DEVELOPMENT OF A MINI CLUSTER WITH AN ARRANGEMENT OF TV BOXES FOR EDUCATIONAL USE

Description

1 / 7 Development of a high-performance minicomputer for educational use with an array of embedded devices for television conversion. Field of invention

[001] Technology services, clustered computing, servers, cloud data storage, scientific research, data science, high-performance computing. Fundamentals of the invention

[002] Currently, clustered computing is a solution that is being implemented in various sectors around the world, with particular emphasis on clusters with ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) architecture, designed to provide high performance with low energy consumption.

[003] The ARM architecture belongs to the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) processor family, known for its efficiency in mobile devices. In the context of engineering, this architecture is increasingly adopted, driven by the compilation of specific software such as ElmerFEM, OpenFOAM, and Apptainer for this type of processor.

[004] Despite this growth, the infrastructure available in Brazilian universities still hinders access to this type of device, due to the high cost of acquiring this equipment, making it impossible to develop skills that are increasingly required by large technology centers, related to both the configuration and use of high-performance computing.

[005] To enable the development and implementation of the project in question, management software such as OpenPBS and Slurm were adapted to provide adequate support for this architecture and the specific needs of Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 5 / 41 2 / 7 task processing and distribution, fundamental for maximizing the efficiency and performance of devices based on ARM architecture.

[006] However, despite the increase in this technology, the implementation of high-performance computers (clusters) has been restricted to some types of equipment suitable for computing environments, such as the association of desktops, notebooks and Raspberry Pis, among others.

[007] Given this, for the development of the high-performance Mini Computers (Mini Cluster), PCB circuit boards from TV Boxes were used, in order to present a proposal for portability and low cost.

[008] Furthermore, the construction of the equipment represents a sustainable alternative, since it gives utility to equipment seized by the Federal Revenue Service that would be discarded, as it allows illegal access to the signal of pay TV channels.

[009] With this new application it is possible to give these devices a new function, avoiding their disposal, which reduces the generation of electronic waste.

[010] In this way, the TV Boxes were stripped of their Armbian operating system to enable their use in accordance with the operation of conventional desktops. Based on this stripping, a high-performance mini-cluster architecture was proposed and implemented for educational use.

[011] In research conducted in the database of the National Institute of No registration was found in the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) for equipment / devices / systems that propose the construction of a mini-cluster using PCB boards from TV boxes.

[012] However, international patents were found, namely: a patent proposing a general-purpose parallel computing architecture on the LATIPAT platform with code ES2929626 (T3) and a patent proposing a parallel computing server based on ARM architecture on the WIPO platform with code CN205721774. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 6 / 41 3 / 7

[013] The following components were used to build the Mini Cluster: ATX power supply (1), four TV Box PCB circuit boards (2), TP-LINK router model TL-WR741ND (3), 75mm 12V and 0.14A coolers (4), RJ45 cables (5), 75mm LED strips (6), 11cm threaded rods (7), USB power cables (8), 9V and 0.6A power supply (9), 3D printed parts (10), 3x15cm fabric handle (11), 140x190mm acrylic sheet (12). Brief description of the drawings

[014] Image 1 shows a front view of the final Mini Cluster assembly.

[015] Image 2 shows the rear view of the final Mini Cluster assembly.

[016] Image 3 shows the left side view of the equipment.

[017] Image 3 shows the right side view of the equipment.

[018] Figure 5 shows the modeling of the part made using 3D printing to attach the handle to the equipment.

[019] Figure 6 shows the view with dimensions of the part that secures the handle of the equipment.

[020] Figure 7 shows the 3D printed part for cooler supports.

[021] Figure 8 shows the dimensioned view of the 3D printed part for cooler supports.

[022] Figure 9 shows the 3D printed part used as a support for the TV Boxes used in the project.

[023] Figure 10 shows the dimensioned view of the 3D printed part for the TV Box supports used in the project.

[024] Figure 11 shows the initial interface of the Mini Cluster when accessed via SSH. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 7 / 41 4 / 7 Description of the invention

[025] The mini cluster was assembled using four PCB circuit boards from TV Boxes in an application inspired by the Raspberry Pi cluster model [1] (Figure 1), however, there are differences in both the software layer configuration and the physical configuration of this system.

[026] In the software layer, the mini cluster development was initially carried out by decharacterizing the TV Boxes on a Linux Ubuntu 22.04 system using the Armbian Build tool [2].

[027] This tool works best on the latest versions of Ubuntu, as it generates modified versions of Linux for full functionality on TV Boxes with ARM architecture.

[028] From this, a stable, interface-free Debian 11 ISO was compiled to disguise the TV Boxes.

[029] Next, the essential packages for compiling OpenPBS were installed on each TV Box, a necessary step for configuring the mini-cluster architecture, which consists of one (1) main node and three (3) compute nodes.

[030] To configure the mini-cluster processing, queues were established that enable the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks, without occupying the entire cluster to perform a single task.

[031] For this purpose, multiple queues were created, each with a distinct configuration of nodes and RAM capacity, allowing the operator to select the queue most appropriate for performing the desired task, according to their specific needs.

[032] After that, the cluster LAN network was set up and the SSH keys of the nodes were configured, created by a router (Figure 2), which allows cluster access from another computer, either via WIFI or wired Ethernet network.

[033] Through this communication protocol, the exchange of information necessary to perform the tasks and return the processed information is carried out. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 8 / 41 5 / 7

[034] Access to the mini cluster is achieved by connecting to the same network as the main node, via SSH (Secure Shell) (figure 11), thus it is possible to execute distributed computing tasks on the mini cluster using OpenPBS and the MPI protocol.

[035] To enable the proper functioning of the software, in ARM architecture, Apptainer was compiled on all nodes, in addition to assigning the NFS role to the main node of the mini cluster.

[036] This procedure allows network storage for sharing mini-cluster data in ARM software containers - such as simulation software containers like OpenFOAM and ElmerFEM - Thus, the installation of multiple software programs is not necessary, since it is possible to simply run them in a distributed manner using OpenPBS.

[037] ] For the configuration of the physical layer of the mini cluster, the structure was organized for better presentation, with the system assembly made from the tower model, in which the nodes are stacked.

[038] For this, an ATX power supply was used to power the entire application, also as the base for the mini cluster structure (Figure 1), where 4 threaded rods were attached to fit the TV Box supports (Figure 9) and the exposed coolers (Figures 7), printed on the 3D printer.

[039] Thus, using the printed parts, the PCB circuit boards of the TV box were fixed one on top of the other (Figure 1) and the coolers on the sides (Figures 3 and 4); a proposed structure to create an airflow that will assist in cooling the boards; and on top of the mini cluster, an acrylic sheet was fixed to lock the bars and fix the router (Figure 2) along with the handle support (Figure 5) that was 3D printed.

[040] The assembly and structure of the Mini Cluster was built to facilitate the transport of the set, creating a practical structure for didactic application in classrooms and / or laboratories. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 9 / 41 6 / 7 Examples of embodiments of the invention

[041] Access tests were conducted on the cluster (both physically and remotely) using computers and smartphones as access points, with the aim of evaluating possible variations in temperature and, consequently, the performance of the mini cluster.

[042] Physical access was achieved by connecting peripherals (keyboard and mouse) directly to the main node board, allowing configuration of credentials for remote access via SSH.

[043] Next, remote access tests were performed via SSH using computers and smartphones (Figure 8), for this type of access, the user's access passwords or previously generated encryption keys are required.

[044] Regarding the operational tests of the mini-cluster's set of nodes for performing tasks, control files in “.pbs” format were generated to perform the operational test on the cluster queues and the communication between the main node and the other computing nodes.

[045] Regarding the mini-cluster performance analysis, a test was conducted under extreme processing and stress conditions, employing all processing cores and all RAM available in the equipment.

[046] For this purpose, a multiphysics simulation was performed using the ElmerFEM software, employing the finite element method to solve a thermal problem and calculate the thermal transfer phenomena.

[047] Through testing, data processing in the mini cluster was analyzed, confirming the bidirectional flow of data between the main node and the computing nodes, thus success was observed in sending tasks and receiving results.

[048] Furthermore, performance tests indicated that, even when operating at maximum load, the equipment does not exceed the critical temperature, which contributes to its operational longevity. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 10 / 41 7 / 7 References

[049] Raspberry Pi, “How to build a Raspberry Pi cluster”. The official Raspberry Pi platform where documentation and software are available. Available at: https: / / www.raspberrypi.com / tutorials / cluster-raspberry-pi-tutorial / . Accessed on: March 5, 2024.

[050] GitHub, “armbian / build”. Modified ISO generator tool for Linux compatible with the ARM architecture. Available at: https: / / github.com / armbian / build. Accessed on: March 5, 2024. Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 11 / 41

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH-PERFORMANCE MINI COMPUTER FOR EDUCATIONAL USE WITH AN ARRAY OF EMBEDDED DEVICES FOR TELEVISION CONVERSION, characterized by a high-performance architecture, composed of one (1) Head Node and three (3) Computer Nodes; with physical assembly in a tower model, based on the models of the main clusters and servers available on the market, system presented in Figure 1.

2. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by a construction and assembly process of the portable mini cluster following a specific sequence to ensure its stability and functionality: a) it begins with the base, where the power source is installed; b) then, four 11 cm threaded rods are fixed over the power source - where the supports printed on a 3D printer are fitted, consisting of a cooler support at the bottom, four supports for fixing TV Boxes in the middle and, finally, another cooler support; c) on the right and left sides of the cluster, 75mm coolers are fixed, creating a wind tunnel between the TV Boxes, which will be mounted on their respective supports; d) on top of the cluster, a 140x190mm acrylic sheet is placed, responsible for supporting the opening of the threaded rods and for fixing the router; e) on the upper surface of the router, the handle supports are screwed.

3. USE, according to claim 1, characterized by cluster management using a Node (HN), using the OpenPBS task scheduler, which enables the execution of parallel tasks in distributed computing among the machines connected to the local network generated by the router.

4. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by an ATX power supply (Figure 2), which serves as the base for supporting the entire structure and powers all electronic devices.

5. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by 4 de-characterized TV Boxes with the Armbian Operating System (OS) - as per Petition 870250056320, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 12 / 41 2 / 4 modification of Debian 11 without interface, compatible with ARM platforms, featuring an S905X processor, 2GB DDR3 SDRAM memory and 16GB NAND flash storage.

6. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by a TP-LINK TL-WR741 ND router, with 4 RJ45 ports for each of the TV boxes and an input for WAN network connection or access via a desktop, by wired connection (Figure 2); where a router is used to create a local LAN network between the cluster nodes and a WLAN for wireless educational access, using other devices such as desktops, notebooks and smartphones.

7. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by two 75mm 12V and 0.14A coolers (Figures 3 and 4), used to create a wind tunnel between the nodes of the mini cluster, with airflow from right to left, preventing overheating of the assembly.

8. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by four RJ45 cables with the T568A color sequence standard (Figure 2), responsible for exchanging data via the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol between nodes, in order to perform tasks in parallel.

9. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by two 75mm LED strips, each with three (3) green LEDs, with the function of illuminating the hardware to facilitate its handling and contribute aesthetically to the assembly.

10. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by four 11cm threaded rods, fixed to the upper surface of the ATX power supply, with the function of firmly and securely joining all the cluster components, enabling mounting in a rack-type cabinet.

11. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by four USB power cables, connected to a TV Box (Figure 2), which were adapted to the ATX power supply circuit itself, eliminating the need for separate power supplies for each of them.

12. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by a 9V and 0.6A power supply, responsible for powering the router, located inside the ATX power supply (Figure 1), sharing the power input of the ATX power supply, to connect both to a 127V or 220V power supply.

13. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by 4 rubber base supports, 21mm in diameter and 10mm high, which were fixed to the base of the ATX power supply, for better adhesion of the structure to the surfaces and for allowing airflow at the bottom of the power supply, favoring its cooling.

14. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by 2 handle supports (Figure 5), modeled and printed on a 3D printer, which have a hand strap to facilitate the transport of the complete structure and allow the router to be attached to an acrylic sheet.

15. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by 4 cooler supports (Figure 6), modeled and printed on a 3D printer, which have on one of their faces two channels through which two threaded rods of the cluster structure pass, to fix this support; and on the other face, two holes made to receive the cooler fixing screws.

16. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by 16 TV box supports (Figure 7), based on equipment 3, which were modeled and 3D printed; in which (1) support was used for each TV box (representing the nodes of the mini cluster), fitted into a threaded rod on the side of the board.

17. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by a 3x15cm fabric handle, fixed to the supports shown in equipment 12, used to facilitate the transport and handling of the equipment (Figure 1).

18. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized by a 140x190mm acrylic sheet (Figure 1), fixed to the top of the 4 threaded rods, responsible for keeping the threaded rods correctly positioned and fixed, as well as adding firmness to the structure of the tower model.

Images