A network card configuration method, network card and computing device

Abstract

A network card configuration method is applied to an electronic device, which includes a first circuit board and a network card. The method includes: the first circuit board powers the network card. Among them, multiple pins are configured on the first connector of the first circuit board, and the first connector is connected to the second connector on the network card through a first cable; the controller of the first circuit board obtains the level signals of each pin on the first connector; the controller determines the first type of the intelligent network card based on the obtained level signals; the controller configures the intelligent network card based on the first type. Thus, the motherboard can complete the identification of the intelligent network card through the cable connected between it and the intelligent network card, realizing the identification of different models of intelligent network cards using hardware, meeting the diverse and flexible configuration needs of customers, with high usability and good customer experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of information technology (IT), and in particular, to a method for configuring an intelligent network card and a computing device. Background Art

[0002] An intelligent network card is the integration of a wired network and computing resources on the same card. It is usually made up of a network interface controller and a multi-core central processing unit (CPU), and optionally includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU). Among them, the intelligent network card can be regarded as a programmable network card. Since the intelligent network card is equipped with computing power, some network functions, security functions, and storage functions on the server can be offloaded to the intelligent network card, thereby releasing the precious processing power on the host server, and enabling the server to focus on running critical applications and operating systems more effectively.

[0003] With the increasing demand for network offloading and security in the Internet cloud market, the demand for intelligent network cards is increasing day by day. The demand for adapting and compatible with intelligent network cards in servers has gradually spread in the market. However, due to the lack of a unified specification for intelligent network cards from different manufacturers, it is difficult for server manufacturers to adapt to different intelligent network cards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method for configuring a network card, a network card, and a computing device, which can adapt to intelligent network cards from different manufacturers.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for configuring a network card. The method is applied to an electronic device, which includes a first circuit board, a first connector, a controller, a network card, and a second connector. The first connector, the controller, and the network card are disposed on the first circuit board, and the second connector is disposed on the network card. The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector.

[0006] The method includes: the controller obtains the level signal of the second connector through the first connector; the controller determines the first type of the network card based on the obtained level signal; and the controller configures the network card based on the first type.

[0007] In this way, the level signal of the second connector of the network card matches its own type. The second connector of the network card transmits this level signal to the first circuit board, enabling the computing device to automatically identify the type of the network card after power-on, facilitating parameter configuration of the network card according to the identified type, with high usability and good customer experience.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the first connector and the second connector are connected by a first cable. Multiple pins are configured on both the first connector and the second connector. The first cable includes multiple sub-cables. The first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector one by one. Among them, at least one pin on the second connector is connected to the ground contact in the network card.

[0009] In a possible implementation, multiple pins are configured on both the first connector and the second connector.

[0010] The first cable includes multiple sub-cables. The first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector one by one.

[0011] Among them, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are electrically connected.

[0012] In a possible implementation, a slot is further provided on the first circuit board. The slot is electrically connected to the controller. The network card further includes a gold finger, and the gold finger is electrically connected to the second connector.

[0013] Among them, the gold finger is connected to the slot so that the network card obtains electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicates with the controller.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the controller configures the network card based on the first type, specifically including:

[0015] The controller configures the power supply, clock, reset enable state, bandwidth of the PCI E bus, and the timing of the rotation speed of the fan for cooling the network card in different power domains on the network card based on the first type.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the controller configures the intelligent network card based on the first type, specifically including:

[0017] The controller configures the timing of the power supply, clock, and reset enable state in different power domains on the intelligent network card based on the first type. The method further includes:

[0018] The controller obtains the second type of the smart network card from the baseboard management controller (BMC) on the main board, where the second type is read by the BMC from the memory in the network card.

[0019] When the first type and the second type are the same, the controller configures the bandwidth of the PCIe bus on the network card and the timing of the rotation speed of the fan used for cooling the smart network card.

[0020] When the first type and the second type are different, the controller outputs an alarm message.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the controller determines the first type of the smart network card based on the obtained level signal. Specifically, it includes:

[0022] The controller queries the predefined association relationship between the level signal and the type of the network card based on the obtained level signal, and determines the first type.

[0023] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network card, which includes a second connector and a gold finger. The second connector is electrically connected to the gold finger; where

[0024] The gold finger is used to connect to the first circuit board to obtain electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicate with the computing device.

[0025] The second connector is used to transmit a level signal to the first circuit board after being powered on through the gold finger, so that the first circuit board determines the type of the network card according to the level signal.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the second connector is configured with multiple pins, and the network card further includes a grounding contact;

[0027] At least one pin of the second connector is connected to the grounding contact.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the second connector is configured with multiple pins, and the second connector is connected to the computing device through a first cable;

[0029] Wherein, the first cable includes multiple sub-cables. The first end of each sub-cable is connected to the first circuit board, and the second end of each sub-cable is respectively connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector;

[0030] Wherein, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are electrically connected.

[0031] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computing device, including:

[0032] A first circuit board, a first connector, a controller, a network card, and a second connector; the first connector, the controller, and the network card are disposed on the first circuit board, and the second connector is disposed on the network card;

[0033] The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector;

[0034] Wherein, the controller is configured to obtain a level signal of the second connector through the first connector, determine a first type of the network card, and configure the network card based on the first type.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first connector and the second connector are connected by a first cable, and a plurality of pins are configured on both the first connector and the second connector;

[0036] The first cable includes a plurality of sub-cables, the first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the second connector one by one;

[0037] Wherein, at least one pin on the second connector is connected to a ground contact in the smart network card.

[0038] In a possible implementation, a plurality of pins are configured on both the first connector and the second connector;

[0039] The first cable includes a plurality of sub-cables, the first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the second connector one by one;

[0040] Wherein, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are designed to be conductive.

[0041] In a possible implementation, a slot is further disposed on the first circuit board, the slot is electrically connected to the controller, and a gold finger is further included on the network card, and the gold finger is electrically connected to the second connector,

[0042] Wherein, the gold finger is connected to the slot so that the network card obtains electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicates with the controller.

[0043] In a possible implementation, a baseboard management controller BMC is further configured on the main board, and the BMC is respectively connected to the controller and the network card. Wherein, the BMC is configured to read a second type of the network card from a memory on the network card and transmit the second type to the controller;

[0044] The controller is further configured to configure the timing of the enabling states of power supply, clock, and reset for different power domains on the intelligent network card based on the first type, and, when the first type is the same as the second type, configure the timing of the bandwidth of the PCI E bus on the network card and the rotation speed of the fan used for cooling the network card.

[0045] It can be understood that the beneficial effects of the second to third aspects can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect above, and will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an intelligent network card provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an intelligent network card in another embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a computing device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another computing device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of an intelligent network card configuration method provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] In this document, the term "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The symbol " / " in this document represents an "or" relationship between associated objects. For example, A / B represents A or B.

[0052] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and claims of this document are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe the specific order of the objects. For example, the first response message and the second response message are used to distinguish different response messages, rather than to describe the specific order of the response messages.

[0053] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more. For example, a plurality of processing units means two or more processing units, and a plurality of components means two or more components, etc.

[0055] Generally, when the manufacturers of the motherboard and the smart network card in the server are the same, the smart network card can send a specific signal to the motherboard. Then, based on the signal it obtains, the motherboard can query the pre-stored mapping relationship between the type of the smart network card and the signal, determine the type of the smart network card connected to it, and then configure the smart network card. For example, the timing of the power supply, clock, reset enable status of different power domains on the smart network card, the bandwidth of the peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus, the rotation speed of the fan in the server, etc. can be configured. Although this method can achieve the adaptation of the smart network card, it only adapts to the products of a single manufacturer's serialization and cannot adapt to the products of different manufacturers. At the same time, this method also requires an additional module for sending specific signals to the motherboard in the smart network card, increasing the cost.

[0056] In addition, information such as the type of the smart network card can be pre-set in the memory on the smart network card (such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)). When the smart network card is connected to the motherboard, the motherboard can read the information such as the type of the smart network card from the memory of the smart network card through the cable connected between the two. After that, the motherboard configures the smart network card based on the information of the smart network card it reads. Although this method can achieve the adaptation of the smart network card, the information of the smart network card can only be obtained after all the software on the motherboard is started. Since the configuration in the smart network card has specific requirements for timing, when the timing of some configurations is incorrect, the smart network card will not work properly. Therefore, this method is difficult to meet the timing requirements of different smart network cards.

[0057] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application also provide another smart network card configuration method. In this method, the cable connecting the smart network card and the motherboard can be customized into different cables according to the different timing requirements of different smart network card manufacturers. Then, the motherboard can complete the identification of the smart network card through the cable connected between the two. Thus, the identification of different models of smart network cards is realized by using hardware, meeting the diverse and flexible configuration needs of customers, with high usability and good customer experience.

[0058] For ease of understanding, a smart network card provided by an embodiment of the present application will be introduced first below.

[0059] Exemplarily, Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a smart network card is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the smart network card 100 may include a connector 110, a gold finger 120, a processor 130, and a memory 140. Among them, both the connector 110 and the processor 130 are electrically connected to the gold finger 120, and the processor 130 may be electrically connected to the memory 140.

[0060] The processor 130 may include one or more processor components, such as a network interface controller, a multi-core central processing unit (CPU), and optionally a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc., and is the computing center and control center of the smart network card 100.

[0061] The memory 140 may be used to store programs and data of the smart network card 100. The memory 140 may include a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The gold finger 120 is an input / output port and can serve as a communication port for all data streams and electronic streams of the smart network card 100, and is inserted into a slot of a computing device, enabling the smart network card 100 to obtain working power from the computing device and communicate with the computing device. For example, the gold finger 120 may include power terminals (for transmitting power signals), clock terminals (for transmitting clock signals), communication terminals (for transmitting data signals with a fixed bandwidth), etc. in multiple power domains (such as 3V, 12V) to obtain power signals, clock signals, and data signals suitable for the network card 100 from the computing device, or transmit data signals to the computing device, etc.

[0063] The connector 110 has at least two pins, and each of these pins can be used to transmit high-level or low-level signals via a cable according to the type of the intelligent network card 100, enabling the computing device to obtain these level signals and thus identify the type of the network card 100. For example, the connector 110 has three pins 111, 112, and 113. Among them, according to the type of the intelligent network card 100, the pins 111, 112, and 113 are configured to be in the high-potential, high-potential, and low-potential states respectively after being powered on. Corresponding to this, high level is represented by "1" and low level is represented by "0". Then the computing device can detect that the level signals transmitted by each pin of the connector 110 are "110". In this way, the computing device can query the relationship between the predefined level signals and the network card types based on the obtained level signal "110", thereby automatically identifying the model of the network card 100. Furthermore, it can configure parameters such as the clock, power domain, and bandwidth of the network card 100 according to the model, enabling the intelligent network card 100 to work properly.

[0064] Exemplarily, the connector 110 can be configured such that all of its pins are in the high-potential state after being powered on, all of its pins are in the low-potential state after being powered on, or some of its pins are in the high-potential state and the rest are in the low-potential state after being powered on, etc., to adapt to different network card types.

[0065] Exemplarily, in an implementable manner, when configuring the level states of the respective pins of the connector 110 after being powered on according to the network card type, the configuration of the low potential of the pins can be achieved by setting a ground contact on the intelligent network card 100. That is, a ground contact 150 is provided on the intelligent network card 100. Each pin of the connector 110 is electrically connected to the gold finger 120, and at least one of the pins is also connected to the ground contact 150. For example Figure 1 As shown, if the network card type of the network card 100 is type A, and the three pins of the corresponding connector 110 should be in the high level, high level, and low level in sequence after being powered on. Then during configuration, the pins 111, 112, and 113 of the connector 110 can be directly connected to the gold finger 120, and the pin 113 is also connected to the ground contact 150. In this way, after the connector 110 is powered on, the pins 111 and 112 will be in the high-potential state (such as the working voltage provided by the gold finger 120), while the pin 113 will be pulled down to the ground potential due to being connected to the ground contact 150. At this time, when the computing device detects that the level signals of the pins 111, 112, and 113 are "110", it can determine that the type of the network card 100 is A, realizing the automatic identification of the intelligent network card type by the computing device.

[0066] It can be understood that in this implementation, according to different types of the intelligent network card 100, one or more pins of the connector 110 can be connected to the ground contact 150, so as to configure a connection method corresponding to the type of the network card 100. Moreover, for any one of such connection methods, there is only a unique network card type corresponding to it. For example, when the third pin 113 among the three pins of the connector 110 is connected to the ground contact 150, the corresponding network card type is A; when the first and second pins 111 and 112 among the three pins of the connector 110 are connected to the ground contact 150, the corresponding network card type is B, and so on.

[0067] In another implementation, when configuring the level states of the respective pins of the connector 110 after being powered on according to the network card type, it can be achieved by constructing the connection method of the cable connected to the connector 110. Specifically, referring to Figure 2 as shown in (a) and (b) in, the cable 200 for connecting the connector 110 to the computing device may include multiple sub-cables 201, 202, 203. In this way, each pin of the connector 110 can be connected to the computing device through at least one sub-cable, so that the electrical signals of each pin on the connector 110 can be transmitted to the computing device by the sub-cables, thereby realizing the identification of the network card type. For example, as Figure 2 shown in (a) in, the connector 110 of the intelligent network card 100 has 3 pins 111, 112, 113, and the cable 200 includes 3 sub-cables 201, 202, 203. The pins 111, 112, 113 can be respectively connected to the computing device through the sub-cables 201, 202, 203. If the type of the network card 100 is B, and the corresponding pins 111, 112, 113 should transmit low level, low level, and high level respectively through the cable 200, then during configuration, the sub-cables 201, 202 can be made conductive, and the pins 111, 112 can be short-circuited. Then, the level signals transmitted by each pin of the connector 110 through the sub-cables 201, 202, 203 after being powered on are respectively low level, low level, and high level, which can be represented as "001". At this time, when the computing device detects that the level signal is "001", it can determine that the type of the network card 100 is B. Similarly, as Figure 2 shown in (b) in, if the sub-cables 202 and 203 are made conductive corresponding to the network card type C, then the computing device detects that the level signal of the corresponding connector 110 is "100", and then it can determine that the type of the network card 100 is C, realizing the automatic identification of the intelligent network card type by the computing device.

[0068] It can be understood that in this implementation manner, according to different types of the intelligent network card 100, the connection manner between each sub-cable in the cable 200 connected by the connector 110 can be constructed. For example, the sub-cable 201 and the sub-cable 203 are electrically connected, the sub-cable 201 and the sub-cable 202 are electrically connected, the sub-cable 202 and the sub-cable 203 are electrically connected, and so on. And for any one of such connection manners, there is only a unique network card type corresponding to it.

[0069] Next, based on the above content, a computing device provided by an embodiment of the present application will be introduced.

[0070] Exemplarily, Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a computing device is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the computing device 30 may include a first circuit board 300, and the first circuit board 300 may be connected to the intelligent network card 100.

[0071] Wherein, a connector 310, a slot 320, a baseboard management controller (BMC) 330, and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) 340 are arranged on the first circuit board 300. The connector 310, the slot 320, and the BMC 330 are all electrically connected to the CPLD 340.

[0072] In some examples, the first circuit board 300 may be used as a main board to carry more devices, modules or apparatuses to implement corresponding functions of the computing device, such as a fan module, a power supply module, etc., but not limited thereto. And it can be understood that the fan module and the power supply module (which can be used to supply power to each device on the main board) and the like can be electrically connected to the BMC through a bus, which will not be elaborated here.

[0073] Exemplarily, a connector 110 and a gold finger 120 are arranged on the intelligent network card 100, and the connector 110 and the gold finger 120 are electrically connected. It can be understood that in addition, Figure 3 although not marked in [description], devices such as a network interface controller, a CPU, an FPGA, and / or a GPU, a memory, etc. may also be arranged on the intelligent network card 100, such as Figure 1 or Figure 2 shown in [description], but not limited thereto. And the network interface controller, the CPU, and / or the FPGA, the GPU, the memory, etc. can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the gold finger 120, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] In this embodiment, the gold finger 120 on the intelligent network card 100 can be inserted into the slot 320 on the first circuit board 300, so that the intelligent network card 100 can communicate with the first circuit board 300 and obtain the electric energy required for operation from the first circuit board 300. Moreover, the connector 110 on the intelligent network card 100 and the connector 310 on the first circuit board 300 can be connected through the cable 200. Among them, there are at least two pins in both the connector 310 and the connector 110, and the cable 200 can include multiple sub-cables. In this way, the pins corresponding to each other between the connector 310 and the connector 110 can be connected through at least one sub-cable, so that the electrical signals of each pin on the connector 110 can be transmitted to the corresponding pins of the connector 310 by the sub-cables and thus be detected by the CPLD 340. Exemplarily, the number of sub-cables in the cable 200 can be greater than or equal to the number of pins in the connector 310 or the connector 110. In some embodiments, the connectors 310 and 110 can be understood as ports or interfaces.

[0075] As a specific example, both the connector 310 and the slot 320 on the first circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the complex programmable logic device (CPLD) 340 in the first circuit board 300. In this way, after the first circuit board 300 is powered on, it can provide electric energy to the intelligent network card 100 through the slot 320, so that the connector 110 connected to the gold finger 120 on the intelligent network card 100 is powered on, and thus each pin of the connector 110 is at a high level or a low level. Then, the CPLD 340 on the first circuit board 300 can detect the level signals of each pin on the connector 310 (i.e., the level signals transmitted by each pin on the connected connector 110), and query the predefined association relationship between the level signals and the network card types based on the detected level signals of each pin to determine the type of the intelligent network card 100. Then, the CPLD 340 can configure the intelligent network card 100 based on the determined type of the intelligent network card 100. For example, the CPLD 340 can configure the timing of the power supply, clock (such as 100 MHz clock, etc.), reset enable state, PCI E bus bandwidth, fan speed in the server, etc. of different power domains (such as 12V or 3V3, etc.) on the intelligent network card 100. In some embodiments, the CPLD 340 can also be replaced by other components capable of implementing the above functions, such as: FPGA, programmable logic controller (PLC), etc., and the replaced solution is still within the protection scope of this application.

[0076] For example, taking the case where both the connector 310 and the connector 110 have three pins, for a certain type of network card, the pins 311, 312, and 313 on the connector 310 can be respectively connected to the pins 111, 112, and 113 on the connector 110 through the sub-cables 201, 202, and 203 of the cable 200, and the pin 113 of the connector 110 is connected to the ground contact 150 on the intelligent network card 100. During detection, first connect the connector 310 and the connector 110 through the cable 200 in the above-mentioned manner, and insert the gold finger 120 of the intelligent network card 100 into the slot 320 on the first circuit board 300. At this time, after the first circuit board 300 is powered on, it can supply power to the intelligent network card 100 from the slot 320 and the gold finger 120. For the connector 110 directly connected to the gold finger 120, its pins 111 and 112 will be at a high potential when powered on (such as at the operating voltage output by the gold finger 120), while the pin 113 connected to the ground contact 150 is pulled down to the ground potential (low voltage). In this way, the level signal collected at the pin 313 corresponding to the pin 113 on the connector 310 is a low level, while the level signals collected at the pins 311 and 312 on the connector 310 are both high levels. If the high level is represented by 1 and the low level is represented by 0, then the CPLD 340 detects the signals at the respective pin ends of the connector 310 as 110. Then, the CPLD can query the pre-defined relationship between the level signal and the network card type based on "110" to determine the type of the intelligent network card 100. For another type of network card, it can be made such that the pins 111, 112, and 113 on the connector 110 are respectively connected to the sub-cables 203, 202, and 201 in the cable 200, and the connection manner of the respective pins on the connector 310 to the sub-cables in the cable 200 remains unchanged. At this time, since the pin 113 on the connector 110 is connected to the ground contact 150 on the intelligent network card 100, when the connector 310 and the connector 110 are connected through the cable 200 in the above-mentioned manner, and then the intelligent network card 100 is inserted into the slot 320 on the first circuit board 300 through the gold finger 120, at this time, the CPLD 340 detects the signals at the respective pin ends of the connector 310 as 011. The CPLD can query the pre-defined relationship between the level signal and the network card type based on this level signal to determine the type of the intelligent network card 100. In this way, different network cards are distinguished by using the pin 113 on the connector 110 connected to the ground contact 150 and the pin connection relationship between the connector 110 and the connector 310, and the CPLD can identify different network card types by detecting different level signals at the respective pin ends of the connector 310.

[0077] It should be noted that the pin on the connector 110 connected to the ground contact 150 on the smart network card 100 is not limited to pin 113, and it can also be other pins. That is, different pins on the connector 110 can be connected to the ground contact of the smart network card without changing the connection order of the sub-cables in the cable 200 to the pins on the connector 110. This method can also distinguish different smart network cards. The connection methods of the sub-cables in the cable 200 to the pins on the connector 310 and the connector 110 can be welding, crimping, riveting, etc., which are not limited here. The smart network card can also be other types of network cards, which are not specifically limited here.

[0078] In some embodiments, when none of the pins on the connector 110 are connected to the ground contact 150, the cable 200 can be modified to identify different network card types. For example, multiple sub-cables in the cable 200 can be made conductive.

[0079] For example, as Figure 4 shown, the pins 311, 312, and 313 on the connector 310 are respectively connected to the pins 111, 112, and 113 on the connector 110 through the sub-cables 201, 202, and 203 of the cable 200, and in Figure 4 none of the three pins on the connector 110 of the smart network card 100 are connected to the ground contact 150, and each pin is at a high potential after the connector 110 is powered on. At this time, the sub-cable 201 connecting the pin 311 and the pin 111, and the sub-cable 202 connecting the pin 312 and the pin 112 can be made conductive. In this way, the level signal collected at the pin 313 on the connector 310 is a high level, and due to the short circuit of the sub-cables 201 and 202, the level signals collected at the pins 311 and 312 on the connector 310 are both low levels. If the high level is represented by 1 and the low level is represented by 0, then arranging the level signals at the pins 311 to 313 in sequence gives "001", that is, the CPLD 340 detects that the signals at the pin ends of the connector 310 are 001. Then, the CPLD can query the relationship between the predefined level signals and the network card types based on "001" to determine the type of the smart network card 100. It should be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 3 The main difference is: Figure 4 In

[0080] Similarly, if, according to a network card type, pins 311, 312, and 313 on the connector 310 are respectively connected to pins 111, 112, and 113 on the connector 110 through sub-cables 201, 202, and 203 of the cable 200, and sub-cables 202 and 203 are turned on according to the model of the current network card 100, then after power-on, the level signals collected at pin 311 on the connector 310 are all high-level, and the level signals collected at pins 312 and 313 are all low-level, that is, the CPLD 340 detects that the signals at each pin end of the connector 310 are 100, and thus the type of the intelligent network card 100 can be determined. For another example, if, according to another network card type, sub-cables 203 and 201 are turned on according to the model of the current network card 100, then the CPLD 340 detects that the signals at each pin end of the connector 310 are 010, and thus the type of the intelligent network card 100 can be determined.

[0081] In this embodiment, the CPLD 340 on the first circuit board 300 can be connected to the slot 320 on the first circuit board 300. For example, it can be connected through a PCI E bus. In this way, after the CPLD 340 determines the type of the intelligent network card 100, it can configure the intelligent network card 100.

[0082] A baseboard management controller (BMC) 330 can also be provided on the first circuit board 300. The BMC 330 can be connected to the CPLD 340, for example, through an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus.

[0083] In some embodiments, the BMC 330 can also communicate with the intelligent network card 100 through the system management bus (SMBus). Its communication link can be implemented through a separate bus interface. For example, the network card 100 is provided with a bus interface 160 connected to the network card processor to enable the BMC 330 to communicate with the network card 100 through the SMBus, or the bus terminals can be integrated on the gold finger 120 to connect to the BMC 330, which will not be elaborated here. In this way, after the BMC 330 starts working, the BMC 330 can obtain information such as the type of the pre-set intelligent network card 100 from the memory 140 in the intelligent network card 100. Then, the BMC 330 can transmit the information such as the type of the intelligent network card 100 it obtains to the CPLD 340. Then, the CPLD 340 can compare the type of the intelligent network card 100 it determines with the type of the intelligent network card 100 it obtains from the BMC 330. When the two are consistent, the CPLD 340 can further configure the intelligent network card 100. For example, the CPLD 340 calls the relationship table of the pre-set network card type and configuration parameters according to the network card type determined after comparison, determines the configuration parameters required for the current type of network card, and then controls the clock and PCI E slot reset respectively based on the configuration parameters (i.e., timing parameters), that is: through the link of the slot 320 and the gold finger 120, a corresponding 100 MHz reference clock and PCI E signal can be transmitted to the processor 130 of the intelligent network card 100 to meet the timing requirements of the network card 100. The transmission bandwidth between the slot 320 and the gold finger 120 can also be configured through the linkwidth two-bit low-speed signal. According to the heat dissipation requirements for the normal operation of the intelligent network card 100, the rotation speed of the fan module can be adjusted, etc. According to the power domain required by the network card 100 (such as 3V or 12V, etc.), a suitable power signal can be transmitted, etc., to complete the initialization of the intelligent network card 100, and then the intelligent network card 100 enters the normal working mode.

[0084] Moreover, in this embodiment, when the type of the intelligent network card 100 determined by the CPLD 340 is inconsistent with the type of the intelligent network card 100 obtained by the CPLD 340 from the BMC 330, the CPLD 340 may stop further configuring the intelligent network card 100 and output an alarm message, which can be used to inform the user of an incorrect identification of the intelligent network card, etc. Thus, it is possible to avoid the situation where the CPLD 340 incorrectly identifies the intelligent network card 100 in a hardware manner, combines hardware identification with software identification, realizes accurate judgment of the type of the intelligent network card 100 by the CPLD 340, and improves the identification accuracy. Exemplarily, since the enabling states of power supply, clock, and reset of different power domains on the intelligent network card 100 have relatively high requirements for timing, while the bandwidth of the PCIE bus on the intelligent network card 100 and the rotation speed of the fan associated with the intelligent network card 100 have relatively low requirements for timing. Therefore, after the CPLD 340 completes the identification of the intelligent network card 100 through the cable 200, it can first configure the timing of the enabling states of power supply, clock, and reset of different power domains on the intelligent network card 100. When the CPLD 340 determines that the type of the intelligent network card 100 it determines is consistent with the type of the intelligent network card 100 obtained by the CPLD 340 from the BMC 330, the CPLD 340 then configures the timing of the bandwidth of the PCIE bus on the intelligent network card 100 and the rotation speed of the fan associated with the intelligent network card 100. Among them, the fan associated with the intelligent network card 100 is mainly used to dissipate heat from the intelligent network card 100.

[0085] Next, based on the above content, a method for configuring an intelligent network card provided in an embodiment of the present application will be introduced.

[0086] Exemplarily, Figure 5 shows a method for configuring a network card. This method can be applied to an electronic device, and the electronic device may include: a first circuit board, a first connector, a controller, and a slot provided on the first circuit board. The electronic device further includes a network card, and the network card includes a gold finger and a second connector; wherein, the gold finger can be inserted into the slot, and the first connector and the second connector can be connected through a first cable. As an example, the electronic device may be Figure 3 or Figure 4 the electronic device 30 shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 but not limited thereto. For ease of understanding, the following takes the electronic device 30 shown in

[0087] In this embodiment, when the controller on the first circuit board of the electronic device is powered on, the controller can supply power to the network card through the link of the slot and the gold finger, and the second connector on the network card obtains electrical energy. Among them, the second connector has multiple pins, and the second connector can be connected to the first connector on the first circuit board of the first circuit board through the first cable. Exemplarily, the controller may beFigure 3 the CPLD 340 shown in Fig. 3 or 4, the first connector may be Figure 3 the connector 310 shown in Fig. 3 or 4, the slot may be Figure 3 the slot 320 shown in Fig. 3 or 4, the gold finger may be Figure 3 the gold finger 120 shown in Fig. 3 or 4, the second connector may be Figure 3 the connector 110 shown in Fig. 3 or 4, the first cable may be Figure 3 the cable 200 shown in Fig. 3 or 4.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 Fig. 3 or 4, the method may include the following steps:

[0089] S501. The controller obtains the level signals of each pin on the second connector through the first connector.

[0090] In this embodiment, after the controller on the main board (i.e., the first circuit board 300) powers the network card, the second connector on the network card is powered on, so that each pin of the second connector is set to a high level or a low level. For example, as shown in Figure 3 Fig. 3 or 4, after the pins 111 and 112 of the connector 110 are powered on, they are set to a high level (i.e., obtain the working voltage transmitted by the gold finger 120), and after the pin 113 is powered on, it is pulled down to a low level (i.e., ground potential) because it is connected to the grounding contact 150. At this time, since each pin of the second connector is correspondingly connected to the pin of the first connector through the first cable, the level signals at each pin of the first connector are the level signals at the corresponding pins of the connected second connector. Therefore, the controller can detect the level signals of each pin on the first connector to obtain the level signals of each pin on the second connector.

[0091] S502. The controller on the main board queries the association relationship between the predefined level signals and the types of network cards based on the obtained level signals, and determines the type of the intelligent network card.

[0092] In this embodiment, each pin of the first connector may have a fixed order. For example, taking the electronic device shown in Figure 3 Fig. 3 or 4 as an example, the pins 311, 312, and 313 of the connector 310 are sorted in sequence, or sorted in the order of pins 313, 312, and 311 in sequence, etc. In this way, after the controller on the main board obtains the level signals of each pin on the first connector, the level signals of each pin form a set of signal values according to the set pin order. For example, referring to Figure 3As shown, if pins 111, 112, and 113 of the connector 110 are respectively at high, high, and low levels, the level signals at pins 311, 312, and 313 of the connector 310 are also high, high, and low levels (high level is represented as "1", and low level is represented as "0"). At this time, if the set pin order of the connector 310 is pins 311, 312, and 313, the level signals obtained by the CPLD 340 can be represented as "110". Then, based on the obtained level signals, the controller can query the association relationship between the predefined level signals and the types of intelligent network cards to determine the type of the intelligent network card connected to the motherboard. For example, if the level signal of the type A network card is recorded as "110" and the level signal of the type B network card is "001" in the association relationship, when the level signal obtained by the CPLD 340 is "110", the network card type can be determined as A; when the level signal obtained by the CPLD 340 is "001", the network card type can be determined as B.

[0093] S503. The controller on the motherboard configures the intelligent network card based on the type of the intelligent network card.

[0094] In this embodiment, after the controller on the motherboard determines the type of the intelligent network card, it can configure the intelligent network card. For details, refer to the above description and will not be elaborated here.

[0095] Thus, the motherboard can complete the identification of the intelligent network card through the cable connecting it to the intelligent network card, realizing the identification of different models of intelligent network cards using hardware, meeting the diverse and flexible configuration requirements of customers, with high usability and good customer experience.

[0096] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0097] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a hardware manner or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, removable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium well-known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC.

[0098] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired manner (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or a wireless manner (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0099] It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A network card configuration method, which is applied to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first circuit board, a first connector, a controller, a network card, and a second connector. The first connector, the controller, and the network card are disposed on the first circuit board, the second connector is disposed on the network card, and the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected by a first cable. The method is characterized in that, The method includes: The controller obtains the level signal of the second connector through the first connector. The level signal of the second connector is a set of signal values formed by the connection mode of multiple sub-cables in the first cable with multiple pins on the second connector, and the level signals of each pin in the multiple pins are arranged in pin order. The controller determines the first type of the network card based on the obtained level signal of the second connector. The first type indicates the model of the network card. The controller configures the network card based on the first type.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector and the second connector are connected by a first cable, and the first connector is configured with multiple pins. The first cable includes multiple sub-cables. The first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector one by one. Wherein, at least one pin on the second connector is connected to the ground contact in the network card.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first connector is configured with multiple pins. The first cable includes multiple sub-cables. The first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector one by one. Wherein, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are electrically connected.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A slot is further provided on the first circuit board. The slot is electrically connected to the controller. The network card further includes a gold finger, and the gold finger is electrically connected to the second connector. Wherein, the gold finger is connected to the slot so that the network card obtains electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicates with the controller.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The controller configures the network card based on the first type, specifically including: The controller configures the enabling states of power supply, clock, and reset, the bandwidth of the PCIE bus, and the timing of the rotation speed of the fan for cooling the network card in different power domains on the network card based on the first type.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The controller configures the network card based on the first type, specifically including: The controller configures the timing of the enabling states of power supply, clock, and reset in different power domains on the network card based on the first type. The method further includes: The controller obtains the second type of the network card from the baseboard management controller (BMC) on the first circuit board, where the second type is read by the BMC from the memory in the network card. When the first type and the second type are consistent, the controller configures the bandwidth of the PCIE bus and the timing of the rotation speed of the fan for cooling the network card on the network card. When the first type and the second type are inconsistent, the controller outputs an alarm message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The controller determines the first type of the network card based on the obtained level signal of the second connector, specifically including: The controller queries the predefined association relationship between the level signal and the type of network card based on the obtained level signal of the second connector, and determines the first type.

8. A network card, characterized in that, The network card includes a second connector and a gold finger, and the second connector is electrically connected to the gold finger; wherein, The gold finger is used to connect to the first circuit board to obtain electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicate with the first circuit board; The second connector is used to transmit the level signal of the second connector to the first circuit board after being powered on through the gold finger, so that the first circuit board determines the type of the network card according to the level signal of the second connector; the second connector is configured with multiple pins, and the second connector is connected to the first circuit board through a first cable; the level signal of the second connector is a set of signal values formed by the connection method of multiple sub-cables in the first cable and multiple pins on the second connector, and the level signals of each pin among the multiple pins are arranged in pin order; the second connector is configured with multiple pins.

9. The network card according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second connector is configured with multiple pins, and the network card further includes a ground contact; At least one pin of the second connector is connected to the ground contact.

10. The network card according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second connector is connected to the first circuit board through a first cable; Wherein, the first cable includes multiple sub-cables, the first end of each sub-cable is connected to the first circuit board, and the second end of each sub-cable is respectively connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector; Wherein, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are electrically connected.

11. A computing device, characterized in that, Including: A first circuit board, a first connector, a controller, a network card, and a second connector; The first connector, the controller, and the network card are arranged on the first circuit board, and the second connector is arranged on the network card; The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector; Wherein, the controller is used to obtain the level signal of the second connector through the first connector, determine the first type of the network card based on the level signal of the second connector, and configure the network card based on the first type; the first connector and the second connector are connected through a first cable; the second connector is configured with multiple pins; the level signal of the second connector is a set of signal values formed by the connection method of multiple sub-cables in the first cable and multiple pins on the second connector, and the level signals of each pin among the multiple pins are arranged in pin order; the second connector is configured with multiple pins.

12. The computing device according to claim 11, wherein The first connector is configured with multiple pins; The first cable includes multiple sub-cables, the first end of each sub-cable is respectively connected to each of the multiple pins on the first connector, and the second end of each sub-cable is respectively connected to each of the multiple pins on the second connector; Wherein, at least one pin on the second connector is connected to the ground contact in the network card.

13. The computing device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first connector is configured with multiple pins; The first cable includes a plurality of sub-cables, and the first end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the first connector one by one, and the second end of each sub-cable is connected to each of the plurality of pins on the second connector one by one; Among them, at least two sub-cables in the first cable are designed to be conductive.

14. The computing device according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, A slot is further provided on the first circuit board, and the slot is electrically connected to the controller. The network card further includes a gold finger, and the gold finger is electrically connected to the second connector. Among them, the gold finger is connected to the slot so that the network card obtains electrical energy from the first circuit board and communicates with the controller.

15. The computing device according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, A baseboard management controller BMC is further configured on the first circuit board, and the BMC is respectively connected to the controller and the network card. Among them, the BMC is used to read the second type of the network card from the memory on the network card and transmit the second type to the controller; The controller is further used to configure the timing of the enable states of the power supply, clock, and reset of different power domains on the network card based on the first type, and, when the first type is consistent with the second type, configure the timing of the bandwidth of the PCIE bus on the network card and the rotation speed of the fan for cooling the network card.

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