Data storage device and system

Abstract

The utility model discloses data storage equipment which is used for being connected with a host and storing data written by the host, the host is used for being connected to a target object, and the target object comprises any one or more of electronic equipment installed on a vehicle, a tested piece and auxiliary equipment used for assisting the tested piece in testing. The data storage device comprises a hard disk and a plurality of hard disk connectors, the hard disk connectors are used for being connected with the hard disk in a pluggable mode, and the hard disk connectors are used for being connected to a host. According to the storage device, a plurality of hard disks can be connected, the hard disk connectors are in pluggable connection with the hard disks, and the hard disks can be flexibly replaced, so that according to the storage device, empty hard disks can be continuously used for replacing fully-written hard disks, uninterrupted data writing is supported, and the data storage requirements of various capacities are met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of data storage, in particular to a data storage device and system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical test system includes a computing device and multiple IO interface cards, the IO interface cards can connect sensors, actuators, controllers and other devices, and the computing device can be a computer, an industrial computer, an embedded controller and other devices with data processing capabilities. The computing device receives and sends data through the IO interface card, so as to perform various tests, including data acquisition, recording and analysis of the measured device, mechanical or electrical control of the measured device, construction of the interaction between the measured device and the simulated external device, construction of the interaction between the external device and the simulated measured device, etc.

[0003] At present, the data in the test process is generally stored in the storage unit built-in or externally connected to the computing device. However, the capacity of the storage unit is limited, and it cannot meet the large-capacity data storage requirement when a large amount of data is collected and tested for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to design a large-capacity and high-speed data storage device to store test data. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiment of the present application provides a data storage device which can connect multiple hard disks, and the hard disk connector and the hard disk can be connected plug-ably, so the hard disk can be replaced flexibly. Therefore, the storage device can replace the full hard disk with an empty hard disk, support uninterrupted data writing, and meet the data storage requirement of various capacities.

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides a data storage device which is used for connecting a host and storing data written by the host. The host is used for connecting a target object, and the target object includes any one or more of the following: an electronic device installed on a vehicle, a measured object, and an auxiliary device used for assisting the measured object to perform a test. The data storage device includes a hard disk and multiple hard disk connectors. The hard disk connector is used for plug-ably connecting the hard disk, and the hard disk connector is used for connecting to the host.

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a system which includes a host and the above-mentioned data storage device. The host is used for connecting the data storage device and writing data to the data storage device. The host is used for directly connecting the target object, and / or the host is used for connecting the target object through a communication device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the data storage device further includes a PCIE switch module. The PCIE switch module includes a first port used for connecting the host and multiple second ports used for connecting the hard disk connectors. The hard disk connectors are connected to the host through the PCIE switch module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the data storage device further comprises a signal relay chip connected to the first port for signal enhancement between the first port and the host.

[0009] In some embodiments, the data storage device further comprises a control module connected to the PCIE switch module, and the control module is further connected to a communication interface for connecting to the host.

[0010] In some embodiments, the PCIE switch module is arranged on a base plate, and the hard disk connector is arranged on an extension plate, and the base plate and the extension plate are connected through a wire harness, wherein the base plate is provided with a first connector connected to the second port of the PCIE switch module, the extension plate is provided with a second connector connected to the hard disk connector, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through the wire harness.

[0011] In some embodiments, the PCIE switch module is arranged on a base plate, and the hard disk connector is arranged on an extension plate, and the base plate and the extension plate are connected through an adapter plate, wherein the base plate is provided with a first connector connected to the second port of the PCIE switch module, the extension plate is provided with a second connector connected to the hard disk connector, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through the adapter plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the data storage device further comprises a hard disk box for placing the hard disk, and the door of the hard disk box is provided with a mechanical lock.

[0013] In some embodiments, the data storage device further comprises an electronic lock for locking the hard disk.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a back plate, and the host, the data storage device, and the communication device are respectively provided with connectors, the connectors are used for connecting to connectors on the back plate, signal lines are arranged between the connectors on the back plate, and the host, the data storage device, and the communication device are respectively connected to the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor;

[0016] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a data storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 9 is still another structural schematic diagram of a system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a first switch matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a backboard and a connector on the backboard in a system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Meanwhile, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms are only used for distinguishing description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Therefore, the features with “first” and “second” can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of “multiple” is two or more than two, unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0028] The embodiments of the present application provide a data storage device, which can be applied toFigure 1 The application environment is shown. The data storage device connects to the host and stores data written by the host. The host connects to the target object, which includes any one or more of the following: electronic devices installed on a vehicle, a device under test (DUT), or auxiliary equipment used to assist in testing the DUT. Data interaction between the host and the target object can be used to test the target object or to collect data from it.

[0029] In one example, the target object could be an electronic device installed on a vehicle. In this case, the host connects to the target object and collects data from it. The target object serves as the data source, and the host can receive and record signals emitted by the target object, thus achieving data collection. Furthermore, during the data collection process, the host can also send trigger signals, feedback signals, and other signals to the target object to induce it to output signals.

[0030] Among them, the means of transportation can be vehicles, high-speed trains, drones, airplanes, etc. The means of transportation are equipped with electronic devices, which include sensors, controllers, and actuators. For example, sensors can be cameras, lidar, temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS and other electronic devices; controllers can be electronic control units (ECUs), battery management units, cockpit controllers, flight control units and other electronic devices; and actuators can be motors, engines, speakers and other electronic devices.

[0031] In one example, the target object can be the device under test (DUT). In this case, the host connects to the target object and performs tests on it. The target object can refer to the DUT in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing; for example, the target object could be a controller during the development and / or verification phases.

[0032] In one example, the target object may include electronic devices installed on a vehicle, or a device under test (DUT), such as mounting the DUT on a vehicle to test it in a real-world operating environment.

[0033] In one example, the target object can be auxiliary equipment used to assist in testing the device under test (DUT), such as additional sensors, controllers, actuators, etc.; simulation devices used to simulate sensors and actuators; or a test bench built to simulate part of the electrical system of a vehicle for software algorithm testing, such as a driver's operating bench. Taking rapid prototyping (RCP) testing as an example, the DUT (e.g., algorithm, model, etc.) runs on the host machine, and the target object connected to the host machine is the sensors, actuators, etc., that the DUT communicates with when applied to a vehicle.

[0034] In one example, the target object can include a device under test and auxiliary equipment used to assist the device under test in testing, such as sensors, controllers, actuators, etc. that are additionally installed in addition to the original sensors of the vehicle when testing the ECU, so as to obtain more abundant data and facilitate analysis of the test results.

[0035] In one example, the host has the ability to execute program instructions and process data, and can be any circuit, circuit board, device with a processor, for example, can refer to a circuit board or combination of multiple circuit boards containing a processor, and can also include a circuit board containing a processor and a mechanical structure such as a housing. The processor therein refers to a processor that can be used to run an operating system. The operating system configured in the host can be a real-time operating system, such as QNX operating system, Linux operating system, etc., or a desktop operating system, such as Windows operating system, Mac operating system, etc.

[0036] In some examples, the host is configured with a real-time operating system, which can ensure a response to an event within a predetermined time, which is crucial for time-sensitive tasks. The host can serve as an industrial computer or lower computer during data acquisition or testing, which has high real-time performance and reliability, acquires data sent by the target object, and directly controls the data acquisition and testing process of the target object. The host can also connect a computing device while connecting the target object and the data storage device, and the computing device is equipped with a desktop operating system. The computing device can serve as an upper computer, which is connected to the industrial computer and controls the data acquisition and testing process of the target object by controlling the industrial computer. The computing device can be a server, computer, tablet, etc. and a circuit board with a processor, wherein the processor is a processor that can be used to run an operating system. The computing device can run target software to cooperate with the host in testing and data acquisition, etc. The target software can be simulation software, data analysis software, etc.

[0037] The industrial computer is used to control the testing process during testing, including running test cases and sending simulation signals to the target object, and is used to control the data acquisition process during data acquisition, including adding timestamps to the acquired data, filtering the acquired data, etc. During data acquisition or testing, the industrial computer realizes human-computer interaction with the user through the upper computer, and the user can monitor and / or affect the testing or data acquisition performed by the industrial computer through the upper computer, wherein the affecting can include affecting before and during testing or data acquisition, such as selecting and configuring test environment and test cases, configuring acquisition frequency and storage path.

[0038] It should be noted that the host can be connected to the computing device during the entire process of data acquisition and testing, or can be connected to the computing device during part of the time period of data acquisition and testing, such as before the start of data acquisition and testing, or during the process of data acquisition and testing.

[0039] In some examples, the host is configured with a desktop operating system, which provides a user-friendly graphical interface, so that the user can intuitively interact with the host, and supports the installation of a wide range of application software. The host can serve as an industrial computer during data acquisition or testing, and does not need to be connected to the computing device as the upper computer. The host itself can provide a user interface and communicate with the target object through the connected communication channel, directly control the data acquisition and testing process of the target object, such as collecting information from the target object, sending signals to the target object, etc. Although the real-time performance and stability of the desktop operating system are lower than those of the real-time operating system, it can also meet the requirements of some data acquisition or testing scenarios with low real-time performance.

[0040] During data acquisition or testing, the number of industrial computers can be one or more, i.e., the number of hosts can be one or more, and the host can also be connected to the computing device as the upper computer. The test performed by the host on the target object can be at least one of HIL testing, RCP testing, simulation testing, and back-annotation testing.

[0041] In some examples, the host has a communication interface and can be directly connected to the target object. However, considering that the number of communication interfaces of the host is limited, the host can be connected to a communication device and connected to the target object through the communication device. The communication device has a plurality of communication connection parts, the host is connected to at least one communication device, and all communication devices connected by the host have at least two types of communication connection parts. One type of communication connection part is used to transmit one type of signal, and the type of signal transmitted by one communication connection part is any one of the following: CAN bus signal, LIN bus signal, FlexRay bus signal, vehicle Ethernet bus signal, SENT bus signal, DSI bus signal, PSI bus signal, K-Line bus signal, analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, digital voltage input signal, analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, and digital voltage input signal. Among them, the DSI bus signal is, for example, a DSI3 bus signal, and the PSI bus signal is, for example, a PSI5 bus signal.

[0042] In some examples, the communication device includes at least one host interface for connecting to a host and a plurality of communication connection units, wherein the host interface transmits signals of any one of the following types: PCIE signals, USB signals, traditional Ethernet signals, EtherNet signals, IIC signals, SPI signals, GPIO signals, etc., i.e., the communication device can convert the signal type of the signals received by the host interface and then transmit the signals through one of the communication connection units, and / or can convert the signal type of the signals received by the communication connection units and then transmit the signals through the host interface. For example, the communication device is a CAN bus card, which is provided with a USB interface and a CAN bus interface, the USB interface is used for connecting to a host, and the CAN bus interface is used for receiving and transmitting CAN bus signals.

[0043] Specifically, the communication connection units are used for connecting to communication media connected to the target object, and communication media of the same signal type are connected to communication connection units of the same type.

[0044] In some examples, the communication media are signal lines for transmitting signals, and different types of communication media differ in the types of signals they support. In general, the communication media are divided into bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines, wherein one type of bus signal line supports one type of bus signal, and one bus signal line supports any one of the following bus signals: CAN bus signals, LIN bus signals, FlexRay bus signals, vehicle-mounted Ethernet bus signals, SENT bus signals, DSI bus signals, PSI bus signals, and K-Line bus signals; one type of unidirectional transmission signal line supports one type of unidirectional transmission signal, and one unidirectional transmission signal line supports any one of the following unidirectional transmission signals: analog voltage output signals, digital voltage output signals, analog voltage input signals, and digital voltage input signals. In addition, the communication media can also include interfaces or terminals on the target object for connecting bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines, and can also include connectors for connecting bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines to the target object.

[0045] One target object is connected to at least one type of communication media, and the number of each type of communication media connected to the target object is one or more. For example, the target object is an ECU, which is connected to one CAN bus and two analog voltage input signal lines.

[0046] The data written by the host to the data storage device can be data received by the host, such as data received from a target object; the data written by the host to the data storage device can be processed data obtained by the host after data processing based on the received data, wherein the data processing includes but is not limited to data cleaning, data conversion, data aggregation, data analysis, adding a timestamp, and other data processing operations.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1 The data storage device includes a hard disk and a hard disk connector, the hard disk connector is used for pluggable connection with the hard disk, and the hard disk connector is used for connection to the host, wherein the number of hard disk connectors is multiple, and each hard disk connector can connect one hard disk. The data storage device can include one or more hard disks, when the data storage device is connected to the host, the host is connected to the hard disk through the hard disk connector, so as to identify the connected hard disk and obtain the total storage capacity, free storage capacity and other information of the hard disk, so as to perform read and write operations on the hard disk.

[0048] In some examples, two or more hard disk connectors can be integrated, such as a double-slot U.2 connector, which has two independent hard disk interfaces, each of which can connect one hard disk.

[0049] It can be seen that the data storage device supports simultaneous connection of multiple hard disks, so that the user can replace the hard disk at any time during use, such as replacing a full hard disk with an empty hard disk, a hard disk with a small free storage capacity, etc., so that data can be recorded continuously, and various capacity data storage requirements can be met.

[0050] In some examples, the hard disk connector is a U.2 connector, the hard disk is a hard disk that meets the U.2 specification and the NVMe 1.2 (Non-Volatile Memory express) standard data transmission protocol, and the host and the hard disk connector are connected through a PCIE signal line. In other examples, other types of hard disk connectors can also be used, and the communication mode between the hard disk connector and the host and the hard disk can also be adjusted adaptively.

[0051] In some examples, the host can write data to each hard disk in sequence, and write to the next hard disk after one hard disk is full, which facilitates replacement of the hard disk. In some examples, the host can write different types of data to different hard disks according to the data type, so as to obtain a hard disk storing a single type of data. In addition, the host can also write data to different hard disks according to time periods, test cases currently corresponding to the host, and other factors.

[0052] In some examples, when the data storage device includes a plurality of hard disk connectors, the plurality of hard disk connectors can be of the same type to facilitate hard disk management, or can include different types to support more types of hard disks.

[0053] In one example, as shown in Figure 2 The data storage device further includes a PCIE switch module including a first port for connecting to the host and a plurality of second ports for connecting to the hard disk connectors, and the hard disk connectors are connected to the host through the PCIE switch module. Since the number of available PCIE channels on the host is limited, in order to ensure that there are enough channels to support data transmission of multiple hard disks, a PCIE switch module is provided in this embodiment, which can be implemented using a PCIE switch chip, which can expand more PCIE channels, and the PCIE switch chip supports hot plug function, allowing users to plug and unplug hard disks while the device is running, making the operation more simple and convenient.

[0054] Specifically, after the host is started, the BIOS on the host will initialize and identify all devices connected to the PCIE switch module, and the PCIE switch module will pass the device information connected to the second port to the host, so that the host can identify and configure these devices, that is, the host identifies the hard disks of the data storage device, and can perform read and write operations on the hard disks through the PCIE signal line.

[0055] In one specific example, the first port and the second port of the PCIE switch module are PCIE3.0x4 interfaces, but are not limited to this. According to actual data transmission requirements, the first port and the second port can be PCIE3.0x8 interfaces, PCIE3.0x16 interfaces, PCIE4.0x4 interfaces, etc.

[0056] In one example, as shown in Figure 3As shown, the data storage device further comprises a signal relay chip connected with the first port for signal enhancement between the first port and the host. The type of the signal relay chip can be a PCIE Retimer chip or a PCIE Redriver chip. The number of the signal relay chip can be two. The first port comprises a sending terminal and a receiving terminal. The two signal relay chips are connected with the sending terminal and the receiving terminal respectively for signal enhancement between the sending terminal and the host and between the receiving terminal and the host. Specifically, in high-speed PCIE communication, with the increase of transmission distance and the increase of connected devices, the signal will appear problems such as attenuation, distortion and timing deviation. This is because the PCIE signal will be affected by factors such as resistance, capacitance and inductance when propagating in the transmission medium such as PCB wiring, wire harness or backplane, resulting in weakening of signal strength, lengthening of rising time and falling time, blurring of signal edge, etc. These problems will reduce the reliability and stability of PCIE communication, and even may cause communication failure. In the process of data transmission between the host and the data storage device, the signal relay chip can compensate for the attenuation and distortion of the signal in the transmission process, thereby prolonging the signal transmission distance, maintaining the integrity of the signal, improving the signal transmission quality, and meeting the requirements of high-performance, long-distance high-speed data transmission.

[0057] In one example, the data storage device further comprises a delay chip connected with the PCIE switch module for receiving a reset signal from the host and sending it to the PCIE switch module to control the power-on timing of the PCIE switch module. For example, when the host is powered on, the data storage device is not started yet. After the host is powered on, a reset signal is sent to the PCIE switch module. In this way, the time difference between the start of the host and the start of the data storage device can be effectively controlled, and the PCIE connection between them can be successfully established.

[0058] In one example, as Figure 4As shown, the data storage device further comprises a control module connected to the PCIE switch module, and the control module further comprises a communication interface for connecting to the host. On the one hand, the control module is connected to the PCIE switch module, and the PCIE switch module can be initialized, clocked, power managed, etc. by the control module, or the PCIE switch module can be connected by the host to perform the above operations, providing more options. On the other hand, the control module can communicate with the host and interact with various information, such as the host reading the SN serial number, device model, version number, etc. of the data storage device, upgrading the firmware of the control module, the control module reporting device fault information, in addition, the host identifies the status of the hard disk connected to the data storage device. These status information can be sent to the control module, so that the control module can obtain the status information of the hard disk, such as whether the hard disk is mounted, whether it is normally read and written, whether the storage is full, etc.

[0059] The control module is connected to the communication interface for connecting to the host, wherein the number of communication interfaces for connecting to the host is at least one, and the type is at least one. In one example, the control module is connected to the host through multiple communication interfaces, including an EtherCAT communication interface, an IIC communication interface, and an EtherNet communication interface (a traditional Ethernet interface). The host is connected through EtherCAT signal lines, IIC signal lines, and EtherNet signal lines. The control module can select any of the above signal lines to establish a communication path with the host at any time. Further, the control module and the host can also communicate through the PCIE communication protocol, such as the control module directly connecting to the host through the PCIE signal line without going through the PCIE switch module, so as not to affect the data writing from the host to the data storage device, such as the control module connecting to the host through the PCIE switch module, and the PCIE switch module separately divides a PCIE channel for realizing the communication between the control module and the host.

[0060] In some examples, the control module further comprises a wireless communication module, such as a WiFi module, a 4G / 5G communication module, a Bluetooth module, a ZigBee module, etc. Thus, the host can wirelessly connect to the data storage device to remotely use the data storage device, and the data storage device is remotely controlled by the user.

[0061] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a plurality of data acquisition interfaces connected to the control module, and the control module is configured to send data received by the data acquisition interfaces to the host via the communication interface. In this way, the space and device resources of the data storage device can be fully utilized, so that the data storage device can realize the functions of data storage and data acquisition, and the functions are more diversified, thereby solving the problem of insufficient data acquisition interfaces of the host. The types of the data acquisition interfaces can be the same or can cover multiple types, such as any one or more of the following types: a vehicle-mounted Ethernet interface, a traditional Ethernet interface, a CAN bus interface, a LIN bus interface, a FlexRay bus interface, an analog quantity acquisition interface, an analog quantity output interface, a digital quantity acquisition interface, a digital quantity output interface, a DSI3 interface, a PSI5 interface, a SENT bus interface, and the like. In one specific example, the data storage device comprises two traditional Ethernet interfaces and can receive traditional Ethernet data.

[0062] Further, as shown in Figure 7 when the data acquisition interfaces comprise a plurality of traditional Ethernet interfaces, the data storage device can further comprise an Ethernet switch module, which can be an Ethernet switch chip. The plurality of traditional Ethernet interfaces in the data acquisition interfaces can be connected to the control module via the Ethernet switch module. On the one hand, the Ethernet switch module has certain network functions, and the Ethernet communication related design can be realized by the Ethernet switch module, thereby reducing the design difficulty and complexity of the control module. On the other hand, the Ethernet switch module can expand the Ethernet interface to realize more traditional Ethernet interfaces.

[0063] In some examples, the control module is further connected to a cache module for caching data, such as data sent by the host to the control module, data received by the data acquisition interfaces, and the like.

[0064] In some examples, the control module comprises an FPGA module, and the FPGA module is further connected to a non-volatile storage module, such as a flash storage, to load firmware after power-on.

[0065] In some examples, the control module comprises an FPGA module and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller is connected to a non-volatile storage module, such as a flash storage, to load firmware after power-on and load firmware for the FPGA module.

[0066] In some examples, the control module is further connected to a debugging interface for debugging the control module. The debugging interface can comprise any one or more of the following: a UART interface, a USB interface, a traditional Ethernet interface, and the like.

[0067] In some examples, as shown in Figure 7As shown, the data storage device further comprises a state indicating module connected with the control module, for indicating the state of the hard disk. The state indicating module comprises an indicating unit corresponding to each hard disk interface. For example, the data storage device comprises three hard disk connectors, providing three hard disk interfaces in total, and three indicating units are provided. The indicating unit can be implemented by an LED lamp. Different colors of a single LED lamp or color combinations of multiple LED lamps can be used to indicate different states. For example, the control module determines the state of the hard disk of each hard disk interface according to the state information of each hard disk received from the host, including: no hard disk, hard disk not normally loaded, hard disk normally loaded but not read and written, hard disk normally loaded and read and written, hard disk storage full, etc.

[0068] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a state indicating module connected with the host, for indicating the state of the hard disk. Unlike the above example, the state indicating module can be directly controlled by the host. The state indicating module and the host can be connected in communication through the control module, or through other means of communication, such as wireless communication means, or the state indicating module can be directly connected to the host.

[0069] In some examples, as shown in Figure 7 The data storage device further comprises a temperature measuring unit connected with the control module, for measuring the temperature of the data storage device. When writing to the hard disk, the hard disk generates heat. The temperature measuring unit, such as a thermocouple or other type of temperature sensor, can measure the temperature of the data storage device and send it to the control module. The control module can generate a prompt or alarm information when it detects that the temperature is too high. The prompt or alarm information can be sent through a buzzer, an LED lamp, or can be a text message sent to the host for display. The host can process the received prompt or alarm information, such as stopping writing, replacing the hard disk, etc. The control module can determine whether the temperature is higher than a threshold value through a software program or through a comparator circuit.

[0070] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a temperature measuring unit connected with the host, for measuring the temperature of the data storage device. Unlike the above example, the temperature measuring unit communicates with the host, and the host performs relevant control and processing according to the temperature, including sending prompt or alarm information, stopping writing, replacing the hard disk by the user, etc. The temperature measuring unit and the host can be connected in communication through the control module, or through other means of communication, such as wireless communication means, or the temperature measuring unit can be directly connected to the host.

[0071] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a heat dissipation structure for dissipating heat from the data storage device, such as a fan and a heat sink. In some examples, the fan is connected to the control module and is controlled by the control module to start and stop and to control the speed of the fan, or the fan is connected to the host computer by the control module or other communication means, and the host computer controls the start and stop and the speed of the fan, so that the heat dissipation intensity of the heat dissipation structure can be controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.

[0072] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a hard disk box for placing the hard disk, and the hard disk is placed in the hard disk box, and the hard disk box provides protection for the hard disk. In some examples, the hard disk box can accommodate one, two or four hard disks.

[0073] In some examples, the door of the hard disk box is provided with a mechanical lock to prevent unauthorized personnel from inserting and removing the hard disk. In some examples, the hard disk is fixed to the hard disk box by screws, and the door of the hard disk box is provided with a mechanical lock, such as a key switch mechanical lock. When the key is inserted and rotated to the unlocking position, the door will pop up and open when the finger presses the lock. When the key is inserted and rotated to the locking position, the door will not pop up when the finger presses the lock.

[0074] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises an electronic lock for locking the hard disk. In some examples, the electronic lock is used to lock the hard disk box. In some examples, the electronic lock is connected to the host computer by the control module or other means, such as wireless communication means. The host computer can control the unlocking and locking of the hard disk, and the hard disk is locked by an electrically controlled lock tongue structure. When the host computer clicks "hard disk unlocking", the host computer stops reading and writing data of the hard disk, and the electrically controlled lock tongue structure is released, so that the hard disk can be removed. At this time, the hard disk status is displayed as offline. When the hard disk is inserted again, the program resumes reading and writing data of the hard disk when the hard disk is detected to be loaded in place, and the electrically controlled lock tongue structure locks the hard disk to prevent the hard disk from being removed. At this time, the hard disk status is displayed as online. After the data storage device is powered on, the host computer detects whether the hard disk exists and whether it is normally loaded. When the hard disk is normally loaded, the electrically controlled lock tongue structure is locked. When there is no hard disk or the loading is abnormal, the electrically controlled lock tongue structure is released. When there is no power supply or the power supply is abnormal, the electrically controlled lock tongue structure is in the unlocking state.

[0075] In some examples, the hard disk box is provided with a heat dissipation unit for dissipating heat, which can include a fan and a heat sink to dissipate heat from the hard disk in the hard disk box.

[0076] In some examples, the door of the hard disk box of the data storage device is provided with a mechanical lock, and the data storage device further comprises an electronic lock for locking the hard disk box.

[0077] In some examples, the data storage device further comprises a power management module for converting the voltage of the power supply to supply power to the devices of the data storage device, for example, the voltage can be converted to 3.3V, 2.5V, 1.05V, etc. to supply power to different devices.

[0078] Further, the power supply connected to the data storage device is a UPS power supply, which can realize uninterrupted power supply and ensure that the data storage device will not lose data due to power failure.

[0079] In one example, the data storage device further comprises a housing, and the PCIE switch module, the hard disk connector, and the hard disk can be arranged in the accommodation space provided by the housing.

[0080] In one example, when the data storage device is used in cooperation with other devices, for example, when the data storage device is placed in the accommodation space of the slot of the cabinet, considering that the height of the slot of most cabinets is limited, when the data storage device comprises multiple hard disks, the multiple hard disks stacked together will occupy a large height, and the data storage device can further comprise a hard disk box, a PCIE switch module, and a heat dissipation module, etc. structure, which can cause the slot to be unable to accommodate the data storage device. In view of this, two structures are designed in the present application:

[0081] Structure one, as shown in Figure 5 , the PCIE switch module is arranged on the base plate, and the hard disk connector is arranged on the extension plate. The base plate and the extension plate are connected through a wire harness. The base plate is provided with a first connector connected with the second port of the PCIE switch module, and the extension plate is provided with a second connector connected with the hard disk connector. The first connector and the second connector are connected through the wire harness.

[0082] In some examples, the hard disk connector is a U.2 connector, the first connector and the second connector can be selected as a Slim_SAS connector, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through a SlimSAS connection line, so as to convert the PCIE signal to the hard disk connector. At the same time, the base plate and the extension plate are respectively provided with a PCIE 90° socket, that is, the direction of the socket is designed as a PCIE socket with an angle of 90 degrees. The two PCIE 90° sockets are connected through a power line, that is, the connection between the hard disk connector and the PCIE switch module is established by adopting the separation mode of power line and data line, which can ensure the quality and stability of data transmission.

[0083] Structure two, as shown in Figure 6As shown, the PCIE switch module is arranged on the baseboard, the hard disk connector is arranged on the extension board, and the baseboard and the extension board are connected through the adapter plate, wherein the baseboard is provided with a first connector connected with the second port of the PCIE switch module, the extension board is provided with a second connector connected with the hard disk connector, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through the adapter plate.

[0084] In some examples, the adapter plate is arranged parallel to the top of the baseboard, and the extension board is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the baseboard and the adapter plate, wherein the second connector includes a first connecting seat for connecting the hard disk connector and a second connecting seat for connecting the adapter plate, and the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are arranged vertically or approximately vertically on the second connector. For example, the second connector can be designed as an L-shaped connector.

[0085] For structure one, the devices on the extension board and the baseboard are connected through the wire harness, which can be customized in length and shape as needed, suitable for application scenarios with limited space or dynamic connection, and the replacement and maintenance of the wire harness are relatively simple, but the length of the wire harness is relatively long, which may cause a certain signal loss. For structure two, the adapter plate connection provides a more stable and reliable connection method, which can provide better electrical performance and signal integrity compared to structure one, and improve signal quality, but the cost is higher, and the design and manufacturing process is more complex.

[0086] Further, in addition to the PCIE switch module, the control module, the temperature sensor, the heat dissipation module and the like can be arranged on the baseboard, and the extension board can be used to place the hard disk, and the hard disk is connected to the hard disk connector on the extension board after being installed in the hard disk box.

[0087] The embodiments of the present application also provide a system, which is a data acquisition system or a test system, such as Figure 8 As shown, the system includes a host and the data storage device described above, the host is used to connect the data storage device and write data to the data storage device, the host is used to directly connect the target object, and / or the host is used to connect the target object through the communication device.

[0088] In one example, the system includes a plurality of data storage devices, and the host can connect each data storage device respectively to meet the demand for larger storage capacity.

[0089] In one example, the system is used as a test system, the one or more target objects connected are used as the devices under test, and the host controls the test process, such as the host sending data to the devices under test, and performing open-loop testing on the devices under test by observing and analyzing the devices under test, such as the host sending data to the devices under test, receiving data fed back by the devices under test, and performing closed-loop testing on the devices under test by data analysis, and the like. Specifically, the accuracy of the control algorithm of the target object, whether the protocol stack is correctly implemented, the compatibility of the protocol, the fault detection and isolation capability, the performance under high load, and the like can be tested. In this process, the data generated in the test process, such as the data sent by the host and the data received from the devices under test, can be stored in the data storage device for subsequent analysis.

[0090] In one example, the system is used as a data acquisition system, the one or more target objects connected are used as the data source of data acquisition, and the host receives the data sent by the data source and stores the data in the data storage device. The host can perform certain data processing, such as adding a time stamp to the data, compressing the data, grouping the data according to types, time, data source, and the like, performing data filtering, and the like.

[0091] In one example, as shown in Figure 9 The system further includes a signal distribution module and a plurality of universal connection portions, the plurality of first connection portions of the signal distribution module are respectively connected to different communication connection portions; the host communicates with the target objects through the communication connection portions, the universal connection portions, and the communication medium connected to the target objects; the universal connection portions are configured to be able to connect communication media of different signal types at different time periods; and the universal connection portions are used to transmit signals between communication media of the same signal type and the communication connection portions; the plurality of second connection portions of the signal distribution module are respectively connected to different universal connection portions, or: the plurality of second connection portions of the signal distribution module are respectively used as different universal connection portions; the signal distribution module is configured to selectively connect the first connection portions and the second connection portions. Further, the signal distribution module is further connected to the host, and the host is used to control the state of each switch element.

[0092] In some examples, the signal distribution module includes an FPGA module, the FPGA module is provided with a plurality of first connection portions and a plurality of second connection portions, the FPGA module can acquire the data received by each first connection portion, and selectively send the data received by one first connection portion through one second connection portion, the FPGA module can acquire the data received by each second connection portion, and selectively send the data received by one second connection portion through one first connection portion, so as to selectively connect the first connection portions and the second connection portions.

[0093] In some examples, the signal distribution module includes a first switch matrix, as shown in Figure 10As shown, the first switch matrix includes a plurality of switch elements, each first connection part is connected with each second connection part through a switch element, and the switch element is configured to be switchable between a conductive state and a disconnected state to selectively connect the first connection part and the second connection part. The signal distribution module further includes a processing module configured to control the state of each switch element.

[0094] Compared with the FPGA module, the first switch matrix selectively connects the first connection part and the second connection part, and since it is a hardware implementation, the connection is established and switched faster and more reliably. In addition, when the first connection part and the second connection part are selectively connected by the FPGA module, the number of first connection parts and second connection parts that can be connected is limited by the performance and size of the FPGA module itself, while the first switch matrix can connect a larger number of first connection parts and second connection parts.

[0095] In one example, at least two of the plurality of general connection parts are of different types, and the difference between the different types of general connection parts is that they support different communication media for connection. For example, one type of general connection part supports connection of CAN bus and LIN bus, one type of general connection part supports connection of CAN bus, LIN bus and FlexRay bus, one type of general connection part supports connection of analog current input signal line and digital voltage input signal line, and one type of general connection part supports connection of analog current output signal line and analog voltage output signal line.

[0096] In some examples, the general connection part has two signal ends, and most types of signals are transmitted through two signal lines. Therefore, the general connection part can connect communication media of different signal types, such as CAN_H line and CAN_L line of CAN bus and input line and ground line of analog current input signal line, which can be connected to the general connection part. The general connection part is used to transmit signals between communication media of the same signal type and communication connection parts, and does not involve processing, modulation and demodulation, serialization and deserialization, protocol conversion and other operations on the signals, but transmits signals between the communication media and the communication connection parts.

[0097] In some examples, the universal connection part has one signal end, one communication medium can connect two universal connection parts, and the two universal connection parts can transmit signals between the connected communication medium and a communication connection part, which can further decouple the connection part to adapt to different application requirements, and for some special communication medium such as PSI bus, the safety and reliability of electrical connection can be ensured. In further examples, the system further comprises a GND connection part, one communication medium can connect one universal connection part and one GND connection part, and the GND connection part is a universal connection part for connecting the ground wire in the communication medium.

[0098] In the technical solution of the present application, the universal connection part can be compatible with communication media of different signal types, and when connecting the target object to the system, wiring is not required according to the signal type of the communication medium connected to the target object, but only the communication medium connected to the target object needs to be connected to the universal connection part, which is more time-saving and labor-saving.

[0099] In some examples, the system further comprises a cabinet for accommodating the host, the communication connection part, and the signal distribution module, and the universal connection part is arranged on the panel of the cabinet, wherein the plurality of first connection parts of the signal distribution module are respectively connected to different communication connection parts, the plurality of second connection parts of the signal distribution module are respectively connected to different universal connection parts, and the second connection part of the signal distribution module is a PIN, or a socket, a solder pad, a connector, etc. The second connection part can be connected to the universal connection part through a wire harness, or can be connected to the universal connection part through a wire harness and a connector.

[0100] In one example, the host, the data storage device, and the communication device are connected through EtherCAT signal lines, wherein the host is the master station in the EtherCAT communication network, and the data storage device and the communication device are the slave stations in the EtherCAT communication network.

[0101] In one example, the system further comprises a backplane, the host, the data storage device, and the communication device are respectively provided with connectors for connecting to the connectors on the backplane, the connectors on the backplane are arranged with signal lines, and the host, the data storage device, and the communication device are respectively connected to the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors.

[0102] Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 11 The connectors on the backplane include a first connector for connecting the host and a second connector for connecting the data storage device and the communication device, wherein the first connector is connected to each first connector through a PCIE signal line, an IIC signal line, and an EtherNet signal line, so that any data storage device or communication device connected to the second connector can communicate with the host through the signal line.

[0103] In addition, the first connector and each second connector are also connected together through an EtherCAT signal line, for example, the first connector and the plurality of second connectors are sequentially cascaded.

[0104] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, in the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus, and the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the related description of other embodiments. However, it should be understood that if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to adopt aspects, features and concepts of various patents, applications and publications to provide additional embodiments.

[0105] In view of the above detailed description, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terms used in the claims should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

Claims

1. A data storage device, characterized in that, The host is used to connect to the host and store the data written by the host. The host is used to connect to the target object, which includes any one or more of the following: electronic devices installed on a vehicle, a device under test, and auxiliary equipment for assisting the device under test in testing. The data storage device includes a hard disk and multiple hard disk connectors, the hard disk connectors being used for pluggable connection to the hard disk and for connection to a host.

2. The data storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data storage device further includes a PCIe switch module, which includes a first port for connecting to a host and multiple second ports for connecting to the hard disk connector, the hard disk connector being connected to the host via the PCIe switch module.

3. The data storage device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The data storage device also includes a signal relay chip, which is connected to the first port and is used to enhance the signal between the first port and the host.

4. The data storage device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The data storage device also includes a control module, which is connected to a PCIe switch module and a communication interface for connecting to a host.

5. The data storage device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The PCIe switch module is mounted on the base plate, and the hard disk connector is mounted on the expansion board. The base plate and the expansion board are connected by a wire harness. The base plate is provided with a first connector connected to the second port of the PCIe switch module, and the expansion board is provided with a second connector connected to the hard disk connector. The first connector and the second connector are connected by a wire harness.

6. The data storage device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The PCIe switch module is mounted on the base plate, and the hard disk connector is mounted on the expansion board. The base plate and the expansion board are connected by an adapter board. The base plate is provided with a first connector that is connected to the second port of the PCIe switch module, and the expansion board is provided with a second connector that is connected to the hard disk connector. The first connector and the second connector are connected by an adapter board.

7. The data storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data storage device also includes a hard drive enclosure for housing the hard drive, the door of which has a mechanical lock.

8. The data storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data storage device also includes an electronic lock for securing the hard drive.

9. A system, characterized in that, Includes a host and a data storage device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the host is used to connect to the data storage device and write data to the data storage device, the host is used to directly connect to the target object, and / or, the host is used to connect to the target object through a communication device.

10. The system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The system also includes a backplane, and the host, data storage device and communication device are each provided with connectors. The connectors are used to connect to the connectors on the backplane, and signal lines are arranged between the connectors on the backplane. The host, data storage device and communication device are respectively connected to the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors.

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