Server and PCIe function board
By setting up pluggable PCIe function boards and device slots on the server panel, combined with a center backplane and interface board, flexible connection of PCIe function boards and devices is achieved, solving the problem of insufficient flexibility in the use of adapters, and improving the convenience of plugging and unplugging and the security of data transmission.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422949438.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-29
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the adapters for PCIe devices lack flexibility and are difficult to meet the expansion needs of different business requirements.
A server architecture is provided, which enables flexible connection of PCIe function boards and devices by setting up pluggable PCIe function boards and device slots on the shell panel, combined with a center backplane and interface board, and supports compatibility and pluggability of various types of PCIe function boards and devices through MOS switching circuit and CPLD control signal transmission.
It improves the flexibility and convenience of using PCIe function boards and devices, supports the insertion, removal and maintenance of different types of PCIe function boards and devices, expands the application scenarios, and enhances the security and reliability of data transmission.
Smart Images
Figure CN223501357U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to computer technology, and to, but is not limited to, a server and a PCIe function board. Background Technology
[0002] With the gradual maturation of cloud computing, autonomous driving, edge computing and other services, the application of peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) devices is increasing to meet different business needs.
[0003] Taking servers as an example, to meet the different usage requirements of PCIe devices in servers, various types of adapters such as PCIe switches, PCIe retimers, and pass-through boards can be used to expand the applications of PCIe devices.
[0004] Improving the flexibility of adapters in use has become a pressing technical problem. Utility Model Content
[0005] The server and PCIe function board provided in this application embodiment can improve the flexibility of using the PCIe function board.
[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a server, including a housing, a motherboard, a PCIe functional board, and a PCIe device. The motherboard is disposed inside the housing, and the housing includes a panel. The panel includes a first opening and a second opening. The PCIe functional board is pluggably connected to a first slot inside the housing through the first opening, and the PCIe device is pluggably connected to a second slot inside the housing through the second opening.
[0007] The PCIe function board includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is connected to the motherboard, and the second connector is connected to the PCIe device. The motherboard is used to communicate with the PCIe function board according to the type of the PCIe function board, so as to communicate with the PCIe device through the PCIe function board. The type of the PCIe function board includes a PCIe switch board, a PCIe retimer board, or a PCIe pass-through board.
[0008] The server provided in this application embodiment features a PCIe function board that can be plugged into the server's front panel. Users can insert different types of PCIe function boards through the panel as needed to meet various expansion requirements. The motherboard can communicate with the PCIe function board based on its type, rather than being limited to communicating with only a fixed type, thus improving the flexibility of PCIe function board usage. Furthermore, since the PCIe function board is pluggably connected to a first slot within the housing through a first opening, plugging and unplugging the PCIe function board does not require opening the server housing; it can be done simply through the opening on the front panel, improving the convenience of plugging, unplugging, and maintenance.
[0009] In some embodiments, the server further includes a center backplane, on which a third connector and a fourth connector are provided. The third connector and the fourth connector are located in a first slot. The first connector of the PCIe function board is plugged into the third connector and connected to the motherboard through the center backplane. The second connector of the PCIe function board is plugged into the fourth connector and connected to the PCIe device through the center backplane.
[0010] By implementing this embodiment, the motherboard, PCIe function board, and PCIe devices are connected via a center backplane. Using the center backplane as an intermediary, the positions of the motherboard, PCIe function board, and PCIe devices in the server can be flexibly changed through different connection methods of the connectors, thereby improving the server's flexibility.
[0011] In some embodiments, the server further includes an interface board connected between the center backplane and the PCIe device. The interface board includes a fifth connector located in the second slot, and the PCIe device is connected to the interface board by plugging into the fifth connector.
[0012] Implementing this embodiment enables plug-in / plug-out connections between PCIe devices and interface boards, improving the flexibility of using PCIe devices.
[0013] In some embodiments, the motherboard includes a first CPLD and a MOS switching circuit, the function board includes a second CPLD, the input terminal of the MOS switching circuit is connected to the first CPLD, the output terminal of the MOS switching circuit is connected to the first connector to connect to the second CPLD, the MOS switching circuit is used to control the transmission of signals required by the target PCIe function board, the target PCIe function board is one of a plurality of PCIe function boards connected to the motherboard.
[0014] By implementing this embodiment, the channel switching function of the MOS switching circuit is used to meet the signal transmission requirements of the target PCIe functional board, so that connectors of the same specification can be compatible with the signal transmission of different types of PCIe functional boards.
[0015] In some embodiments, there are multiple PCIe function boards and multiple PCIe devices. The PCIe function boards may be of the same or different types, and the PCIe devices connected to the multiple PCIe function boards may be different.
[0016] By implementing this embodiment, the motherboard can connect to multiple PCIe function boards of different or the same type at the same time, thereby making full use of the characteristics of PCIe function boards, meeting user needs, and expanding the application scenarios.
[0017] In some embodiments, the PCIe function board includes a register connected to the first connector. The motherboard determines the type of the PCIe function board by reading the configuration information of the PCIe function board stored in the register and communicates with the PCIe function board. The configuration information is used to indicate the information required when the motherboard configures the communication link with the PCIe function board.
[0018] Implementing this embodiment allows the motherboard to directly obtain the configuration information required for configuring the inserted PCIe function board. This enables the motherboard to configure links for different types of PCIe function boards, rather than being limited to a fixed type, thereby improving the flexibility of PCIe function board usage.
[0019] In some embodiments, the motherboard includes a management controller and a processor. The management controller is configured to obtain the configuration information stored in the register, determine the type of the PCIe function board based on the configuration information, and send the configuration information to the processor. The processor communicates with the PCIe function board based on the configuration information.
[0020] By implementing this embodiment, the motherboard does not need to store the configuration information corresponding to the PCIe function board. Instead, it can directly obtain the required configuration information from the registers of the PCIe function board to complete the communication link configuration of the PCIe function board, thereby improving the flexibility of using the PCIe function board.
[0021] In some embodiments, the PCIe function board includes a circuit board, a second CPLD, and a button. The first connector and the second connector are located on the plug-in side of the circuit board, and the button is located on the side of the circuit board away from the plug-in side. The second CPLD is located on the circuit board and is connected to both the button and the first connector. When the button is triggered, the second CPLD receives the trigger signal of the button and sends a notification signal to the motherboard through the first connector, so that the motherboard powers down the PCIe function board based on the notification signal.
[0022] By implementing this embodiment, a button is set on the PCIe function board. When the button is triggered, a notification signal is sent to the motherboard via the second CPLD on the PCIe function board. This allows the motherboard to power down the PCIe function board, enabling it to be aware in advance that the PCIe function board is about to be removed and power it down in time, thus ensuring the security of data transmission.
[0023] In some embodiments, the PCIe function board further includes a function chip disposed on the circuit board and connected to the second connector and the second CPLD through the circuit board. The second CPLD is used to receive service information sent by the motherboard and send the service information to the function chip. The function chip is used to process the service information and send the processed service information to the PCIe device through the second connector.
[0024] By implementing this embodiment, the second CPLD in the PCIe function board can assist the function chip in receiving service information, so as to realize the information transmission between the PCIe function board and the PCIe device and expand the system functions.
[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a PCIe functional board, which includes a circuit board, a first connector and a second connector disposed at the insertion end of the circuit board, and a functional chip or a through-line on the circuit board. The functional chip is connected to both the first connector and the second connector, or the through-line is connected to both the first connector and the second connector. The PCIe functional board is pluggably connected to a first slot in the housing through a first opening on the panel in the housing of the server. The first connector is connected to the motherboard of the server, and the second connector is connected to the PCIe device of the server. The motherboard is used to communicate with the PCIe functional board according to the type of the PCIe functional board, so as to communicate with the PCIe device through the PCIe functional board. The type of the PCIe functional board includes a PCIe switching board, a PCIe retimer board or a PCIe through-line board. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the technical solutions of this application.
[0027] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a server according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a single PCIe switch board is connected to a motherboard, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0035] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario in this application where two PCIe switchboards are connected to a motherboard;
[0036] Figure 10 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where two different types of PCIe function boards are connected to a motherboard, as shown in the embodiments of this application.
[0037] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the effect of a single PCIe switch board managing multiple PCIe devices, provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of two PCIe switch boards managing multiple PCIe devices, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of two different types of PCIe function boards managing multiple PCIe devices, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0041] In the following description, references are made to “some embodiments,” which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that “some embodiments” may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.
[0042] It should be noted that the terms "first, second, third" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar or different objects and do not represent a specific order of objects. It can be understood that "first, second, third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.
[0043] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, let me briefly introduce the relevant terms involved in this application.
[0044] Peripheral Component Interface Express Switch (PCIe Switch): A PCIe switch is a module used to expand PCIe links. Because PCIe links use an end-to-end connection, only one device or component can be connected to each end of a PCIe link. Therefore, a switch must be used to expand the PCIe link, i.e., to expand the PCIe ports, in order to connect multiple devices or components to one end of the PCIe link. The switch connects to other devices or components via the PCIe bus.
[0045] Peripheral Component Interface Express Retimer (PCIe Retimer): The PCIe retimer is a key component used to enhance signal integrity in high-speed signal transmission, playing a crucial role, especially in high-speed interfaces such as PCIe. In PCIe technology, with the increase in data transmission rates, signal attenuation and jitter problems have become increasingly prominent. To address these issues, PCIe retimers are widely used in scenarios requiring high-speed data transmission, such as servers and data centers.
[0046] Peripheral Component Interface Express Redriver (PCIe Redriver): A PCIe redriver is a signal relay and enhancement device primarily used to improve signal quality and extend signal transmission distance. It compensates for line losses during transmission through an equalizer at the receiver, thereby enhancing signal integrity and reliability.
[0047] PCIe devices refer to devices with PCIe interfaces. They are high-speed serial computer expansion bus devices based on the PCIe bus standard, used to connect internal computer hardware components.
[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a server provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another server structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the server 100 includes a housing 101, a motherboard 105, a PCIe function board 106, and a PCIe device 107. The motherboard 105 is located inside the housing 101. The housing 101 includes a panel 102, which includes a first opening 103 and a second opening 104.
[0050] The PCIe function board 106 is pluggably connected to the first slot in the housing 101 through the first opening 103, and the PCIe device 107 is pluggably connected to the second slot in the housing 101 through the second opening 104.
[0051] PCIe functional board 106 includes a first connector 1061 and a second connector 1062.
[0052] In some embodiments, the PCIe function board 106 can be directly connected to the motherboard 105 through the first opening 103 on the panel 102 via the first connector 1061. The PCIe function board 106 can also be connected to the PCIe device 107 via the second connector 1062.
[0053] As can be seen, the PCIe function board 106 can be disposed outside the front panel 102 of the server 100 and can be plugged into and removed from the motherboard 105 via the first connector. In this way, when plugging into and removing the PCIe function board, it is not necessary to open the front panel of the server, making the plugging and removing of the PCIe function board more convenient and flexible.
[0054] In this embodiment, the motherboard 105 can communicate with the PCIe function board 106 according to the type of the PCIe function board 106, so as to communicate with the PCIe device 107 through the PCIe function board 106.
[0055] In this application embodiment, the type of PCIe function board may include PCIe switch board, PCIe retimer board, PCIe redrive, or PCIe pass-through board, etc.
[0056] In this application embodiment, the PCIe device may include a network card, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) card, a data acquisition card, a PCI solid state disk (SSD), a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, a graphics card or accelerator card, etc.
[0057] In this application embodiment, the PCIe devices connected to the PCIe function board may also differ depending on the type of PCIe function board.
[0058] If the PCIe function board is a PCIe switching board, the PCIe devices can be graphics cards, network cards, or solid-state drives (SSDs). If the PCIe function board is a PCIe retimer board, the PCIe devices can be graphics cards, network cards, SSDs, or data acquisition cards. If the PCIe function board is a PCIe pass-through board, the PCIe devices can be graphics cards, network cards, SSDs, or RAID controllers.
[0059] In this embodiment, the types of the first connector 1061 and the second connector 1062 are not limited. For example, the connectors can be AirMax high-speed connectors.
[0060] The server provided in this application embodiment features a PCIe function board that can be plugged into the server's front panel. Users can insert different types of PCIe function boards through the panel as needed to meet various expansion requirements. The motherboard can communicate with the PCIe function board based on its type, rather than being limited to communicating with only a fixed type, thus improving the flexibility of PCIe function board usage. Furthermore, since the PCIe function board is pluggably connected to a first slot within the housing through a first opening, plugging and unplugging the PCIe function board does not require opening the server housing; it can be done simply through the opening on the front panel, improving the convenience of plugging, unplugging, and maintenance.
[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the PCIe function board 106 also includes a register 1063, which is connected to the first connector 1061. The motherboard 105 determines the type of the PCIe function board 106 by reading the configuration information of the PCIe function board 106 stored in the register 1063 and communicates with the PCIe function board 106. The configuration information is used to indicate the information required when the motherboard configures the communication link with the PCIe function board.
[0062] In this embodiment, the timing for the motherboard 105 to read the configuration information of the PCIe function board 106 stored in register 1063 is not limited. For example, the PCIe function board can be inserted into the motherboard while the motherboard is powered on. The PCIe function board can also be inserted into the motherboard when the motherboard is not working. In this case, the motherboard can obtain the configuration information from the register of the PCIe function board when the power is on or running.
[0063] In this embodiment, the configuration information is pre-stored in the registers of the PCIe function board. Different PCIe function boards can store different configuration information. Generally, the configuration information stored in the registers of a PCIe function board corresponds to its own type.
[0064] Here, there are no restrictions on the type of register. For example, registers can be general-purpose registers, special-purpose registers, floating-point registers, vector registers, or status registers, etc.
[0065] In this embodiment, the content of the configuration information is not limited. For example, the configuration information may include the bandwidth, speed, and topology switching requirements of the PCIe function board when the motherboard configures it.
[0066] In this embodiment, the motherboard and the PCIe function board can communicate via a standard communication protocol or via a wired connection cable; there is no limitation on either method.
[0067] For example, the motherboard and the PCIe function board can transmit information and instructions via the I2C path.
[0068] In this embodiment of the application, after the motherboard obtains the configuration information from the PCIe function board, it can configure the communication link between the motherboard and the PCIe function board according to the obtained configuration information.
[0069] In this embodiment of the application, the server configures the communication link for the PCIe function board, which can be done by configuring relevant ports of the PCIe function board, such as communication bandwidth, data transmission rate, duplex mode and other parameters.
[0070] By implementing this embodiment, the feasibility of services and the reliability of link configuration can be guaranteed by matching and verifying the identity information of the PCIe function board.
[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the motherboard 105 also includes a management controller 1051 and a processor 1052. The management controller 1051 can obtain the configuration information stored in the register 1063, confirm the type of the PCIe function board 106 according to the configuration information, and send the configuration information to the processor 1052. The processor 1052 communicates with the PCIe function board 106 according to the configuration information.
[0072] The management controller 1051 may include a baseboard management controller (BMC), a service processor (SP), an integrated management module (IMM), an integrated Dell remote access card (IDRAC), an integrated lightsout (iLO), and a hardware device management (HDM). It should be noted that the form of the management controller is not limited in this application embodiment; the above is merely illustrative. In the following embodiments, a BMC can be used as an example for illustration.
[0073] BMC can be used for device information management, such as recording the server's model, manufacturer, date, and generation information of each component; or, BMC can monitor and manage the server's status, such as detecting the health status of each component of the server, such as temperature and voltage; or, BMC can also remotely control and manage the server, such as managing the server's power on / off, restart, maintenance, firmware updates, system installation, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this.
[0074] In this embodiment, the method by which the management controller 1051 determines the type of the PCIe function board 106 based on the configuration information is not limited.
[0075] In some embodiments, register 1063 may store identification information of the PCIe function board 106, which may be a category identifier, code, etc. The management controller 1051 pre-stores the types of PCIe function boards 106 required by the service, such as pre-configured comparison identification information of the service.
[0076] In this way, after the management controller 1051 obtains the identification information of the PCIe function board 106 stored in the register 1063, it can perform type matching verification on the PCIe function board 106 based on the identification information of the PCIe function board 106 and the comparison identification information; if the type matching verification is successful, the management controller 1051 can send the configuration information to the processor 1052.
[0077] Here, if the identification information of the PCIe function board 106 matches the identification information, it means that the type of the PCIe function board 106 currently connected to the motherboard is the type required by the business, that is, the type matching verification is successful. The matching situation here can be the same or other situations that meet the business requirements, which can be set according to the actual application requirements.
[0078] If the function required by the business is the function corresponding to the PCIe switching board, the comparison identification information in the management controller 1051 can be the identification information of the PCIe switching board. Based on the comparison identification information and the identification information of the obtained PCIe function board, it can be determined whether the PCIe function board 106 connected to the motherboard 105 is a PCIe switching board.
[0079] In other embodiments, register 1063 may store identification information of the PCIe function board 106, which may be a category identification code, encoding, etc. The management controller 1051 pre-stores the types of PCIe function boards 106 required by the service, such as storing comparison identification information pre-configured by the service; the management controller 1051 may also pre-store comparison configuration information corresponding to the comparison identification information, which may be at least a portion of the configuration information matching the function template type corresponding to the comparison identification information.
[0080] The comparison identification information and comparison configuration information pre-stored in the management controller 1051 can be pre-set by the user with the comparison identification information and comparison configuration information of the PCIe function board 106 required by the business in the management controller 1051 through equipment tools.
[0081] In this way, the management controller 1051 can perform type matching verification and parameter matching verification on the PCIe function board 106 based on the identification information and comparison identification information of the PCIe function board 106; if the type matching verification is successful, the management controller 1051 can also perform parameter matching verification on the PCIe function board 106 based on the configuration information and comparison configuration information of the PCIe function board 106; and if the parameter matching verification is successful, the management controller 1051 sends the configuration information obtained in the register 1063 to the processor 1052.
[0082] In some embodiments, the management controller 1051 verifies the configuration information, which may be to verify whether the configuration information of the PCIe function board 106 matches the configuration information. If the two match, the parameter verification is deemed successful, thereby further improving the security of the configuration.
[0083] By implementing this embodiment, the feasibility of services and the reliability of link configuration can be guaranteed by verifying the identity and configuration information of the PCIe function board.
[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the PCIe function board 106 also includes a circuit board, a CPLD 1064, and a button 1065. The first connector 1061 and the second connector 1062 are located on the plug-in side of the circuit board. The button 1065 is located on the side of the circuit board away from the plug-in side. The CPLD 1064 is located on the circuit board, and the button 1065 is connected to the CPLD 1064. The CPLD 1064 is connected to the first connector 1061.
[0085] Among them, CPLD is a programmable logic device.
[0086] In this embodiment of the application, when button 1065 is triggered, CPLD 1064 can receive the trigger signal of button 1065 and send a notification signal to motherboard 105 through first connector 1061, so that motherboard 105 can power down PCIe function board 106 based on the notification signal. Here, the notification signal is the signal that notifies the PCIe function board to be powered down.
[0087] In other words, before the PCIe function board 106 is removed from the motherboard 105, the user can trigger button 1065 so that the motherboard 105 can know the user's intention to remove the PCIe function board 106 from the motherboard 105, so as to power down the PCIe function board 106 in advance and improve the security of data transmission.
[0088] In some embodiments, the user may not perform the trigger operation on the button, but instead directly remove the PCIe function board 106 from the motherboard 105. In this case, the PCIe function board 106 may be triggered to generate a level signal change, which can be transmitted to the management controller 1051 in the motherboard 105. The management controller 1051 can recognize the removal action performed by the PCIe function board 106, thereby terminating the business communication with the PCIe function board.
[0089] Understandably, in some embodiments, after the PCIe function board 106 is inserted into the motherboard 105, the user can trigger the button 1065. When the button 1065 is triggered, the CPLD 1064 can receive the trigger signal of the button 1065 and send a notification signal to the motherboard 105 through the first connector 1061, so that the motherboard 105 can power on the PCIe function board 106 based on the notification signal. Here, the notification signal is the signal that notifies the PCIe function board to be powered on.
[0090] In other words, after the PCIe function board 106 is inserted into the motherboard 105, the user can first trigger the button 1065 so that the motherboard 105 can know the user's intention to insert the PCIe function board 106 into the motherboard 105, so as to power on the PCIe function board 106 in advance and improve the security of data transmission.
[0091] In some embodiments, the motherboard 105 also includes a power supply device (not shown in the figure), which can be connected to the PCIe function board 106 to supply power to the PCIe function board 106 and the PCIe device 107 connected to the PCIe function board 106.
[0092] For example, the power supply equipment may include a power controller and a power supply.
[0093] In some embodiments, the PCIe function board 106 may not perform a trigger operation on the button, but instead be directly inserted into the motherboard 105. In this case, a change in the level signal can be triggered, and the level signal can be transmitted to the management controller 1051 in the motherboard 105, which can then identify the insertion action performed by the PCIe function board 106.
[0094] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the PCIe function board 106 also includes a function chip 1066, which is disposed on the circuit board and connected to the second connector 1062 and CPLD 1064 through the circuit board.
[0095] The type of the functional chip 1066 corresponds to the type of the PCIe functional board 106. That is, when the PCIe functional board is a PCIe Switch board, the functional chip can be a Switch chip; when the PCIe functional board is a PCIe retimer board, the functional chip can be a retimer chip; when the PCIe functional board is a PCIe redriver, the functional chip can be a redriver chip.
[0096] It should be noted that when the PCIe function board 106 is a PCIe switch board, it can integrate one PCIe switch chip, two PCIe switch chips, or multiple PCIe switch chips. The specific number of integrated PCIe switch chips is determined by the user's actual needs and the space available on the PCIe switch board.
[0097] Of course, for other types of functional chips, there is no limit to the number of chips integrated on them; the number can be determined according to user needs and space.
[0098] In this embodiment, the CPLD 1064 can receive service information sent by the motherboard 105 and send the service information to the function chip 1066. The function chip 1066 can process the service information and send the processed service information to the PCIe device 107 through the second connector 1062.
[0099] By implementing this embodiment, the CPLD in the PCIe function board can assist the function chip in receiving service information, thereby enabling information transmission between the PCIe function board and the PCIe device and expanding the system functions.
[0100] Implementing this embodiment enables the rapid removal and insertion of PCIe function boards from the motherboard, improving the flexibility of PCIe function board usage and expanding the application scenarios of PCIe function boards.
[0101] In the case of a PCIe function board that is a through board, the PCIe function board 106 also includes a through circuit, which is located on the circuit board and connected to the second connector 1062 and CPLD 1064.
[0102] In this embodiment, the CPLD 1064 can receive service information sent by the motherboard 105 and send the service information to the second connector 1062 through the pass-through circuit, and then send it to the PCIe device 107.
[0103] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the server 100 includes, in addition to, the following Figure 1 In addition to the housing 101, panel 102, first opening 103 and second opening 104 shown, it also includes a motherboard 105, PCIe function board 106, PCIe device 107, and center backplate 108.
[0105] The motherboard 105 is located inside the housing 101. The housing 101 includes a panel 102, which includes a first opening 103 and a second opening 104.
[0106] The center backplane 108 is provided with a third connector 1081 and a fourth connector 1082. The third connector 1081 and the fourth connector 1082 are located in the first slot of the housing 101. The first connector 1061 of the PCIe function board 106 can be plugged into the third connector 1081 to achieve connection with the center backplane 108.
[0107] Here, the center backplane 108 can also be connected to the motherboard 105, and the connection method between the center backplane 108 and the motherboard 105 is not limited. For example, the motherboard 105 may be provided with connector 1, and the center backplane 108 may be provided with connector 2 on the side near the motherboard. Then connector 1 can be plugged into connector 2 to realize the connection between the motherboard 105 and the center backplane 108, thereby enabling the PCIe function board 106 to be connected to the motherboard 105 through the center backplane 108.
[0108] In this embodiment of the application, in order to enable the PCIe function board 106 to be pluggable into the center backplane 108, the first connector 1061 and the third connector 1081 can be set to a hard connection.
[0109] In this embodiment, the connection method between connector 1 and connector 2 is not limited. For example, connector 1 and connector 2 can be connected by a rigid connection or by a flexible connection such as a cable.
[0110] Furthermore, the second connector 1062 of the PCIe function board 106 can be plugged into the fourth connector 1082 on the center backplane 108 to achieve connection with the center backplane 108.
[0111] Additionally, the center backplane 108 can also be connected to the PCIe device 107. For example, a connector 3 can be provided on the side of the center backplane 108 near the PCIe device 107, so that the PCIe device 107 can be plugged into and unplugged into the center backplane 108 via the connector 3. Thus, after the second connector 1062 of the PCIe function board 106 can be plugged into the fourth connector 1082 on the center backplane 108, the PCIe function board 106 can be connected to the PCIe device 107 through the center backplane 108.
[0112] By implementing this embodiment, the motherboard, PCIe function board, and PCIe devices are connected via a center backplane. The center backplane acts as an intermediary, and the positions of the motherboard, PCIe function board, and PCIe devices in the server can be flexibly changed through different connection methods of the connectors, thereby improving the server's flexibility.
[0113] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0114] like Figure 6As shown, the server includes, in addition to, Figure 1 In addition to the housing 101, panel 102, first opening 103 and second opening 104 shown, it also includes a motherboard 105, PCIe function board 106, PCIe device 107, center backplate 108 and interface board 109.
[0115] The motherboard 105 is located inside the housing 101. The housing 101 includes a panel 102, which includes a first opening 103 and a second opening 104.
[0116] The center backplane 108 is provided with a third connector 1081 and a fourth connector 1082. The third connector 1081 and the fourth connector 1082 are located in the first slot. The first connector 1061 of the PCIe function board 106 is plugged into the third connector 1081 and connected to the motherboard 105 through the center backplane.
[0117] The interface board 109 can be connected between the center backplane 108 and the PCIe device 107. The interface board 109 includes a fifth connector 1091, which is located in the second slot of the housing 101. The PCIe device 107 connects to the interface board 109 by plugging into the fifth connector 1091, thereby enabling the insertion and removal of the PCIe device on the interface board.
[0118] In this embodiment, the position of the center backplane 108 in the server is not limited. For example, the center backplane 108 can be arranged in the height direction of the server 100 (i.e., vertically).
[0119] In some embodiments, the depths of the first slot (for inserting the PCIe function board 106) and the second slot (for inserting the PCIe device 107) may be different. Thus, one of the center backplane 108 and the interface board 109 may be physically closer to the panel 102, and the center backplane 108 and the interface board 109 may partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the panel 102 to facilitate plug-in connections between them. Consequently, the PCIe device 107 can connect to the center backplane 108 via the interface board 109, thereby achieving connection to the PCIe function board 106.
[0120] By implementing this embodiment, the interface board and the fifth connector on the interface board enable flexible plugging and unplugging of PCIe devices to the interface board, thereby improving the flexibility of using PCIe devices.
[0121] Of course, in some embodiments, the center backplane and interface board are equidistant from the front panel, and the center backplane and interface board are arranged in the thickness direction of the server, thereby making full use of the space temporarily used by the server in the thickness direction, which is beneficial to improving the integration of the server.
[0122] In this embodiment of the application, the number of PCIe function boards connected to the motherboard is not limited. For example, the number of PCIe function boards connected to the motherboard may be a single one, or the number of PCIe function boards connected to the motherboard may be multiple, and the multiple PCIe function boards may be of the same or different types.
[0123] In this way, multiple PCIe function boards of the same or different types can be connected to the motherboard at the same time, thereby realizing the mixing and matching of PCIe function boards to meet different user needs and broaden the application scenarios.
[0124] Since the motherboard can connect to multiple PCIe function boards, in some embodiments, when the motherboard conducts business transactions with the PCIe function boards, it needs to select the target PCIe function board from among the multiple PCIe function boards, and the signal types transmitted between different types of PCIe function boards and the motherboard may also be different. Therefore, when the motherboard and the PCIe function board transmit signals through the first connector, the first connector must also be compatible with the signal transmission of different types of PCIe function boards.
[0125] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another server provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0126] like Figure 7 As shown, the server 100 includes, in addition to, the following Figure 1 In addition to the housing 101, panel 102, first opening 103 and second opening 104 shown, it also includes a motherboard 105, a PCIe function board 106 and a PCIe device 107.
[0127] The motherboard 105 includes a CPLD 1053 and a MOS switching circuit 1054. The input terminal of the MOS switching circuit 1054 is connected to the CPLD 1053, and the output terminal of the MOS switching circuit 1054 is connected to the first connector 1061 to connect to the CPLD 1053.
[0128] Here, the MOS switching circuit 1054 can control the transmission of signals required by the target PCIe functional board, which is one of a plurality of PCIe functional boards 106 connected to the motherboard 105.
[0129] Here, by utilizing the channel switching function of the MOS switching circuit, the different types of signals required by the target PCIe functional board can be transmitted, enabling connectors of the same specifications to be compatible with the signal transmission of different types of PCIe functional boards.
[0130] The following explanation will be based on the example of a single PCIe function board, specifically a PCIe switching board.
[0131] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a single PCIe switch board is connected to the motherboard is provided. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the PCIe switch board is equipped with a first connector. The PCIe switch board can be connected to the motherboard through the first connector. The PCIe switch board can be connected to multiple PCIe devices to realize the functional expansion of the PCIe devices.
[0132] The following explanation will be based on the example of multiple PCIe function boards of the same type, such as all PCIe function boards being PCIe switching boards.
[0133] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where two PCIe switchboards are connected to the motherboard is provided. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the first connector on each PCIe switchboard is connected to the motherboard.
[0134] It should be noted that these two PCIe switch boards are independent PCIe function boards. When each performs a hot-swapping operation from the motherboard, it does not affect the other PCIe function board.
[0135] These two PCIe switching boards can be two separate boards or integrated onto a single board; there is no limitation on which.
[0136] The following explanation will be based on the example of multiple PCIe function boards of different types, such as PCIe switch boards and PCIe retimer boards.
[0137] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where two different types of PCIe function boards are connected to a motherboard is provided. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the two different types of PCIe function boards are the PCIe switch board and the PCIe retimer board. The PCIe switch board can be connected to the motherboard through the first connector on it, and similarly, the PCIe retimer board can also be connected to the motherboard through the first connector on it.
[0138] As can be seen from the above examples, there are various requirements and topology options in the actual application of PCIe devices. For example, some PCIe devices need to be interconnected by PCIe retimer boards, and some PCIe devices need to be interconnected by PCIe switch boards.
[0139] The server provided by the embodiments of this application can simultaneously support mixed configurations of different types of PCIe function boards, and makes it easier to switch configurations and plug / unplug different types of PCIe function boards.
[0140] Of course, in this embodiment of the application, the number of PCIe devices is not limited. For example, there may be multiple PCIe devices, and the PCIe devices connected to multiple PCIe function boards may be different.
[0141] For example, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the effect of a single PCIe switch board managing multiple PCIe devices is provided. Figure 11 It can be seen that a single PCIe switch board can manage multiple PCIe devices at the same time, such as managing 8 PCIe devices simultaneously.
[0142] In this way, the motherboard can output PCIe signals to the PCIe switch board, and the PCIe switch board will then output PCIe signals to the four PCIe devices on the left and the four PCIe devices on the right, thereby enabling the management of multiple PCIe devices.
[0143] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the effect of two PCIe switch boards managing multiple PCIe devices is provided. Figure 12 As shown, each PCIe switch board can manage multiple PCIe devices, such as managing four PCIe devices.
[0144] In this way, the motherboard can output PCIe signals to PCIe switch boards, and each PCIe switch board can then output PCIe signals to the four PCIe devices it manages, thereby achieving the management of multiple PCIe devices. And compared to... Figure 11 In terms of management methods, Figure 12 The number of PCIe devices managed by each PCIe switchboard is reduced, and transmission pads can be added to improve computing performance.
[0145] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 13 , Figure 13 This paper presents a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of two different types of PCIe function boards managing multiple PCIe devices. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the two different types of PCIe function boards can be a PCIe switch board and a PCIe retimer board, respectively. Each PCIe function board can manage multiple PCIe devices, such as managing four PCIe devices.
[0146] In this way, the motherboard can output PCIe signals to the PCIe switch board and the PCIe retimer board respectively. The PCIe switch board then outputs the PCIe signals to the four PCIe devices it manages respectively. The PCIe retimer board can also output PCIe signals to the four PCIe devices it manages respectively, thereby realizing the management of multiple PCIe devices.
[0147] It should be noted that the system architecture and application scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.
[0148] This application provides a PCIe functional board, which includes a circuit board, a first connector and a second connector disposed at the insertion end of the circuit board, and a functional chip or a through-line on the circuit board. The functional chip is connected to both the first connector and the second connector, or the through-line is connected to both the first connector and the second connector. The PCIe functional board is pluggably connected to a first slot in the housing through a first opening on the panel of the server housing. The first connector is connected to the motherboard of the server, and the second connector is connected to the PCIe device of the server. The motherboard is used to communicate with the PCIe functional board according to the type of the PCIe functional board, so as to communicate with the PCIe device through the PCIe functional board. The type of the PCIe functional board includes a PCIe switch board, a PCIe retimer board or a PCIe through-line board.
[0149] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A server, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a motherboard, a PCIe function board, and a PCIe device. The motherboard is located inside the housing. The housing includes a panel with a first opening and a second opening. The PCIe function board is pluggable and detachable to a first slot inside the housing through the first opening, and the PCIe device is pluggable and detachable to a second slot inside the housing through the second opening. The PCIe function board includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being connected to the motherboard and the second connector being connected to the PCIe device; The motherboard is used to communicate with the PCIe function board according to the type of the PCIe function board, so as to communicate with the PCIe device through the PCIe function board, wherein the type of the PCIe function board includes a PCIe switch board, a PCIe retimer board, or a PCIe pass-through board.
2. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, The server also includes a center backplane, on which a third connector and a fourth connector are provided. The third connector and the fourth connector are located in a first slot. The first connector of the PCIe function board is plugged into the third connector and connected to the motherboard through the center backplane. The second connector of the PCIe function board is plugged into the fourth connector and connected to the PCIe device through the center backplane.
3. The server according to claim 2, characterized in that, The server also includes an interface board connected between the center backplane and the PCIe device. The interface board includes a fifth connector located in the second slot. The PCIe device is connected to the interface board by plugging into the fifth connector.
4. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the PCIe function board is a PCIe switching board, the PCIe device is a graphics card, network card, or solid-state drive; when the PCIe function board is a PCIe retimer board, the PCIe device is a graphics card, network card, solid-state drive, or data acquisition card; when the PCIe function board is a PCIe pass-through board, the PCIe device is a graphics card, network card, solid-state drive, or RAID controller.
5. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of PCIe function boards is multiple, the number of PCIe devices is multiple, the types of PCIe function boards are the same or different, and the PCIe devices connected to the multiple PCIe function boards are different.
6. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The PCIe function board includes a register connected to the first connector. The motherboard determines the type of the PCIe function board by reading the configuration information of the PCIe function board stored in the register and communicates with the PCIe function board. The configuration information is used to indicate the information required when the motherboard configures the communication link with the PCIe function board.
7. The server according to claim 6, characterized in that, The motherboard includes a management controller and a processor. The management controller is used to obtain the configuration information stored in the register, determine the type of the PCIe function board according to the configuration information, and send the configuration information to the processor. The processor communicates with the PCIe function board according to the configuration information.
8. The server according to claim 7, characterized in that, The PCIe functional board includes a circuit board, a CPLD, and a button. The first connector and the second connector are located on the plug-in side of the circuit board. The button is located on the side of the circuit board away from the plug-in side. The CPLD is located on the circuit board and is connected to both the button and the first connector. When the button is triggered, the CPLD receives the trigger signal from the button and sends a notification signal to the motherboard through the first connector, so that the motherboard can power down the PCIe functional board based on the notification signal.
9. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that, The PCIe functional board also includes a functional chip, which is disposed on the circuit board and connected to the second connector and the CPLD through the circuit board. The CPLD is used to receive service information sent by the motherboard and send the service information to the functional chip. The functional chip is used to process the service information and send the processed service information to the PCIe device through the second connector.
10. A PCIe functional board, characterized in that, The PCIe functional board includes a circuit board, a first connector and a second connector disposed at the insertion end of the circuit board. The circuit board is also provided with a functional chip or a pass-through line. The functional chip is connected to both the first connector and the second connector, or the pass-through line is connected to both the first connector and the second connector. The PCIe functional board is used to be pluggably connected to a first slot in the housing through a first opening on the panel in the server housing. The first connector is connected to the motherboard of the server, and the second connector is connected to the PCIe device of the server. The motherboard is used to communicate with the PCIe functional board according to the type of the PCIe functional board, so as to connect to the PCIe device through the PCIe functional board. The type of the PCIe functional board includes a PCIe switch board, a PCIe retimer board or a PCIe pass-through board.