##(see the SpecSpec for an explanation)

 * '''Launchpad Entry''': UbuntuSpec:itpm-support
 * '''Created''': AndrewPollock
 * '''Contributors''': 
 * '''Packages affected''': linux

== Summary ==

Contemporary Lenovo and Dell laptops include a newer [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_Platform_Module|TPM chip]] (iTPM) which is not well supported by Linux.

The fundamental problem is that iTPM doesn't set the TPM_STS_DATA_EXPECT status bit when sending it a burst of data and the current kernel module considers that a failure. And there is a secondary problem that the Thinkpads have the chip in an ACPI configuration that, while standard, eludes the kernel's autoprobing.

== Release Note ==

iTPM-based laptops are supported

== Rationale ==

Enterprise customers already relying on the TPM chip cannot move to newer laptops with the new iTPM chip because it is not supported by Linux.

== Design ==

If the patches make the kernel that Lucid ships with, there's nothing Ubuntu needs to do specifically. If they do not, Ubuntu should consider carrying these patches in its kernel.

== Implementation ==

=== Code Changes ===

[[http://launchpad.net/~dds|David Smith]] has done a lot of work in this area. There are two kernel patches involved. The [[http://marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=125381794406624&w=2|first one]] has been merged into the mm tree. The [[http://marc.info/?l=tpmdd-devel&m=125264268716691&w=2|second one]] is being reworked.

== Test/Demo Plan ==

If the feature is working, an iTPM-based laptop (e.g. Lenovo T400, X301) running the Trousers software will successfully detect the TPM chip (i.e. tpm_version will return something)

== Unresolved issues ==

The [[http://marc.info/?l=tpmdd-devel&m=125264268716691&w=2|second patch]] is still to be rewritten, submitted and accepted by the Kernel subsystem maintainer

== BoF agenda and discussion ==

Use this section to take notes during the BoF; if you keep it in the approved spec, use it for summarising what was discussed and note any options that were rejected.

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CategorySpec