Fan test system, server and fan test method

Through the connection between the fan backplane and the controller, the output modulation signal is controlled using software logic, which solves the problem of low flexibility in testing of conventional fans, and realizes flexible testing of different fan types, improving the versatility and accuracy of the test.

CN119572524AActive Publication Date: 2025-03-07INSPUR SUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202412000361.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-31
Publication Date
2025-03-07
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional fan testing uses circuit board method to lead to limited testing of different types of fan types and reduced flexibility.

Method used

Through the connection of the fan backplane, fan and controller, and the adapter cable and serial port are connected, software logic control is realized, and the modulated signal with filtered signal characteristics is output, supporting tests of different fan types.

Benefits of technology

It improves the flexibility and versatility of fan testing, reduces the need to replace circuit boards, reduces the testing cost, and ensures the anti-interference characteristics and accuracy of the signal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a fan testing system, a server and a fan testing method, and relates to the technical field of server testing. Through the connection mode of the fan backboard, the fan and the controller, the modulation signal output by the fan backboard has the filtering signal characteristic, the anti-interference characteristic of the modulation signal is improved, and it is guaranteed that the signal is not distorted. The fan backboard is connected with the fan through the switching cable, different types of fans are configured through software on the basis of the switching cable, and the testing flexibility and universality of the different types of fans are improved. The fan backboard is connected with the controller, corresponding target modulation signals are output through different target test case modes in the controller and configuration parameters of fan types corresponding to target test cases, and the test process of different types of fans is completed. The whole fan test system replaces a circuit board with the fan backboard, so that the execution process of test cases corresponding to different software programs is realized, and the test accuracy and flexibility are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of server testing, and in particular to a fan testing system, a server and a fan testing method. Background Art

[0002] For server manufacturers, different fan types will be tested to determine the corresponding fan performance to suit the heat dissipation of other components inside the server product.

[0003] Conventional fan type tests use PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) circuit boards to output pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to collect the fan's frequency generator (FG) signal. Since PLC circuit boards support a limited number of fan types, if a new fan type is to be tested, a PLC circuit board that supports the fan type needs to be purchased for replacement, which complicates the replacement test and adds additional costs, thereby reducing the flexibility of fan type testing.

[0004] Therefore, how to support different types of fan tests to improve test flexibility is an urgent problem that those skilled in the art need to solve. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a fan testing system, a server and a fan testing method to solve the problem that conventional fan testing uses a circuit board method, which results in restrictions on different types of fan testing and reduced flexibility.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a fan testing system, including a fan backplane, a fan and a controller;

[0007] The fan backplane is connected to the fan via a transfer cable for configuring different fan types;

[0008] The fan backplane is connected to the controller;

[0009] The controller is used to obtain a target test case corresponding to the current fan type; input the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane; control the fan backplane to determine the corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output it to the fan, so that the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal to complete the fan test corresponding to the current fan type; wherein, the target test case establishment process includes: obtaining the specification parameters corresponding to the different types of the fans; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain the target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as test cases to obtain the target test case.

[0010] On the one hand, it also includes a programmable power supply;

[0011] The program-controlled power supply is connected to the controller via a serial port;

[0012] The controller is also used to obtain the current fan voltage corresponding to the current fan type and the first fan voltage corresponding to the fan type to which the previous target test case belongs; if the current fan voltage is different from the first fan voltage, an instruction to switch the first fan voltage to the current fan voltage is sent to the programmable power supply, so that the programmable power supply receives the instruction for switching.

[0013] On the other hand, it also includes air volume and pressure measuring instruments;

[0014] The air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port;

[0015] The controller is further used to receive the air volume signal and the air pressure signal of the fan corresponding to the current fan type measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument, and determine the performance of the fan based on the air volume signal and the air pressure signal.

[0016] In order to solve the above technical problem, the present invention also provides a server, including the above-mentioned fan testing system.

[0017] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention also provides a fan testing method, which is applied to a fan testing system, wherein the fan testing system comprises a fan backplane, a fan and a controller; the fan backplane is connected to the fan via a transfer cable; the fan backplane is connected to the controller; the method comprises:

[0018] Obtain a target test case corresponding to the current fan type; wherein the process of establishing the target test case includes: obtaining specification parameters corresponding to different types of the fan; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as test cases to obtain the target test case;

[0019] Inputting fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane;

[0020] The fan backplane is controlled to determine a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output the target modulation signal to the fan, so that the fan outputs a corresponding rotation speed signal, thereby completing a fan test corresponding to the current fan type.

[0021] On the one hand, inputting fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane includes:

[0022] Obtain the fan model corresponding to the target test case;

[0023] Determine the corresponding fan configuration parameters according to the fan model; wherein a mapping relationship is pre-established between the fan model and the fan configuration parameters;

[0024] Determining whether the fan configuration parameter exists in a configuration database;

[0025] If present, the fan configuration parameters are input to the fan backplane.

[0026] On the other hand, after the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal, the method further includes:

[0027] Obtaining a critical test duration of the fan configuration parameter and an actual rotation speed value corresponding to the critical test duration;

[0028] If the actual speed value is within the speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan speed is normal;

[0029] If the actual rotation speed value is not within the rotation speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan rotation speed is abnormal.

[0030] On the other hand, the fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes:

[0031] When there are multiple fans, obtaining actual rotation speeds of the multiple fans;

[0032] Performing average processing on the actual rotation speeds of the plurality of fans to obtain a first actual rotation speed;

[0033] When the first actual speed reaches the critical speed value, obtaining each preset shielding area corresponding to shielding the fan outlet; wherein each of the preset shielding areas is different;

[0034] Blocking the air outlet of each fan according to the preset blocking areas to obtain corresponding air volume signals and air pressure signals;

[0035] At each fan outlet, the preset shielding area corresponding to each fan outlet is compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and the preset air pressure signal according to each air volume signal and each air pressure signal;

[0036] If the wind volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area exceeds the corresponding preset wind volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, the shielding density corresponding to the target preset shielding area is adjusted;

[0037] The air outlet of each fan is blocked according to the adjusted target preset shielding area to obtain a new air volume signal and wind pressure signal; and compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and preset wind pressure signal, and return to the step of if the air volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area exceeds the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, until the air volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under each preset shielding area do not exceed the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, and it is determined that the test performance of the fan is good.

[0038] On the other hand, the fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes:

[0039] Obtaining an actual rotation speed of the fan;

[0040] When the actual speed reaches the critical speed, obtaining the air volume signal and the air pressure signal measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument;

[0041] If the air volume signal and the air pressure signal are within the preset air volume range and the preset air pressure range, the target modulation signal is controlled to change from the first preset modulation signal to the first fan speed outputted corresponding to the second preset modulation signal, and from the second preset modulation signal to the second fan speed outputted corresponding to the first preset modulation signal;

[0042] Obtain a first time when the first fan speed stabilizes to a first threshold value of a first preset fan speed, a second time when the second fan speed stabilizes to the first threshold value of the first preset fan speed, and a stabilization time;

[0043] If the time differences between the first time and the second time and the stabilization time are respectively within a preset time range, it is determined that the performance of the fan is good.

[0044] On the other hand, the fan backplane is connected to the controller via a serial port; the controlling the fan backplane determines a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters and outputs the signal to the fan, including:

[0045] Determining the serial port status of the fan backplane through the serial port of the fan backplane and the controller;

[0046] When the serial port is in an open state, receiving a first pin signal sent by the fan backplane;

[0047] Obtain a second pin signal of a fan corresponding to the current fan type;

[0048] If the first pin signal and the second pin signal have different pin attributes, determining the corresponding target pin signal through the second pin signal;

[0049] The first pin signal is configured according to the pin attribute of the target pin signal to achieve connection between the fan backplane and the fan, and the target modulated signal is output to the fan.

[0050] The beneficial effects of the present invention are that firstly, the present invention uses a connection mode such as a fan backplane, a fan and a controller. Compared with the fan test realized by the conventional hardware logic control of a circuit board, the present invention uses the software logic control of the fan backplane, and the modulation signal output by the fan backplane has a filtering signal characteristic, so that the anti-interference characteristic of the modulation signal is improved, and the signal is guaranteed not to be distorted. Secondly, the fan backplane is connected to the fan through a transfer cable. Compared with the conventional hardware logic control of the circuit board, it is configured to the pins corresponding to different fan types through the transfer cable, and there is no need to replace the circuit board to adapt the fan type. The present invention realizes software configuration of different types of fans based on the transfer cable, and improves the flexibility and versatility of the test of different types of fans. In addition, the fan backplane is connected to the controller, and through different target test case modes in the controller, the configuration parameters of the fan type corresponding to the target test case are output to output the corresponding target modulation signal to complete the fan test process of different types. Finally, the entire fan test system replaces the circuit board with the fan backplane to realize the execution process of the test case corresponding to different software programs, without replacing the circuit board device, and improving the accuracy and flexibility of the test.

[0051] Secondly, the connection relationship between the programmable power supply and the controller. When the fan voltage changes, the controller needs to send instructions to the programmable power supply through the serial port protocol to set the appropriate power supply voltage and current. It can also read the actual voltage and current of the fan load to solve the power supply compatibility problem. The corresponding connection relationship between the air volume and pressure measuring instrument and the controller is used to measure the air volume signal and the air pressure signal, which is convenient for subsequent fan performance testing and improves the accuracy of fan performance testing. In the process of inputting the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane, it is necessary to determine whether the fan configuration parameters determined based on the fan model exist in the configuration database, so that the fan configuration parameters can be directly called in the database to improve the input accuracy, so as to ensure that the fan backplane can smoothly output the corresponding target modulation signal. Based on the comparison of the speed range corresponding to the speed signal, the accuracy of the basic test performance of the fan is guaranteed. The air volume signal and the wind pressure signal determined in the process of shielding the fan outlet based on the preset shielding area are compared with the preset signals set respectively. The comparison process here is based on the use of and / or relationship between the two signals to improve the diversity and flexibility of measurement. If it exceeds the respective preset signals, the shielding density of the preset shielding area is adjusted to meet the fan's adaptability to the air duct in the server. After the air volume signal and the wind pressure signal are in their respective preset paradigms, the stabilization time corresponding to the large mutation of the PWM value is compared. If the time difference between the actual stabilization time and the preset stabilization time is within the preset time range, it means that the performance of the current fan is relatively stable. Through such stability testing, the integrity and accuracy of the fan performance test are improved. Before the target modulation signal is output to the fan, the configuration process of the pin signal between the fan backplane and the fan is carried out to realize the universal function of the pin connection between the fan backplane and the fan, thereby improving flexibility.

[0052] In addition, the present invention also provides a server and a fan testing method, which have the same beneficial effects as the above-mentioned fan testing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fan testing system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 An electrical schematic diagram of a fan testing system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of a connector between a fan backplane and a fan provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 A system topology diagram provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 A flow chart of a fan testing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an interface for modifying and establishing a test case provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a fan backplane provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a reply message received after a fan backplane command is sent according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a test interface of a fan system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a serial port connection state provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] The core of the present invention is to provide a fan testing system, a server and a fan testing method to solve the problem that conventional fan testing uses a circuit board method, which results in restrictions on different types of fan testing and reduced flexibility.

[0066] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0067] Fans are crucial to the heat dissipation of air-cooled servers, and their performance parameters and stability need to be tested and verified. When the server is running, the baseboard management controller (BMC) and the fan backplane control the speed and obtain information such as speed and current. In order to prevent defective products from entering the production line, the incoming quality control (IQC) department needs to inspect and stress test the incoming fan materials.

[0068] At present, IQC has an instrument for incoming fan testing, which is based on a single-chip microcomputer system and can display the fan speed. The four-digit digital tube display can only display the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) of 9999. Four simultaneous test cycles are displayed in a rolling manner, and the indicator light next to it shows the corresponding slot. The fan has no mechanism to fix it and needs to be fixed by hand. There is also a test system based on PLC. The PWM waveform distortion problem is difficult to solve. It is similar to a trapezoidal wave. Both high and low levels are distorted, and the high level is particularly obvious. Therefore, it is used to control the fan, and the speed is low. In addition, generally a PLC has only one output, and the electrical compatibility is poor. There are several voltages that require several power supplies. Due to the space limitations of the equipment, it is inconvenient to increase the power supply. Fan manufacturers have complex test instruments that can display PWM, speed FG signals, voltage, and current waveforms. They are expensive, but these functions are not necessary for users. Moreover, the adjustable voltage range of the instrument is limited, and the maximum output current is 10A, which cannot meet the requirements of full compatibility.

[0069] For server manufacturers, they test different types of fans to suit different devices in the server. For fan manufacturers, they test a limited number of fans during the fan production process. They conduct mass production after testing a certain type of fan. If the tests for different types of fans are required, it is necessary to replace the original stored new fan type test, that is, replace the circuit board, which increases the cost and makes the replacement process cumbersome. The fan testing system provided by the present invention can solve the above technical problems.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fan testing system provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the fan testing system includes a fan backplane 2, a fan 1 and a controller 3;

[0071] The fan backplane 2 is connected to the fan 1 via a transfer cable to configure different fan types;

[0072] The fan backplane 2 is connected to the controller 3;

[0073] Controller 3 is used to obtain the target test case corresponding to the current fan type; input the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane 2; control the fan backplane 2 to determine the corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output it to the fan 1, so that the fan 1 outputs the corresponding speed signal to complete the fan test corresponding to the current fan type; wherein, the process of establishing the target test case: obtaining the various specification parameters corresponding to different types of fans; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for heat dissipation of the fan 1 in the server to obtain the target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as each test case to obtain the target test case.

[0074] Specifically, Figure 2 An electrical schematic diagram of a fan testing system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the connection between the fan and the fan backplane needs to be connected through an adapter cable, and the circuit board in the conventional fan test system is replaced by the fan backplane of this embodiment, and the fan backplane outputs a PWM signal to the fan. It should be noted that the pin interface of the fan backplane is fixed, but the interface of the fan is different due to different types of corresponding interfaces, so it is necessary to transfer it here through a transfer signal so that different types of fans can be applied to the current fan test system.

[0075] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a connector between a fan backplane and a fan provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fan-end connector has a wire harness W1, and the system-end connector has a wire harness W2. The corresponding wires are connected according to their functions.

[0076] The fan backplane is connected to the controller. The controller here can be a personal computer (PC), a BMC, or other controllers. There is no limitation here. The connection between the fan backplane and the controller here can be based on the same connection relationship between the original server and the fan backplane, or the fan backplane can be used as a peripheral and connected to the controller through a serial port. There is no limitation here and it can be set according to actual conditions. In the process of connecting the controller as a peripheral through a serial port, it is necessary to change the communication of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) in the transmission cable to the Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) converter to achieve normal transmission of data and instructions between the controller and the fan backplane.

[0077] The controller is used to obtain the target test case corresponding to the current fan type. The test case needs to be based on the specification parameters corresponding to different types in the fan specification book. Here, the specification parameters need to be classified according to the heat dissipation requirements of the target components of the fan heat dissipation to determine the target specification parameters set in different application scenarios as test cases. It is also possible to determine a test case based on a fan model, or to set different test cases based on different speed requirements, speed stabilization time, etc. under a fan model to obtain the target test case.

[0078] The fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case are input into the fan backplane. Here, a mapping relationship can be used to establish a mapping relationship between the target test case and the fan configuration parameters to obtain the fan configuration parameters. The fan configuration parameters and the modulation signal can be set through a functional relationship or a mapping relationship. The corresponding speed signal is output according to the target modulation signal to complete the fan test. It should be noted that the target modulation signal is output by the fan backplane. The fan backplane corresponds to the filtering and anti-interference characteristics of the signal, and the target modulation signal output by the fan backplane is not distorted relative to the modulation signal output by the conventional circuit board.

[0079] A fan test system provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a fan backplane, a fan and a controller; the fan backplane is connected to the fan through a transfer cable to configure different fan types; the fan backplane is connected to the controller; the controller is used to obtain the target test case corresponding to the current fan type; the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case are input to the fan backplane; the fan backplane is controlled to determine the corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output it to the fan, so that the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal to complete the fan test corresponding to the current fan type; wherein, the process of establishing the target test case: obtaining the specification parameters corresponding to different types of fans; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain the target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as each test case, so as to obtain the target test case. First of all, the present invention uses the connection mode of the fan backplane, the fan and the controller, and compared with the conventional fan test realized by the hardware logic control of the circuit board, the present invention uses the software logic control of the fan backplane, and the modulation signal output by the fan backplane has the characteristics of the filtering signal, so that the anti-interference characteristics of the modulation signal are improved to ensure that the signal is not distorted. Secondly, the fan backplane is connected to the fan through an adapter cable. Compared with the conventional hardware logic control using a circuit board, the pins corresponding to different fan types are configured through an adapter cable, and there is no need to replace the circuit board to adapt to the fan type. The present invention realizes software configuration of different types of fans based on the adapter cable, thereby improving the flexibility and versatility of testing different types of fans. In addition, the fan backplane is connected to the controller, and through different target test cases in the controller, the configuration parameters of the fan type corresponding to the target test case are used to output the corresponding target modulation signal to complete the test process of different types of fans. Finally, the entire fan test system replaces the circuit board with the fan backplane to realize the execution process of the test cases corresponding to different software programs, without replacing the circuit board components, thereby improving the accuracy and flexibility of the test.

[0080] In some embodiments, further comprising a programmable power supply;

[0081] The program-controlled power supply is connected to the controller via a serial port;

[0082] The controller is also used to obtain the current fan voltage corresponding to the current fan type and the first fan voltage corresponding to the fan type to which the previous target test case belongs; if the current fan voltage is different from the first fan voltage, an instruction to switch the first fan voltage to the current fan voltage is sent to the programmable power supply so that the programmable power supply receives the instruction for switching.

[0083] Specifically, the programmable power supply may be a programmable voltage-stabilized power supply, or a linear programmable power supply, etc., which is not limited here. Figure 4A system topology diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the controller in the topology diagram includes multiple serial ports, and its programmable power supply is connected to the controller through the serial port, and its serial port is connected through a USB to Recommended Standard 485 (RS485) converter, and communicates through the Remote Terminal Unit (MODBUS-RTU) protocol. The programmable power supply is used to receive the current fan voltage data and rated voltage data sent by the controller. In order to ensure the accuracy of the fan voltage and avoid manual debugging errors and damage to the fan, the voltage and current values ​​of the corresponding channel can be read in real time during the test. The programmable power supply provides power for the fan. It needs to check the current fan voltage and compare it with the first fan voltage corresponding to the fan type to which the previous target test case belongs. If they are different, the first fan voltage is switched to the current fan voltage to provide power for the fan corresponding to the current fan type.

[0084] The connection relationship between the programmable power supply and the controller provided in this embodiment requires the controller to send instructions to the programmable power supply through the serial port protocol to set the appropriate power supply voltage and current when the fan voltage changes. It can also read the actual voltage and current of the fan load to solve the power supply compatibility problem.

[0085] In some embodiments, it also includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument;

[0086] The air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port;

[0087] The controller is also used to receive the air volume signal and air pressure signal of the fan corresponding to the current fan type measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument, and determine the performance of the fan based on the air volume signal and the air pressure signal.

[0088] Specifically, the air volume and pressure measuring instrument measures the air volume signal and air pressure signal corresponding to the fan at the maximum speed, and controls the air volume and air pressure by controlling the shielding area of ​​the air outlet. In this embodiment, the controller is connected to the air volume and pressure measuring instrument through a serial port protocol, and the serial port protocol used by the air volume and pressure measuring instrument and the programmable power supply in the above embodiment can be the same or different, which is not limited here and can be set according to actual conditions.

[0089] The corresponding connection relationship between the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument and the controller in this embodiment is used to measure the air volume signal and the air pressure signal, which facilitates the subsequent fan performance test and improves the accuracy of the fan performance test.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a server, comprising the above-mentioned fan testing system.

[0091] For an introduction to a server provided by the present invention, please refer to the above method embodiment, and the present invention will not be repeated here. It has the same beneficial effects as the above fan testing system. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a fan testing method, Figure 5 A flow chart of a fan testing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the method is applied to a fan test system, the fan test system includes a fan backplane, a fan and a controller; the fan backplane and the fan are connected via a transfer cable; the fan backplane is connected to the controller; the method includes:

[0092] S11: Obtain target test cases corresponding to the current fan type;

[0093] The process of establishing the target test case includes: obtaining the specification parameters corresponding to different types of fans; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain the target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as each test case to obtain the target test case;

[0094] S12: inputting fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane;

[0095] S13: Control the fan backplane to determine a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output the signal to the fan so that the fan outputs a corresponding speed signal, thereby completing a fan test corresponding to the current fan type.

[0096] Specifically, the corresponding target test case is obtained in step S11, which requires the corresponding specification parameters of different types of fans, such as whether the fan is a single fan or a dual fan, the rated voltage, pseudo-random code (Pseudorandom NoiseCode, PN), the maximum test time corresponding to each PWM and the upper and lower limits of the speed, the corresponding relationship between wind pressure and air volume, and can also include all parameters in the fan specification book, which are not limited here. Obtain the target test case in each test case. If the target test case does not exist in each test case, a new target test case can be established in real time to input relevant information and save it to the corresponding file of the fixed storage, such as the Concurrent Versions System (CVS) file. In addition, it is also possible to modify certain specification parameters as new test cases based on the parameters corresponding to the original test case for reference.

[0097] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an interface for modifying and establishing a test case provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6As shown, according to the technical parameters in the fan specification, a formula named after the fan PN is established. The formula includes whether the fan is a single fan or a dual fan, the rated voltage, PN, the maximum test time and speed upper and lower limits corresponding to each PWM, the corresponding relationship between wind pressure and air volume, etc. The formula establishment method is to click the "New Recipe" button to enter the recipe page. Then enter the relevant information according to the prompts. Click "New Recipe" to save the data to a CSV file for the new recipe, and "Modify Recipe" is to modify the data of a certain recipe.

[0098] According to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation, the specification parameters corresponding to different types are classified and processed to determine the target specification parameters under different application scenarios. It should be noted that the establishment of the test cases in this embodiment is based on the settings under different application scenarios corresponding to the heat dissipation requirements, and can also be established based on other requirements and can be set according to actual conditions.

[0099] In step S12, the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case are input into the fan backplane. It should be noted that a corresponding mapping relationship is pre-established between the target test case and the fan configuration parameters. Based on the target test case, the fan configuration parameters are known and input into the fan backplane. The fan backplane is controlled to determine the target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a fan backplane provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple fan controllers on the fan backplane to output PWM or collect speed FG signals. There are also input and output controllers to collect fan collection signals and output light emitting diode (LED) control signals. The selection of its input and output functions is set by the program. After the instruction is sent, a reply will be received, and its reply information is displayed through log information. It should be noted that before the various controllers of the fan backplane work, they are initialized first and the initial state of each controller is set. For example, writing 03 to address E0 is to select the two fan controllers, and then they can be read and written. Writing FF to register 38 at address 40 is to enable the controller to perform PWM output, etc. The initial state requires each controller to meet the functions defined by the system. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a reply message received after a fan backplane command is sent according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, record the fan speed and various test data corresponding to the FG value.

[0100] By acquiring the speed signal output by the fan, the test performance of the fan is determined through the speed signal. If the speed signal meets certain preset conditions, it is determined that the performance of the fan is good.

[0101] For an introduction to a fan testing method provided by the present invention, please refer to the above method embodiment, and the present invention will not be repeated here, which has the same beneficial effects as the above fan testing system. In some embodiments, the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case are input to the fan backplane, including:

[0102] Get the fan model corresponding to the target test case;

[0103] Determine the corresponding fan configuration parameters according to the fan model; wherein a mapping relationship between the fan model and the fan configuration parameters is pre-established;

[0104] Determine whether the fan configuration parameters exist in the configuration database;

[0105] If present, the fan configuration parameters are entered into the fan backplane.

[0106] Specifically, obtain the fan model (PN code) corresponding to the target test case, Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a test interface of a fan system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Fig. 9 As shown, first enter the 7-digit PN of the fan in the fan PN text box, and click "Select Recipe" to automatically check whether there is a recipe. That is, determine the corresponding fan configuration parameters based on the fan model. If the fan configuration parameters exist in the configuration database, enter the fan configuration parameters into the fan backplane, indicating that the recipe is successfully retrieved. Click "Start Test" and the system will automatically run according to the recipe information.

[0107] In the process of inputting the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane provided in this embodiment, it is necessary to determine whether the fan configuration parameters exist in the configuration database based on the fan model, so as to directly call the fan configuration parameters in the database, improve the accuracy of the input, and ensure that the fan backplane can smoothly output the corresponding target modulation signal.

[0108] In some embodiments, after the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal, the method further includes:

[0109] Obtain the critical test duration of the fan configuration parameters and the actual speed value corresponding to the critical test duration;

[0110] If the actual speed value is within the speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan speed is normal;

[0111] If the actual speed value is not within the speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan speed is abnormal.

[0112] Specifically, how to determine the performance of the fan is that the speed must reach a stable state within the longest test time and the value must be between the maximum and minimum values. The speed test is OK, otherwise the test result is NG. That is, if the actual speed value of the fan within the critical test time is within the speed range, the speed is determined to be normal. If it is not within the speed range, the fan speed is determined to be abnormal. Fig. 9 As shown, the test result will be displayed in a pop-up window, and the OK button will turn green, while NG will turn red. If you want to terminate the test, you can click the "Interrupt Test" button. Parse the received data according to the protocol of each controller to get the backplane status and fan speed. The fan speed will be displayed in two places, one is the text box corresponding to INLET and OUTLET, which is the real-time data with a sampling frequency of 1S, and the other is the curve chart on the right, where each PWM corresponds to a value, connected by a broken line.

[0113] The comparison based on the rotation speed signal corresponding to the rotation speed range provided in this embodiment ensures the accuracy of the basic test performance of the fan.

[0114] In some embodiments, the fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes:

[0115] When there are multiple fans, actual rotation speeds of the multiple fans are obtained;

[0116] Performing average processing on the actual rotation speeds of the multiple fans to obtain a first actual rotation speed;

[0117] When the first actual speed reaches the critical speed value, obtaining each preset shielding area corresponding to shielding the fan outlet; wherein each preset shielding area is different;

[0118] The air outlet of each fan is shielded according to each preset shielding area to obtain a corresponding air volume signal and air pressure signal;

[0119] At each fan outlet corresponding to each preset shielding area, each air volume signal and each wind pressure signal are compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and each preset wind pressure signal;

[0120] If there is an air volume signal and / or wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area that exceeds the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, the shielding density corresponding to the target preset shielding area is adjusted;

[0121] The air outlet of each fan is blocked according to the adjusted target preset shielding area to obtain a new air volume signal and wind pressure signal; and compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and preset wind pressure signal, and return to the step if there is an air volume signal and / or wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area that exceeds the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, until the air volume signal and / or wind pressure signal under each preset shielding area does not exceed the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, and it is determined that the test performance of the fan is good.

[0122] It should be noted that the connection relationship between the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument and the controller can be referred to the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here. This embodiment takes into account the performance test of the fan. It is not only necessary to check whether the fan speed is normal, but also to check whether the corresponding air volume signal and air pressure signal are normal output signals. The air volume signal and the air pressure signal are obtained by setting the shielding area of ​​the fan outlet. In the case of multiple fans, it is necessary to obtain the actual speeds of multiple fans, and average the actual speeds of each fan to determine the first actual speed to ensure the authority of the fan performance test.

[0123] When the first actual speed reaches the critical speed value, each preset shielding area is obtained. When each preset shielding area is different, the corresponding air volume and wind pressure signal is also different. The air volume signal and wind pressure signal corresponding to different preset shielding areas are compared with the respective preset air volume signal and preset wind pressure signal. It should be noted that each preset shielding area corresponds to the actual output air volume signal and wind pressure signal, as well as the corresponding preset air volume signal and preset wind pressure signal. If there is an air volume signal and / or wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area that exceeds the corresponding preset signal, it is necessary to adjust the shielding density corresponding to the target preset shielding area. Specifically, the adjustment process can be to change the shape of the shielding area. The shielding area is controlled by a honeycomb perforated mesh with different hole densities, which mainly reflects the adaptability of the fan to the air duct in the server.

[0124] Based on the adjusted target preset blocking area, the air outlet of each fan is blocked to obtain a new air volume signal and wind pressure signal, and the signals are continued to be compared with the respective preset signals until the air volume signal and / or wind pressure signal does not exceed the corresponding preset signal position to determine that the fan performance test is good.

[0125] The air volume signal and wind pressure signal determined in the process of shielding the fan outlet based on the preset shielding area provided in this embodiment are compared with the respective preset signals, and the comparison process here is based on the use of and / or relationship between the two signals to improve the diversity and flexibility of measurement. If it exceeds the respective preset signals, the shielding density of the preset shielding area is adjusted to meet the adaptability of the fan to the air duct in the server.

[0126] In some embodiments, the fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes:

[0127] Get the actual speed of the fan;

[0128] When the actual speed reaches the critical speed, the air volume signal and the air pressure signal measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument are obtained;

[0129] If the air volume signal and the air pressure signal are within the preset air volume range and the preset air pressure range, the control target modulation signal is changed from the first preset modulation signal to the first fan speed output corresponding to the second preset modulation signal, and from the second preset modulation signal to the second fan speed output corresponding to the first preset modulation signal;

[0130] Obtain a first time when the first fan speed stabilizes to a first threshold value of a first preset fan speed, a second time when the second fan speed stabilizes to the first threshold value of the first preset fan speed, and a stabilization time;

[0131] If the time differences between the first time and the second time and the stabilization time are respectively within a preset time range, it is determined that the performance of the fan is good.

[0132] Specifically, corresponding to the connection relationship between the air volume and pressure measuring instrument and the controller, the above embodiment can be referred to, and no further description is given here. This embodiment takes into account the performance test of the fan, and it is not only necessary to check whether the fan speed is normal, but also to check whether the corresponding air volume signal and air pressure signal are normal output signals. When the actual speed reaches the critical speed, it is necessary to obtain the corresponding air volume signal and air pressure signal. If the air volume signal and the air pressure signal are respectively in the corresponding preset air volume range and the preset air pressure range, the control target modulation signal is changed from the first preset modulation signal to the first fan speed corresponding to the output of the second preset modulation signal, and from the second preset modulation signal to the second fan speed corresponding to the first preset modulation signal. That is, the PWM duty cycle is greatly changed, from 1% to 100%, and the time when the fan speed is stable from 100% to 1%. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the first threshold value of the first fan speed to stabilize to the first preset fan speed, that is, the second time and the stabilization time of the second fan speed to stabilize to the first threshold value of the first preset fan speed corresponding to the preset fluctuation range. If the time difference between the first time and the second time and the stabilization time is within the preset time range, it is determined that the performance of the fan is good and it meets the stability.

[0133] This embodiment provides a comparison of the stabilization time corresponding to the large-scale mutation of the PWM value after the air volume signal and the air pressure signal are in their respective preset paradigms. If the time difference between the actual stabilization time and the preset stabilization time is within the preset time range, it means that the performance of the current fan is relatively stable. Through such a stability test, the integrity and accuracy of the fan performance test are improved.

[0134] In some embodiments, the fan backplane is connected to the controller via a serial port; controlling the fan backplane to determine a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters and outputting the signal to the fan includes:

[0135] Determine the serial port status of the fan backplane through the serial port between the fan backplane and the controller;

[0136] When the serial port is in an open state, a first pin signal sent by the fan backplane is received;

[0137] Get the second pin signal of the fan corresponding to the current fan type;

[0138] If the first pin signal and the second pin signal have different pin attributes, the corresponding target pin signal is determined by the second pin signal;

[0139] The first pin signal is configured according to the pin attribute of the target pin signal to achieve the connection between the fan backplane and the fan, and the target modulated signal is output to the fan.

[0140] Specifically, the connection relationship between the fan backplane and the controller can be referred to Figure 4 To control the fan backplane to output the target modulation signal to the fan, you need to check the serial port status corresponding to the serial port of the fan backplane and the controller. Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a serial port connection state provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Fig.10 As shown, the system automatically identifies the serial port, that is, click the "Open Serial Port" button. After the connection is successful, the serial port status is open. At this time, corresponding to whether the pins in the hardware connection method between the fan backplane and the fan match, it is necessary to receive the first pin signal sent by the fan backplane and the second pin signal of the fan corresponding to the current fan type. If the pin attributes of the two pin signals are different, it is necessary to determine the corresponding target pin signal according to the second pin signal, and configure the first pin signal based on the corresponding target pin signal determined by the second pin signal to complete the connection between the fan backplane and the fan. At this time, the target modulated signal needs to be output to the fan. After the configuration here is completed, it can also be verified corresponding to the pin signal, and the specific verification process is not limited.

[0141] This embodiment provides a configuration process of the pin signal between the fan backplane and the fan before the target modulation signal is output to the fan, so as to realize the universal function of the pin connection between the fan backplane and the fan and improve flexibility.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0143] Receive the serial port number switching command corresponding to the fan backplane;

[0144] According to the serial port number corresponding to the serial port number switching command, confirm that the fan backplane is successfully connected to the controller;

[0145] Performing initial state settings on each controller in the fan backplane to determine output instructions for outputting corresponding target modulation signals and collection instructions for collecting fan speed signals;

[0146] The fan backplane and fan operation are controlled according to the output instructions and the acquisition instructions.

[0147] Specifically, corresponding to the fan test, the conversion of the target test case can be performed through an interactive interface, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the user inputs the switching instruction of the serial port number, and the controller receives the serial port number switching instruction corresponding to the fan backplane, so as to determine whether the fan backplane is successfully connected to the controller according to the serial port number (PN code) corresponding to the serial port number switching instruction. The controller in the fan backplane needs to be set and verified in the initial state several times to determine the output instruction and acquisition instruction of the target modulation signal corresponding to the output, and the fan backplane and the fan are controlled based on the control instruction.

[0148] The present embodiment provides an interactive interface-based test control for the fan, simplifies the operation steps, improves the user experience, reduces the user's learning cost, and reduces the error rate of the fan test.

[0149] The above is a detailed introduction to a fan testing system, a server and a fan testing method provided by the present invention. The various embodiments in the specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same and similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. For the device disclosed in the embodiment, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the method part description. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0150] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

Claims

1. A fan testing system, characterized in that: Includes fan backplane, fan and controller; The fan backplane is connected to the fan via a transfer cable for configuring different fan types; The fan backplane is connected to the controller; The controller is used to obtain a target test case corresponding to the current fan type; Input the fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane; control the fan backplane to determine the corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output it to the fan, so that the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal, and completes the fan test corresponding to the current fan type; wherein, the process of establishing the target test case includes: obtaining the specification parameters corresponding to the different types of the fan; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain the target specification parameters under different application scenarios; The target specification parameters under different application scenarios are used as test cases to obtain the target test cases.

2. The fan testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a programmable power supply; The program-controlled power supply is connected to the controller via a serial port; The controller is also used to obtain the current fan voltage corresponding to the current fan type and the first fan voltage corresponding to the fan type to which the previous target test case belongs; if the current fan voltage is different from the first fan voltage, an instruction to switch the first fan voltage to the current fan voltage is sent to the programmable power supply, so that the programmable power supply receives the instruction for switching.

3. The fan testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; The air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; The controller is further used to receive the air volume signal and the air pressure signal of the fan corresponding to the current fan type measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument, and determine the performance of the fan based on the air volume signal and the air pressure signal.

4. A server, characterized in that: A fan testing system comprising any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A fan testing method, characterized in that: Applied to a fan testing system, the fan testing system comprises a fan backplane, a fan and a controller; the fan backplane is connected to the fan via a transfer cable; the fan backplane is connected to the controller; the method comprises: Obtain a target test case corresponding to the current fan type; wherein the process of establishing the target test case includes: obtaining specification parameters corresponding to different types of the fan; classifying the specification parameters according to the heat dissipation requirements of the components used for fan heat dissipation in the server to obtain target specification parameters under different application scenarios; using the target specification parameters under different application scenarios as test cases to obtain the target test case; Inputting fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane; The fan backplane is controlled to determine a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters, and output the target modulation signal to the fan, so that the fan outputs a corresponding rotation speed signal, thereby completing a fan test corresponding to the current fan type.

6. The fan testing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: Inputting fan configuration parameters corresponding to the target test case into the fan backplane includes: Obtain the fan model corresponding to the target test case; Determine the corresponding fan configuration parameters according to the fan model; wherein a mapping relationship is pre-established between the fan model and the fan configuration parameters; Determining whether the fan configuration parameter exists in a configuration database; If present, the fan configuration parameters are input to the fan backplane.

7. The fan testing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: After the fan outputs the corresponding speed signal, the method further includes: Obtaining a critical test duration of the fan configuration parameter and an actual rotation speed value corresponding to the critical test duration; If the actual speed value is within the speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan speed is normal; If the actual rotation speed value is not within the rotation speed range within the critical test time, it is determined that the fan rotation speed is abnormal.

8. The fan testing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes: When there are multiple fans, obtaining actual rotation speeds of the multiple fans; Performing average processing on the actual rotation speeds of the plurality of fans to obtain a first actual rotation speed; When the first actual speed reaches the critical speed value, obtaining each preset shielding area corresponding to shielding the fan outlet; wherein each of the preset shielding areas is different; Blocking the air outlet of each fan according to the preset blocking areas to obtain corresponding air volume signals and air pressure signals; At each fan outlet, the preset shielding area corresponding to each fan outlet is compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and the preset air pressure signal according to each air volume signal and each air pressure signal; If the wind volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area exceeds the corresponding preset wind volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, the shielding density corresponding to the target preset shielding area is adjusted; The air outlet of each fan is blocked according to the adjusted target preset shielding area to obtain a new air volume signal and wind pressure signal; and compared with the corresponding preset air volume signal and preset wind pressure signal, and return to the step of if the air volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under the target preset shielding area exceeds the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, until the air volume signal and / or the wind pressure signal under each preset shielding area do not exceed the corresponding preset air volume signal and / or preset wind pressure signal, and it is determined that the test performance of the fan is good.

9. The fan testing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fan testing system further includes an air volume and pressure measuring instrument; the air volume and pressure measuring instrument is connected to the controller via a serial port; after determining that the fan speed is normal, the method further includes: Obtaining an actual rotation speed of the fan; When the actual speed reaches the critical speed, obtaining the air volume signal and the air pressure signal measured by the air volume and air pressure measuring instrument; If the air volume signal and the air pressure signal are within the preset air volume range and the preset air pressure range, the target modulation signal is controlled to change from the first preset modulation signal to the first fan speed outputted corresponding to the second preset modulation signal, and from the second preset modulation signal to the second fan speed outputted corresponding to the first preset modulation signal; Obtain a first time when the first fan speed stabilizes to a first threshold value of a first preset fan speed, a second time when the second fan speed stabilizes to the first threshold value of the first preset fan speed, and a stabilization time; If the time differences between the first time and the second time and the stabilization time are respectively within a preset time range, it is determined that the performance of the fan is good.

10. The fan testing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fan backplane is connected to the controller via a serial port; the control of the fan backplane determines a corresponding target modulation signal according to the fan configuration parameters and outputs the signal to the fan, including: Determining the serial port status of the fan backplane through the serial port of the fan backplane and the controller; When the serial port is in an open state, receiving a first pin signal sent by the fan backplane; Obtain a second pin signal of a fan corresponding to the current fan type; If the first pin signal and the second pin signal have different pin attributes, determining the corresponding target pin signal through the second pin signal; The first pin signal is configured according to the pin attribute of the target pin signal to achieve connection between the fan backplane and the fan, and the target modulated signal is output to the fan.

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