® QST Subsystem and written to an INI file named “QstCfg.ini”.

2. “QstINI –I Config.ini”: Specifies that the current configuration payload is to be

retrieved from the Intel® QST Subsystem and written to an INI file named
“Config.ini”.

3. “QstINI –P Config.bin”: Specifies that the configuration payload contained

within file “Config.bin” is to retrieved and written to an INI file named “QstCfg.ini”.

4. “QstINI –P Config.bin –I Config.ini”: Specifies that the configuration payload

contained within file “Config.bin” is to retrieved and written to an INI file named
“Config.ini”.

14 Intel Confidential
Tools Overview

2.2 Configuration Tuning Tools

This collection of tools provides support for the fine tuning of Intel® QST
Configurations. It allows the user to determine the best way to map sensors to fans
and to determine the weighting of each fan response. They can be used with any
system form factor and any number of fans and sensors.

The Intel® QST Tuning Wizard is the primary tool for the tuning of Intel® QST
configurations; the other tools support subsequent monitoring and analysis of the
tuned configuration. The QST Tuning Wizard is separately documented in Chapter 5;
the following sections detail the usage of the other tools.

Note: For more information on the fine-tuning process, refer to the latest Intel® Quiet
System Technology Configuration and Tuning Manual. Contact your Intel
representative to obtain a copy of this document.

2.2.1 QstLog.exe – Reading/Setting Logging Tool

This tool provides support for the periodic collection of readings from the Temperature
and Fan Speed Sensors and duty cycle values from the Fan Speed Controllers.
Optionally, voltage and current sensor readings may be collected as well. The tool will
sample the available Sensors and Controllers once per second and output the readings
and settings both to the log file and to the display.

QstLog.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

2.2.1.1 Invocation
The tool is an executable file working in Windows environment. It executes in from the
command line. Its command line syntax is defined as follows:

QstLog [–L <Log-Path>] [-M] [–T <Samples>] [–V] [–C]

Where:

–L <Log-Path> Specifies the pathname for the log file. This file will be
overwritten. No warning of overwrite will be provided. Note:
If no Pathname is provided, the default pathname will be
“QstLog.txt”

–M Specifies that the sample set collected in each one-second

period is to be output to the console on a separate display
line.

–T <Samples> Specifies that the program is to terminate after logging the

specified number of sampled reading sets.

–C Specifies that readings from current sensors are to be included

in the data displayed and logged. By default, only
temperatures, fan speeds and fan duty cycles are collected,
displayed and logged.

Intel Confidential 15
 Tools Overview

–V Specifies that readings from voltage sensors are to be included

in the data displayed and logged. By default, only
temperatures, fan speeds and fan duty cycles are collected,
displayed and logged.

Example: “C:\Program Files\Qst\QstLog.exe” –L “C:\QstLog.txt”

This command will display the readings of temperatures, fan speeds and fan duty
cycles of the available sensors and fan controllers. Also, the readings will be saved in
file QstLog.txt in the root directory of drive C.

2.2.1.2 Operation
1. The tool will first verify that the Intel® QST Subsystem is configured. If it is not,
operation cannot continue.
2. The tool will enumerate the supported sensors and controllers. Labels describing
the usage for the sensors will be output to the log file (in the same order that
readings/settings will be output). As well, terse labels will also be output to the
console window.
3. Readings will be sampled from all available Sensors and Duty Cycle values will be
sampled from all available Fan Speed Controllers. The readings will be output to
the log file as well as to the console display. A sequence number is also included
in the log file data.
4. Step 4 will be repeated, once per second, until a key press is detected or until the
specified number of sample sets has been collected.
5. When a key is pressed, the log file will be closed. A summary, providing minimum,
maximum and average readings and duty cycle values will be output to the
console.
6. The tool will wait for the <enter> key to be pressed before terminating. This will
provide the operator with an opportunity to peruse the summary information
generated.

16 Intel Confidential
Tools Overview

2.2.2 QstCtrl.exe – Manual Fan Control Tool

This tool provides support for manually specifying the (duty cycle) settings for the Fan
Speed Controllers. It also provides support for the display of configuration and
reading/setting information for Temperature, Voltage, Current and Fan Speed Sensors
and for Fan Speed Controllers.

QstCtrl.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

2.2.2.1 Commands
The tool runs in interactive mode, providing a command prompt and allowing the
operator to perform multiple operations. Operation will continue until the operator
enters an exit command. QstCtrl will be initiated from the command line. It has no
command-line parameters.

QstCtrl will support the following internal commands:

A <ctrl> Requests that the specified Fan Speed Controller be placed in

automatic control mode. The Intel® QST Subsystem will determine
the Duty Cycle values to be utilized.
(Example: “A 1” – put Fan Speed Controller #1 in automatic
mode.)

C Requests the display of information about all Fan Speed

Controllers.

E Requests that the tool terminate.

M <ctrl> <duty> Requests that the Duty Cycle output of the specified Fan Speed
Controller be manually set to the specified value. For example,
command “M 1 50” requests that Fan Controller 1 be operated at
50% duty cycle.
(Example: “M 2 50” – Fan speed controller #1 is manually
set to 50% duty cycle.)

R Requests that a fan redetection operation is to be performed.

S Requests the display of information about all Sensors.

SC Requests the display of information about all Current Sensors.

SF Requests the display of information about all Fan Speed Sensors.

ST Requests the display of information about all Temperature

Sensors.

SV Requests the display of information about all Voltage Sensors.

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2.2.3 QstStatD.exe/QstStat.exe – Status Tool

This tool generates a report detailing the status of the Intel® QST Subsystem. Based
upon the command-line parameters specified, both terse and verbose reports can be
produced:

• The terse report includes a status summary for the Intel® QST Subsystem and
status and current readings/settings for each sensor and fan speed controller that
is presently enabled in the Intel® QST configuration.

• The verbose report includes a detailed breakdown of the status of the Intel® QST
Subsystem and a detailed display of the configuration parameters and current
status and readings/settings for each sensor and fan speed controller that is
presently enabled in the Intel® QST configuration. The detailed status breakdown
for the Intel® QST Subsystem includes information about the revision and
capabilities of the Intel® QST firmware and the configuration that was specified by
the BIOS, including Lock Mask settings, the configuration update for each
processor present and any fan configuration updates that were specified.

QstStatD.exe: Pure DOS command line tool. The tool is supported on Free DOS and
Windows 98 DOS.

QstStat.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

2.2.3.1 Invocation
The tool is an executable file for either the Windows or DOS environment. It executes
in from the command line. Its command line syntax is defined as follows:

QstStatD [-V]

QstStat [-V]

Where:

–V Specifies that a verbose report is desired.

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2.2.3.2 Sample Reports

This section provides samples of the typical reports produced by the QstStat tool.
These samples were collected on the Intel CRB board.

Sample report when run in the normal (non-verbose) mode:

Intel(R) Quiet System Technology Status Display v2.0.2.9906

Copyright (C) 2006-2009, Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

The QST Subsystem is configured and operational

Sensor Configuration/Status Summary:

Processor Temperature Normal 49.48

Peripheral Controller Hub (PCH) Temper... Normal 44.00
Motherboard Temperature Normal 29.18

Processor Fan Normal 973

+12 Volts Normal 11.991
+5 Volts Normal 5.030
+3.3 Volts Normal 3.307
Memory Controller Hub Vcc Normal 1.058
Processor Vcc Normal 1.045
Fan Speed Controller Configuration/Status Summary:
Processor Fan Controller Normal 20.00%
Chassis Inlet Fan Controller Normal 20.00%
Chassis Outlet Fan Controller Normal 20.00%
Chassis Outlet Fan Controller Normal 20.00%

Sample report when run in the verbose mode:

Intel(R) Quiet System Technology Status Display v2.0.2.9906

Copyright (C) 2006-2009, Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

QST Subsystem Information:

Firmware Revision: 6.0.0.9290
Firmware Capabilities:
Max Temperature Sensors: 12
Max Fan Speed Sensors: 8
Max Voltage Sensors: 8
Max Current Sensors: 0
Max Temperature Response: 12
Max Fan Speed Controllers: 8
The QST Subsystem is configured and operational

Current Lock Mask:

Configuration: Unlocked
Health Thresholds: Unlocked
Manual Fan Control: Unlocked
SST Bus Resources: Read-Write
Chipset Resources: Read-Write
Successful configuration attempt recorded

Configuration Update for CPU 1:

Reading Format: Absolute

MCH Temperature Supported: False
Tcontrol Value: 89.00
Correction Offset: 0.00

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 Tools Overview

Correction Slope: 1.00

Temperature Response:

Proportional Gain: 0.00

Integral Gain: 0.00
Integral Time Window: 0
Derivative Gain: 0.00
Derivative Time Window: 0

No CPU DTS Configuration Updates Received

No Fan Configuration Updates Received

Sensor Configuration/Status Summary:

Temperature Sensor 1:
Health: Normal
Usage: Processor Temperature
Temp: 49.46

NonCrit: 95.00
Crit: 97.00
NonRecov: 99.00
Temperature Sensor 3:

Health: Normal
Usage: Peripheral Controller Hub (PCH) Temperature
Temp: 45.00
NonCrit: 113.00
Crit: 117.00
NonRecov: 121.00
Temperature Sensor 5:

Health: Normal
Usage: Motherboard Temperature
Temp: 29.39
NonCrit: 80.00
Crit: 85.00
NonRecov: 90.00
Fan Speed Sensor 1:

Health: Normal
Usage: Processor Fan
Speed: 1003
NonCrit: 300
Crit: 250
NonRecov: 200
Voltage Sensor 1:
Health: Normal
Usage: +12 Volts
Volts: 11.992
NonCrit Low: 11.400
Crit Low: 11.100
NonRecov Low: 10.800
NonCrit High: 12.600
Crit High: 12.900
NonRecov High: 13.200
Voltage Sensor 2:

Health: Normal
Usage: +5 Volts
Volts: 5.031

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NonCrit Low: 4.750

Crit Low: 4.625
NonRecov Low: 4.500
NonCrit High: 5.250
Crit High: 5.375
NonRecov High: 5.500
Voltage Sensor 3:

Health: Normal
Usage: +3.3 Volts
Volts: 3.306

NonCrit Low: 3.135

Crit Low: 3.053
NonRecov Low: 2.970

NonCrit High: 3.465

Crit High: 3.548
NonRecov High: 3.630
Voltage Sensor 4:

Health: Normal
Usage: Memory Controller Hub Vcc
Volts: 1.059
NonCrit Low: 1.000
Crit Low: 0.950
NonRecov Low: 0.900

NonCrit High: 1.100

Crit High: 1.150
NonRecov High: 1.200
Voltage Sensor 5:
Health: Normal
Usage: Processor Vcc
Volts: 1.047

NonCrit Low: 0.646

Crit Low: 0.546
NonRecov Low: 0.446
NonCrit High: 1.246
Crit High: 1.346
NonRecov High: 1.446

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 Tools Overview

Fan Speed Controller Configuration/Status Summary:

Fan Speed Controller 1:
Health: Normal
Usage: Processor Fan Controller
Control: Automatic
Duty: 20.00

Fan Speed Controller 2:

Health: Normal
Usage: Chassis Inlet Fan Controller
Control: Automatic
Duty: 20.00
Fan Speed Controller 3:

Health: Normal
Usage: Chassis Outlet Fan Controller
Control: Automatic
Duty: 20.00
Fan Speed Controller 4:
Health: Normal
Usage: Chassis Outlet Fan Controller
Control: Automatic
Duty: 20.00

End of Report

2.3 QstDtsD.exe/QstDts.exe – Process DTS

Configuration Test
This tool allows the user to configure parameters of the Intel® QST Subsystem
relating to the DTS-based thermal management specification. The command-line
parameters allow the user to install settings from an INI file or extract the current
settings to an INI file or the display. An option to create binary files that can be used
by the System BIOS to configure the Intel® QST Subsystem can also be generated.
This tool only operates on the UpdateCPUConfiguration and UpdateDTSConfiguration
command data.

QstDtsD.exe: Pure DOS command line tool. The tool is supported on Free DOS and
Windows* 98 DOS.

QstDts.exe: Windows command line tool. The tool is supported on Windows 2000
SP4, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP 64, Windows Vista and Windows
7.

2.3.1.1 Invocation
The tool is an executable file for either the Windows or DOS environment. It executes
in from the command line. Its command line syntax is defined as follows:

QstDtsD [<FileName>] {-I|-E|-D|-B|-T} [-V]

QstDts [<FileName>] {-I|-E|-D|-B|-T} [-V]

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Where:

FileName This parameter specifies the INI file name that should be used
for input or output. Depending on the type of operation being
performed the file extension may be modified. If this
parameter is excluded “QstDts.ini” will be used as the default
file name.

-I This option is used to install settings to the Intel® QST

Subsystem based on the values in the input INI file. The INI
file can be specified using the FileName parameter.

-E This option is used extract the current settings from the

Intel® QST Subsystem and write them to an INI file. The INI
file can be specified using the FileName parameter. Any
existing file will be overwritten.

-D This option displays the current DTS settings of the Intel®

QST Subsystem.

-B This option generates a set of binary files that contain the

BIOS command data used to configure the Intel® QST
Subsystem with the values in the input INI file. The output
files are based off of the FileName parameter. CPU updates
will have the file name format of “FileName_CPU#.bin” and
DTS updates will have the file name format of
“FileName_DTS#.bin”.

-T This option is used to generate a template INI file. The INI file
can be specified using the FileName parameter.

-V This option allows for additional information to be displayed for

a specific operation. Not all operations provide additional
output.

2.3.1.2 Examples

1. “QstDts –T”: Specifies that a template INI file should be generated as a file
named “QstDts.ini”.

2. “QstDts –I Dts.ini”: Specifies that the values in the file “Dts.ini” should be
installed on the Intel® QST Subsystem.

3. “QstDts –D”: Specifies that the current values used by the Intel® QST
Subsystem should be displayed on the screen.

4. “QstDts –E”: Specifies that the current settings used by the Intel® QST
Subsystem should be extracted and written to a file named “QstDts.ini”.

5. “QstDts –B Dts.ini”: Specifies that the settings in the file “Dts.ini” should be
converted into the files “Dts_CPU1.bin” and “Dts_DTS1.bin”. This assumes that
the input INI file contains an enabled entries for both CPU1ConfigUpdate and
Processor1DTSUpdate. These binary files contain the commands to be sent by the

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 Tools Overview

System BIOS to configure the Intel® QST Subsystem as expressed in the input
INI file.

2.3.2 MAXPower

The MAXPower tools run the processor at designated loads. There is a separate
MAXPower tool (.exe execution file) for each processor. Make sure that the right
version(s) of the tool are installed for the target processor(s).

After installing the MAXPower program (double click on the .exe file), the desired load
can be set by choosing: Options Æ Workload Configuration.

Note: It is recommended that the MAXPower tools be installed to their default installation
folders.

2.4 Intel® QST Compliancy Test Tool

This tool checks the readiness of the QST-enabled platform by performing the
following tests: General Chipset tests, Intel® Management Engine Interface Device
tests, Chipset Thermal device tests, Intel® Management Engine Interface tests, Intel®
Management Engine Firmware tests and Intel® QST tests.

At the end of the test, the tool will output PASS/FAIL results for each area tested.

QstCply.exe: Pure DOS command line tool. The tool is supported on Free DOS and
Windows* 98 DOS.

2.4.1 Invocation

The tool is executed in pure DOS and support Free DOS and Windows 98. Its
command line syntax is defined as follows:

QstCply [/?] [/a] [/d] [/p] [/t] [/verbose] [/Exp]

(Ex : QstCply /a /t)

Where:

/? Display help

/a Dump Intel® QST Update Command Data

/d Dump Intel® Management Engine Interface PCI Configuration Space.

/p Dump all PCI Configuration Space

/t Run Intel® QST Compliance test suite (Default)

/Verbose Display Debug Information

/Exp Display Example Usage of the Tool

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Tools Overview

2.5 INI Files

The package provides a single example configuration file named “QstCfgATXIP.ini”.
This file configures Intel® QST to monitor and control the sensors and fan speed
controllers that are available on the Customer Reference Board (CRB).

This INI file can be used as the starting point of the configuration process. Most of the
control parameters can be used as they are, except for certain hardware-dependent
parameters. Those hardware-dependent parameters need to be modified by the
designer to reflect specific hardware implemented on the platform. For example,
device address of a sensor, how many fan headers implemented on the mother board,
etc.

Note: the Configuration Creation Wizard, which is also included in the ME firmware
kit, can be used to easily create an initial INI file for a specific platform without using
one of these initial INI files and modifying needed parameters. Refer to section 3.8 for
more details.

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 Using the Intel® QST Configuration GUI

3 Using the Intel® QST

Configuration GUI
This is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) used to edit Intel® QST Configuration (INI)
files. It is a Win32 executable file. Via the traversable structure it presents, the
configuration variables included in a INI file may be edited and then saved.

Note: For Window* 2000 SP4 OS, the tool requires Microsoft MSVCP60.dll. Make sure
MSVCP60.dll is installed on the system.

The following sections describe in detail how to use the Configuration GUI.

3.1 Start Up - License Agreement

When the program is started, Intel’s license agreement is shown in a scrollable frame:

Clicking “I Agree” will open the main program. Clicking “I Disagree” causes the
program to exit. Checking “Do not show licensing on startup” before clicking on “I
Agree” will disable the display of the License Agreement during subsequent
invocations of the program.

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3.2 Main Program

The main frame of the GUI contains collapsible trees for each entity type. There are
five entity types, categorized by functionality: Temperature Monitors, Fan Monitors,
Voltage Monitors, Temperature Response Units, and Fan Controllers.

Under each entity type is a collection of entities. There is an indication of how many
entities are supported and how many of them are enabled. For example, (4/12) after
the Temperature Monitors entity type in the figure below indicates that there are a
total of 12 temperature monitors and that 4 of them are currently enabled.

3.3 Accessing Entities within an Entity Type

Each entity type, when expanded by clicking on the [+] symbol, will show all the
entities available of that type. Each entity can be enabled or disabled by clicking on
the white bar next to it and choosing an appropriate option from the pull-down list.

As illustrated in the figure below, after expanding the Fan Monitors type, 8 Fan
Monitor entities can be accessed. Each entity can be enabled or disabled through the
pull-down list.

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3.4 Editing Parameters

When an entity is enabled, the parameters for that entity can be accessed by clicking
on the [+] symbol. To edit the parameter, left-click into an edit bar and either enter
or choose a new value from the pull-down list.

Note that if an entity is disabled, the parameters for that entity cannot be edited.

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3.5 Help Area

The help area at the bottom of the main window conveys information about the
selected entity or parameter. Information is provided in standard black text and status
messages are provided in red.

3.6 Menu Bar

The menu bar of the GUI includes File, View, and Help.

This section covers each menu option. A brief description for each menu item can also
be seen in the status bar as the mouse cursor hovers over it.

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 Using the Intel® QST Configuration GUI

File → New

Values present in the various entities will be wiped (the user will be prompted to save
these values if he has not done so) and replaced with a default set of values. Three
types of default values exist (categorized by the form factor of the system being
configured):

• ATX: Set of Intel recommended defaults for ATX

• BTX: Set of Intel recommended defaults for BTX

• Custom: All fields are blank

File → Load INI File…

Values present in the entity records will be wiped (the user will be prompted to save
these values if he has not done so) and replaced with values from an INI file chosen
by the user. A popup will ask which form factor is desired.

File → Save INI File…

This option saves current values in the entity records to an INI file of the user’s
choice. A popup box will be displayed if the Configurator finds issues with any field
values (see figure below). The user has the option to Cancel in order to make edits
before saving, or to Proceed and save with errors.

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Using the Intel® QST Configuration GUI

If an existing INI file is chosen, parameters will only be saved to it if they are
changed. Comments in an existing INI file are preserved unless they are on line along
with a parameter that is changed.

File → Generate Configuration Payload…

This option saves current values in the fields to a binary payload file (.BIN) of the
user’s choice. A popup box will be displayed if the Configurator finds issues with any
parameter values (see figure below). In this case, the user will have only the option to
Cancel the Save operation, in order to make corrections before saving. The
Configurator will only enable the option to proceed if the user’s data is error-free.

File → Send Configuration to Firmware…

This option sends the parameters directly to the firmware. As with “File → Generate
Configuration Payload”, the user cannot deliver data to firmware if errors are found by
the Configurator.

File → Exit

Choose this option to exit the program.

View → Status Bar

Toggles the visibility of the status bar at the bottom of the window

View → Toolbar

This option toggles the visibility of the toolbar right under the menu bar.

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 Using the Intel® QST Configuration GUI

View → Expand All

This option expands all tree nodes so that every parameter is made directly available.
The scrollbar at the right of the window can be used to access parameters that are not
immediately visible.

View → Collapse All

This option collapses all tree nodes so that only the root Entity Types are directly
available. Clicking on the [+] symbol that marks a collapsible tree will expand the
tree.

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Using the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard

4 Using the Intel® QST

Configuration Wizard
The Intel® QST Configuration Wizard is a tool that facilitates the configuration of the
Intel® QST INI file. The tool aids the user in establishing the initial control settings
and connecting sensor addresses to variables used by Intel® QST. The usage of this
tool will primarily be by motherboard manufacturers or engineers responsible for
configuring firmware within the motherboard. This tool does not provide system level
tuning, which is facilitated by the Intel® Quiet System Technology (QST) Tuning Tool
available from the ME Firmware Kit.

4.1 Installation
To install the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard, initiate QstConfigurationWizard.msi
and follow the step-by-step installation instructions. It is recommended that you
install the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard to the default directory.

4.2 Invocation
The tool generates the INI file containing control parameters for a specific platforms
based upon inputs from the board designers. This INI file includes device addresses
and commands used to read sensors and control fans. The following screen images
walk the reader through the usage of the wizard.

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 Using the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard

The Welcome screen will be the first screen the user will see once the Configuration
Creation Wizard is started. The next screen prompts the user to select the PCH and
form factor of the board through the drop down windows.

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Two standard form factors, ATX and BTX, are available to select from the drop down
shown in the next figure. These form factors encompasses all of the available sizes,
such as micro-ATX. For nonstandard form factors, the “Custom” option would be
selected. The form factor selection loads default settings that apply to the given form
factor, such as PID settings.

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 Using the Intel® QST Configuration Wizard

The following figure shows Page 2 of the Wizard. Page 2 prompts the user to add or
remove SST devices. If no SST devices are available, checking the check box in the
upper left hand corner will disable the page. On configurations where no prior ini file
is loaded at the start of the wizard, the user will need to uncheck the check box to
enable this page and add devices.

In order to remove a device, the user must first select the device in the list as shown
in the following figure to enable the Remove button. Once the device is selected,
pressing Remove will delete the device from the list and make the address available in
the address window in the lower left hand corner of the page.

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The next figure shows Page 3 of the Wizard. Page 3 configures the Temperature
Monitors. Select the options from steps 1 through 4 on the screen and press the Add
button to include additional Temperature Monitors. In the event of an error, the
Temperature Monitor may be modified by selecting the monitor in the list, making the
change, then pressing update.

Note that the Update button will be disabled until a change has been made to the
parameters. Likewise the Remove button is also disabled until a monitor is selected
from the list.

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Page 4 of the Wizard is shown in the following figure and configures the voltage
monitors. Note that the Voltage Monitor page will not appear if no SST
devices have been added on Page 2. Adding, modifying, and removing Voltage
Monitors are conducted in the same manner as described previously with the
Temperature Monitors.

The following figure shows the Fan Monitor and Controller configuration. Note that
this page may appear as Page 4 if no SST devices for voltage monitoring have been
added. Interfacing with the page is similar to the previous pages. In order to enable
the Update and Remove buttons, one of the monitors must be selected. Also a
monitor must be available to configure in order for the Add button to be enabled.

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The following figure shows the final screen which may be page 5 or 6 depending upon
whether there were voltage monitors for the configuration. The Wizard will
automatically create an INI file named QstCfg.ini and save it to the root directory of
the Wizard. Select the Browse button to change the destination directory. Two
options for the configuration may be selected on this page. A binary image may be
generated by selecting the check box. The binary file may be used to build a binary
image for flash. If the configuration was conducted on the QST system, selecting the
last check box will put the new configuration into the QST subsystem.

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Once the destination files are selected, press the Finish button and the Wizard will
notify the user of successfully completing the configuration. A dialog window will
appear. Clicking Close will close the window and the Configuration Creation Wizard.

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Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

5 Using the Intel® QST Tuning

Wizard

5.1 Installation
In order to perform its tasks, the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard utilizes the services of a
number of other facilities. As a result of these dependencies, the following installation
process is necessary:

1. Install the pertinent version(s) of the Intel® MaxPower Program.

2. Install the Microsoft* .NET Framework.

3. Install the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard.

The Wizard requires Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2), Windows Vista or
Windows 7 operating system.

5.1.1 Installing the Intel® MaxPower Program

The Intel® MaxPower Program is used by the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard to place
designated power loads on the processor. There are separate versions of this tool for
each individual processor design. You should install versions for each and every
processor design that you might utilize in your target systems. When you do so, it is
required that you install them to their default installation folder (for example:
C:\Program Files\Intel Corporation\Maximum Power Program for…); failing to do so
will result in the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard being unable to locate and utilize their
services.

The executables for installing the MaxPower Program are distributed using file names
that specify the Intel internal code name of the target processor. Versions for the
Lynnfield and Havendale processors are included in the Manageability Engine
Firmware Kits. They are not included in the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard installation
package, however.

5.1.2 Installing the Microsoft* .NET Framework

The Intel® QST Tuning Wizard requires that v3.0 of the Microsoft* .NET Framework be
installed on the target system. Because of its size, this framework is not included in
the Manageability Engine Firmware Kits. The redistributable package for the
framework can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads.
Alternatively, the framework is an optional install available via Microsoft Update.

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5.1.3 Installing the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

Once you have the Microsoft* .NET Framework and appropriate version(s) of the
Intel® MaxPower Program installed onto your target system, you can proceed with the
installation of the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard.

To install the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard:

1. Initiate QstTuningWizard.msi.

2. Follow the step-by-step installation instructions. It is recommended that you

install the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard to the default directory.

5.2 Usage
The Intel® QST Tuning Wizard is a simplified user interface that provides the ability to
find and set optimal tuning parameters and related configuration parameters. The
functionality does not completely replace the other available Intel® QST tools, but
provides a tool that will satisfy the System Integrator’s basic needs for finding the
optimal parameter settings.

The Intel® QST Tuning Wizard is a simplified integration tool to be used by System
Integrators to adjust the base configuration for their system designs and automate the
tuning of the fan speed control solution. Specifically, it allows the Integrator to set
temperature limits, specify fan control settings, specify acoustic information on fans,
automatically test and determine temperature-sensor-to-fan-weight parameters,
specify and test the PID gain settings for the CPU and deliver the new settings to the
Intel® QST subsystem and (optionally) write them to an output (.INI) file. The Intel®
QST Tuning Wizard also allows for the creation, alteration, and tuning of the
parameters that implement the Sensor Based Specification for Neahlem based
processors utilizing the Digital Temperature Sensor. Additionally the wizard allows
these new settings to activate and/or deliver the new settings to the Intel® QST
configuration and (optionally) write them to an output (.INI) file.

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5.2.1 Usage Process

The process for using the Wizard and achieving the optimal settings for your system is
visualized in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Flowchart for Wizard Process

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 Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

The Wizard steps through ten screens to complete the tuning process. Each screen
and the options available are presented below. Additional screens and features are
added for the implementation of the Sensor Based Specification for Nehalem based
processors. These screens allow for the creation, alteration, and tuning of the Sensor
Based specification using the Digital Temperature Sensor (DTS). If the system
running the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard does not support the Sensor Based
Specification these additional screens are not visible and are not part of the tuning
process. The standard QST functionality for temperature based fan speed control has
not changed in this generation. All associated .INI files and parameters have
remained the same. The DTS, RPM control capability has been added for the
processor fan and it parameters are stored in a separate .INI file. For more detailed
information, see the Intel® QST Configuration and Tuning Manual.

1. Welcome: Start-up screen.

2. Tool Options: Screen used to specify initialization and data-recording parameters

for the Wizard.

• .INI File: By default, the active configuration is uploaded from QST and
loaded into the current settings fields of the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard.
Checking this checkbox allows the Integrator to use the File Open dialog to
specify that an alternate configuration should be read from a particular .INI
file and used in place of the current Intel® QST configuration.

• Log File: By default, this checkbox is checked and the Intel® QST Tuning
Wizard records data to the file “logfile.txt”, located in the directory where the
Wizard was installed. Clicking the ‘Browse’ button allows the Integrator to use
the File Open dialog to choose the folder and specify the name of the log file
that will receive test data (temperatures, duty cycles and fan speeds).
Unchecking the checkbox disables the logging of test data.

• Digital Sensor Specification (DTS) Control: If the platform that Wizard is

operating on has the capability to implement the Sensor Based Specification
then this check box will appear. If the DTS Control has NOT been configured
nor enabled then the Tools Options screen appears as is show in Figure 2.

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Figure 2: Tool Option Screen on System with DTS Control Capability but WITHOUT DTS
Control Enabled

• .INI FILE (Digital Sensor Specification (DTS) Control): By default, the

active DTS control configuration is uploaded from QST and loaded into the
current settings fields of the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard. Checking this
checkbox allows the Integrator to use the File Open dialog to specify that an
alternate configuration should be read from a particular .INI file and used in
place of the current Intel® QST DTS configuration (Figure 3).

• Log File (Digital Sensor Specification (DTS) Control): By default, this

checkbox is checked and the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard records data to the file
“logfileDTS.txt”, located in the directory where the Wizard was installed. This
logfile location is determined by the location of the log file path as inputed in
the “Saves plot data to a text file” check box above. The path of this log file is
altered to add a “DTS” to the end of the file name (Figure 3).

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 Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

Figure 3: Tool Option Screen on System with DTS Control Configured and Loaded

3. Temperature Settings: Screen used to configure the temperature monitor usage

and the associated limit temperature.

• Enabled Sensor: Checkboxes allow the Integrator to disable the use of

particular temperature inputs. The Processor, G/MCH and ICH temperatures
are of prime importance and cannot be disabled.

Note: Disabling is a destructive process; if you exit from the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard, the
configuration parameters for the temperature input will be lost and you will not be
able to re-enable the temperature without directly modifying the .INI file and updating
QST. See the Intel® QST Configuration and Tuning Manual for more information.

• Usage: Specifies the source of the temperature that is associated with a

monitor. For specific devices (Processor, G/MCH and ICH), support for
modifying the usage indicator is disabled. Usage for other sensors may be
modified as appropriate.

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• Limit Temperature: Specifies the limit, or target, temperature that Intel®

QST should attempt to maintain at the associated temperature sensor.

4. Fan Controller Settings: Screen used to configure the fan controllers that are
responsible for the determination of the duty cycle values that are sent to the
fans.
• Controller: Indicates the available Fan Controllers, as specified in the current
Intel® QST Configuration or the specified .INI file.
• Usage: Specifies the purpose for the fan controllers. The Integrator may
change the usage to reflect the most accurate purpose for each fan controller.
• Mode: Specifies the mode of operation for each fan controller. Two modes are
supported: Min and Off.
• In Min Mode, if the necessary duty cycle falls below the specified Min duty
cycle, the duty cycle is held at this minimum and the fan(s) will remain
spinning.
• In Off Mode, if the necessary duty cycle falls below the specified Min duty
cycle, the duty cycle will be set to 0 (zero) and the fan(s) will be stopped.
Once stopped, the fan(s) will remain stopped until the necessary duty
cycle exceeds the specified On duty cycle.

Note: Off Mode is not supported by and is disabled for Fan Controller 1 (typically the
processor fan controller).

• Min Duty Cycle: Specifies the minimum duty cycle allowed for the specified
fan. The Integrator can change this value if the fans that they are using either
do not spin reliably at the current minimum setting or do not meet the idle
airflow requirements.
• On Duty Cycle: Specifies the duty cycle above which, if the fans are stopped,
they are restarted. This parameter is ignored (and disabled) if operating in
Min Mode. Specifies the duty cycle at which, if the fans are stopped, they are
restarted. The value must be some amount higher than the Min Duty Cycle.
The difference should be at least 2%, in order to ensure that the fans are not
rapidly oscillating between the on and off states.
• Max Duty Cycle: Specifies the maximum duty cycle allowed for the fan
controller. This is typically 100%, but may be set to a lower percentage if
there is a duty cycle range in which the fan(s) produce significantly higher
acoustics without providing any significant improvement in cooling.
• Signal Frequency: Specifies the frequency of the PWM output signal from the
fan speed controller. For 3-wire fans, values from 10-94 Hz are typical, though
new circuit designs are available that use frequencies in the 22-30 KHz range.
For 4-wire fans, 22-30 KHz is typical.

5. Fan Monitor Settings: Used to configure the operation of the fan monitors.
The fan monitors are responsible for the determination of the health of the
underlying fan sensor and the exposure of RPM readings from these sensors.

• Fan: Indicates the available fan monitors, as specified in the current

Intel® QST Configuration or the specified Intel® QST .INI file.

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 Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

• Usage: Specifies the purpose for the fan that is being monitored. The
Integrator may change the usage to reflect the most accurate purpose
of the fan monitor.

6. Weighting Inputs: Screen used to provide both required and optional data that
is used in the weighting matrix optimization process. Fan acoustic data is included
in the weighting matrix calculation in the next step. Intel® QST will de-prioritize
louder and less-effective fans in favor of quieter and more-effective fans,
respectively, to maintain the minimum system acoustic level.

• Ambient Temperature: Specifies the ambient temperature of the test room.

This is a required parameter.

• Acoustic Units: Specifies the acoustic units of the fan acoustic data, if
available. Four choices are possible:
• No Acoustic Data: No data is available to use in this process.
• Sound Power: Acoustic data was measured in BA.
• Sound Pressure: Acoustic data was measured in db.
• Relative Loudness: While acoustic measurement is preferred, subjective
evaluation is acceptable. Selecting this option opens the Intel® QST
Tuning Wizard fan test window, which allows the Integrator to take the fan
controllers to 100% duty cycle in succession, keeping all other fan
controllers at their respective minimum duty cycle setting. The Integrator
can then subjectively assign the loudest fan controller a 100% relative
loudness value and the other fan controller(s) appropriately smaller
relative loudness value(s).

• Acoustic Inputs: Specifies the measured acoustic level associated with each
fan controller (in units chosen above).

7. Weighting Calculations: Screen used to start the weighting calculation process.

• Calculate Weights button: This button starts the weighting calculation

process. Once started, this button can also be used to abort the process (its
label will change to depending on the program state). This test finds the
optimal power setting, and then sequentially tests the effectiveness of each
fan to each temperature sensor. This process can be skipped by clicking the
next button. If skipped the user can manually enter the weighting values or
skip to the PID tuning section of the Wizard if the weighting calculation has
previously been performed. If the process is skipped the warning shown in
Figure 4 will appear the weights stored in the QST subsystem will be loaded in
the Weighting Calculation Results screen with a blue text color (Figure 5). If
the weighting calculation is performed the text color in the Weighting
Calculation Results screen is black.

Note: It is recommended to run the weighting calculation if it previously has not been
performed.

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Figure 4: Weighting Bypass Warning Message Box

Figure 5: Weighting Calculation Results Screen After Skipping Process

Note: This process may take 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the system
configuration, number of fans, etc.

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 Using the Intel® QST Tuning Wizard

Note: For best results, the tests should be run with no other programs active. The results
depend heavily upon seeing constant power levels, generated specifically by the
MaxPower program, and additional CPU load may alter results.

Note: Some systems will either timeout or be over-temperature even at the lowest
MaxPower setting. In the case of a timeout, it is recommended that the Integrator
ignore the error and continue the test. If an over-temperature error is returned, the
Integrator may choose to continue the test. If they do so, it is recommended that they
monitor the system closely and abort the test if an excessive over-temperature
situation occurs. In either case, the Integrator must ensure that each temperature
monitor reaches steady-state for optimal weights to be calculated.

8. Weighting Calculation Results: Screen that allows user to view and modify the
calculated weighting parameters. These parameters are presented in a matrix. The
active cells of this matrix can be edited to change these values; however, it is
recommended that the calculated values not be modified. Figure 5 shows the
screen after the user has bypassed the weighting calculation process. Upon
completion of this screen by the click of the “Next” button, the values are checked
to determine if each of the temperature sensors (e.g. “Sensor3”) has at least one
fan controller (e.g. “Ctl 3”) that is equal to 100%. If not the warning message in
Figure 6 will appear. Typical this will not occur if the weighting calculation process
is run and not bypassed but can occur if the user alters the values or a sensor is
active but unresponsive during the process.

Figure 6: Warning Each Sensor Does Not Have At Least One Fan Controller with 100%
Weighting

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Figure 7: PID Gain Tuning Scene

9. PID Gain Testing: Screen used to set, adjust, test and retest the PID gain
settings for the processor. The selection of the PID (KP, KI, KD) gain settings is
simplified using the Damping and Response parameter table. By analyzing the
data created in this step, the gain settings can be adjusted to minimize the
transient acoustics on your system. This step is iterative and will likely require the
gain testing to be run multiple times.

• Gain Presets: A pre-defined matrix of sets of PID gain settings that will
provide good results across a broad range of systems. The default gain setting
is (Damping = 1.0, Response = 1.0); this is the recommended settings for
starting the test the first time. The corresponding P, I and D gain settings are
displayed to the right of the slider bars below.

• Maximum Temperature Overshoot: The maximum difference between the

average steady-state condition and the peak across the response time
domain. This parameter is displayed for the most recent gain test.

• Maximum PWM Overshoot: The maximum difference between the average

steady-state condition of the fan and its peak across the response time
domain. This parameter is displayed for the most recent gain test.

• Test Gains: Starts the gain testing routine, which takes the processor
through three distinct power steps: from idle to high, from high to mid, and
finally, from mid to high (see Figure 8). By analyzing the fan and temperature
response at each of these power steps (marked by a gray vertical line on the
plot), the gain settings can be adjusted to minimize the acoustics (see Section
5.2.2 for guidance on adjusting the gain settings).

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• Damping: Damping and Response parameters are a simplified representation

of the PID gain settings. In general, increasing the Damping will decrease fan
oscillation and decrease temperature overshoot. However, too high of a
Damping will cause fan overshoot, causing higher acoustics than are
necessary to adequately cool the system.

• Response: Damping and Response parameters are a simplified representation

of the PID gain settings. In general, increasing the Response causes the fans
to react faster to a temperature change, thereby decreasing temperature
overshoot. However, too high of a Response will cause fan overshoot and
oscillation, causing higher acoustics than are necessary to adequately cool the
system.

• Enable Advanced Gain Tuning: If selected, allows user specify KP, KI and KD
independent of the pre-defined ratios. If not selected, KP, KI and KD gain
settings are automatically set via the selected radio button in the Gain
Presets. Selecting this option gives the user greater flexibility to both have a
wider range of gains, as well as independently changing the ratios between
the gains. If settings produce undesirable results, the user can easily select a
Damping and Response setting from the pre-defined matrix.

Note: For more information on PID gain setting tuning, see Section 5.2.2.

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10. DTS Specification Parameter Inputs: Screen allows the user to create or
adjust the parameters associated with the Sensor Based Specification. If the
Sensor Based Specification of “DTS” control is active these values will be loaded
from the Intel® QST configuration. If it is not the user can manually enter these
values. Figure 8 shows this screen.

• DTS Specification Parameters: The values in this section are specific to the
exact processor type and can be found in the processor specification. The
performance target of the processor’s thermal solution in “Psi-ca” is
determined based on the read DTS temperature of the processor and
calculated based on a three parameter equation determined between Tcontrol
(“DTS=Tcontrol”) and one degree below TCC activation (“DTS=-1”). This
equation has a slope, intercept and maximum ambient temperature values
(which is the same at both points). The exact equation and subsequent
parameters can be found in the processor’s datasheet specifically in the
Package Thermal Specification chapter in the Notes section of “Thermal
Solution Performance above Tcontrol” table.

These parameters determine the Psi-ca “Target” for the processor when its
DTS temperature is above Tcontrol.

• Processor Fan Monitor: Fan controller associated with the processor using
the Sensor Based Specification and that will be controlled when DTS is above
Tcontrol.

• Ambient Temperature Monitor: The Psi-ca Target varies as ambient

temperature varies and as such a temperature monitor can be specified. It is
assumed that the temperature monitor is immediately upstream of the
processor’s thermal solution within the system. If there is ambient sensor
available in the system then “No Sensor” can be selected and the specification
with not vary with ambient temperature but will assume a constant 40 °C.
Correction to the specific temperature sensor can be performed and the
sensor’s slope and offset can be changed to adjust the sensor to represent the
ambient temperature. The Temperature Sensor corrected slope and offset are
parameters that are stored in the main QST subsystem and are not uniquely
part of the Sensor Based Specification implementation.

o Corrected Slope: Measured temperature value is read and multiplied

by the corrected slope (in °C/°C). The corrected offset, if any, is then
applied and the temperature is reported.

o Corrected Offset: Measured temperature value adjusted by the

addition of the corrected offset (°C) after corrected slope is applied
and reported

• Heatsink Performance Information: This section contains the performance

information for the active heatsink associated with the Processor Fan Monitor
selected in the screen. Specifically six data points are inputted for the thermal
solution’s thermal performance in “Psi-ca” (in degree Centigrade per Watt or
“C/W”) at a specified thermal solution’s “Fan Speed” (in Revolutions per
Minute or “RPM”). The thermal performance is determined with a Thermal
Test Vehicle for which its specification is determined.

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Please refer the processor’s datasheet and (specifically the Package Thermal
Specification chapter) as well as the processor’s Thermal Mechanical Design Guide
(specifically the Sensor Based Thermal Specification Design Guidance Chapter) for
more details associated with the Sensor-Based Specification.

Figure 8: DTS Specification Parameter Inputs Screen

11. Processor DTS RPM Gain Tuning Screen: Similar to the “PID Gain Testing
Screen” used to set, adjust, test and retest the PID gain settings for the processor
when in temperature control or below Tcontrol this screen allows tuning of the
RPM PID gain settings when the processor is above Tcontrol.

Note: To generate a temperature response that exceed the processors Tcontrol temperature
testing may have to be performed at elevated temperatures. This need is dependant
on the processor specification as well as it’s power dissipation.

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• DTS RPM Gain Presets: A pre-defined matrix of sets of PID gain settings
similar to that of the temperature control PID gains may provide good results
across a broad range of systems. It is specific to the thermal solution
implemented and its speed range. The temperature control PID gains are a
good place to start when testing DTS RPM control PID gains. Typically a well
tuned system will require less responsiveness and dampening (0.75x to 0.5x)
when above Tcontrol. The actual PID values are read from the QST
configuration if the DTS specification has been implemented and is active.
The corresponding P, I and D gain settings are displayed to the right of the
DTS RPM Gain Presets section.

• Enable Advanced Gain Tuning: If selected, allows user specify P, I and D

independent of the pre-defined ratios. If not selected, P, I, and D gain settings
are automatically set via the selected radio button in the Gain Presets.
Selecting this option gives the user greater flexibility to both have a wider
range of gains, as well as independently changing the ratios between the
gains. If settings produce undesirable results, the user can easily select a
Damping and Response setting from the pre-defined matrix.

• Damping: Damping and Response parameters are a simplified representation

of the PID gain settings. In general, increasing the Damping will decrease fan
oscillation and decrease RPM overshoot. However, too high of a Damping will
cause fan overshoot, causing higher acoustics than are necessary to
adequately meet the sensor based specification.

• Response: Damping and Response parameters are a simplified representation

of the PID gain settings. In general, increasing the Response causes the fans
to react faster to a temperature change and a subsequent RPM target, thereby
decreasing RPM overshoot. However, too high of a Response will cause fan
RPM overshoot and oscillation, causing higher acoustics than are necessary to
meet the sensor based specification.

• Test DTS RPM Gains: Starts the gain testing routine, which takes the
processor through three distinct power steps: from idle to very high, from
very high to high, and back to very high. By analyzing the fan and RPM
response at each of these power steps, the gain settings can be adjusted to
optimize the systems performance.

• Maximum RPM Overshoot: The maximum difference between the average

steady-state condition of the fan and its peak across the response time
domain. This parameter is displayed for the most recent gain test.

• Average Difference From Target: During the test a “Target RPM” is

displayed along side the thermal solution’s actual fan speed to compare how
well the PID gains are controlling the thermal solution. If the DTS
temperature is below Tcontrol it would be expected to see a Target RPM value
above what the solution is actively spinning at. Above Tcontrol the control
logic is seeking to meet the target RPM speed. This reports the average
difference the fan speed is from the specification’s targeted speed when the
processor is above its Tcontrol.

• Processor Throttle Detected: Number of seconds a throttle or TCC event is

detected during the test. The sensor based specification allows processor
temperatures above Tcontrol which is an acoustic benefit to the end user but
may place the processor closer to its Throttle or TCC activation temperature.
If the PID values are implemented that don’t not respond to DTS temperature

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changes fast enough the processor may reach this throttle temperature. If
significant throttle time is witness then increasing the responsiveness of the
PID rpm gains is recommended.

Figure 9: Processor DTS RPM Gain Tuning Scene

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12. Exit Screen: Screen allows user to save and implement settings. If the Digital
Sensor Specification (DTS) Control check box is NOT checked in screen 2 then
screens 10 and 11 are not show and this becomes screen 10

• Update QST on exit: Sends the final version of the configuration to QST for
storage (overwriting previous settings). If the Sensor Based Specification DTS
control has been activated and tuned then it parameters will be saved as well.

• Update .INI on exit: Writes settings to the .INI file that was specified in the
“Tool Options” screen. If the Sensor Based Specification DTS control has been
activated an additional .INI file is written as specified in the “Tool Options”
screen.

• Create new .INI on exit: Writes settings to a new .INI file. The Integrator
will specify the filename and directory in a File Open dialogue. If the Sensor
Based Specification DTS control has been activated an additional File Open
dialogue is seen to save the separate DTS .INI file.

5.2.2 PID Gain Setting Tuning

While much of the Wizard is automated, user input is required to find the optimal gain
settings. The default gain settings may be adequate for many systems, but fine-tuning
the gain settings to your particular system (and especially its processor cooling
solution) can provide an additional acoustic benefit. This section describes the process
for adjusting the PID gain settings in Screen 9: PID Gain Testing. Although these
guidelines are focused on the temperature PID gains they also apply in general to the
tuning of the DTS RPM control PID gains and should help guide the tuning of those PDI
gains as well.

5.2.2.1 Determining the Quality of PID Gain Settings

Certain metrics can be used to measure the quality of your fan speed and temperature
response to determine if you have optimized gain settings. Analyzing the fan speed
and temperature response to multiple inputs can help you to determine (1) if your
current gain settings are appropriate, and (2) how to change the gains to achieve
better results. The Intel® QST Tuning Wizard automates both changes in processor
power and data collection to enable the Integrator to assess the response quality to
changes in power.

5.2.2.2 Assessing Response Quality

The first measures of response quality are indicated in the upper right corner of Figure
1: the Maximum Temperature Overshoot and the Maximum Fan Overshoot. If either of
these values are large (>4 °C or > 5% PWM, respectively) then the user should
change the gains and retest. See Table 1 for recommendations on changing the gain
settings.

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The second measure is analysis of the temperature and fan PWM response data from
the PID gain settings test. Figure 11 - Figure 13 show the response of a relatively
simple one fan, one sensor system while subjected to the series of changes in
processor power shown in Figure 10. These power changes, moving from left to right,
are as follows:

1. Start power at idle setting

2. Increase power to a high power setting
3. Reduce power to an intermediate power setting
4. Increase power to the high power setting again.

This series of power changes will stress the fan speed control subsystem and expose
any problems with its dynamic control. In particular, the response at power steps 1-
to-2 and 3-to-4 will provide the response data of interest. The results (Figure 11-
Figure 13) can be used to illustrate how to measure the quality of fan and
temperature response. Table 1 explains the metrics shown in Figure 11-Figure 13.

Figure 10: Power Level Changes for the PID Gain Settings Test

High High

Mid
Power Level

Idle
Power transitions of interest

Time

Figure 11-Figure 13 show response data from a real system with only one fan and the
CPU temperature response shown. The indicators of poor PID Gain Settings are
highlighted and an improvement path is suggested.

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Figure 11: Fan Overshoot & Temperature Oscillation (Adjustment: Decrease Response)

Processor Temperature
Processor Limit Temperature
Temperature Oscillation
Processor Fan Controller
70 120

60 100
Too much fan overshoot
50
Temperature (°C)

80

Fan PWM (%)

40
60
30
40
20
Steady-state PWM
10 20

0 0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Time (s)

Figure 12: Temperature Overshoot (Adjustment: Increase Both Damping and

Response)

Processor Temperature
Processor Limit Temperature
Processor Fan Controller

70 120

60
100
Temperature overshoot
50
Temperature (°C)

80

Fan PWM (%)

40
60
30
40
20

10 20

0 0
0 500 1000 1500 2000
Time (s)

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Figure 13: Fan Spike, Temperature and Fan Overshoot (Adjustment: Decrease
Damping)

Processor Temperature
Processor Limit Temperature
Processor Fan Controller
70 120

60 100
Fan & T Overshoot
50
Temperature (°C)

80

Fan PWM (%)

40
60
30
40
20
Indicates damping is too high
10 20

0 0
0 500 1000 1500 2000
Time (s)

Table 1: PID Gain Setting Adjustment Guide

Metric Description How to Improve Problem

Fan and/or The fan or temperature response Decrease Response and

Temperature oscillates above and below it’s Increase Damping
Oscillation steady-state condition when the
power is not changing
Fan The maximum delta between the Decrease Response and
Overshoot average steady-state condition of Damping
the fan and it’s peak across the
response time domain
Temperature The maximum delta between the Increase Response and
Overshoot average steady-state condition of Damping
the temperature sensor and it’s
peak across the response time
domain
Fan and During certain power changes the Increase Response and
Temperature fan speed increases above its decrease Damping
Overshoot steady state condition, but at other
parts of the test, the temperature
increases above its steady state
condition

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5.2.2.3 Process for Adjusting the PID Gain Settings

Once the response data is analyzed and the problem areas identified, the Damping
and Response parameters can be changed to improve performance. The process for
tuning the gain settings is as follows:

1. Choose a set of gain values for initial testing from the Gain Preset table. The
default settings are a good place to start.

2. Run the gain test on the Processor Gain Tuning screen.

3. Analyze the data and identify the key indicators as described in Section 5.2.2.2.

4. Use the information presented in Figure 11-Figure 14 and Table 1 to determine if

the PID gain settings are adequate and, if not, how to adjust the Damping and
Response to improve the results. For example, if the test was run using the
default settings, and the results in Figure 12 were achieved, the temperature
overshoot would need to be decreased. Referring to Figure 15, this response
indicates moving both the Damping and Response parameters up and to the right
is necessary (i.e. away from the ‘Too Much Temperature Overshoot’ corner). Thus,
the button at (Damping = 1.5, Response = 1.5) should be selected. After making
any change, the Gain Tests should be run again to verify the new settings.

Note: This method works for any starting point. Suppose a second test was run and the data
indicated that there was too much fan oscillation. For fan oscillation, the plot
recommends moving down and right. When the starting point is (1.5, 1.5), the next
setting to test would be (2.0, 1.0), and so on. It is also acceptable to move
horizontally or vertically on the chart if multiple indicators are found.

Repeat the test, analyze and adjust process (steps 1-4) until good Damping and
Response settings are found. This is indicated by none of the symptoms described in
Table 1 being present in the data, a temperature overshoot of <4°C and a fan
overshoot of <5% PWM. Figure 14 shows the response of a well-tuned system.

Figure 14: Response from Tuned PID Gain Settings

T1 - Processor Temperature
Processor Limit Temperature
P1 - Processor Fan Controller
70 120

60 100
<4°C temperature overshoot
Temperature (°C)

50
Fan PWM (%)

80
40
60
30
40
20

10 20
gentle fan response, little or no overshoot
0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800

Time (s)

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Figure 15: PID Gain Setting Adjustment Guide

2.0
Too much fan Too much fan
oscillation overshoot

Response Factor, R
te cre
De
m a
p. se
+ D
1.5

fa in
t
oo R

n
h

ov cre
rs nd

er as
ve D a

sh e
o
p. e

oo R
m eas

t
Default e
Setting t cr
s in Damping Factor, D

0.67 1.0 fa 1.5 2.0

n
t in os
hoo d R de cre cill
s n cr as ati
er a ea e on
ov e D se D
n s
fa rea R
c 0.67
de
Too much
fan+temp.
Too much overshoot
temperature
overshoot

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5.2.3 Using the Plot Window

The QST Plot window offers several functions to help the user see the data as it is
collected in real time and in a useful manner.

5.2.3.1 Plot Window Contents

The Plot Window shows three separate sets of data vs. time while the testing
proceeds: 1) the temperature for each enabled temperature sensor, 2) the fan
controller PWM, and 3) the fan monitor RPM. These are displayed top-to-bottom in the
window. Figure 11-Figure 14 all represent examples of the contents of the
temperature portion of the plot display.

5.2.3.2 Plot Window Options

The features enabled in the plot window are as follows:

• For both the x- and y-axis:

• Can be panned by grabbing and dragging.

• Right click context menu can enable/disable tracking and zoom to fit the
data displayed.

• Zoom in on data. To zoom, click the ‘Zoom On’ button in the lower right side
of the plot of interest, then select a rectangle around the data of interest.
Cursor must start in the upper-right corner of the rectangle. Click the button
again (now titled ‘Zoom Off’) to return to the full data set.

• Hide and unhide channels. Click on the channel of interest in the legend and
answer ‘Yes’ in the dialogue box to hide a channel. Repeat process to unhide
channel.

5. Clicking on ‘No’ when hiding or unhiding a channel will open a color selection
dialogue to change the color of the channel.

• The window can be resized as desired. Each plot will take 1/3 of the height
and the full width of the window.

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