A miniSAS storage resource interface card

Abstract

This utility model discloses a miniSAS storage resource interface card, including a SAS resource expansion chip, connector 1, connector 3, and connector 4. Connector 1 includes one x8 SAS resource link, and connectors 3 and 4 each include two x4 resource links. The SAS resource expansion chip includes a first signal link and a second signal link. The first signal link is a signal that passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connectors 3 and 4. The second signal link is split into a first signal and a second signal by connector 1. The first signal passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connector 3. The second signal is directly connected to connector 4. This utility model, based on a domestically produced SAS resource expansion chip, expands a single SAS resource on a server motherboard into multiple SAS resources, reducing the complexity of motherboard design while expanding the SAS resources of the motherboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of SAS storage technology, specifically to a miniSAS storage resource interface card. Background Technology

[0002] miniSAS is a miniaturized connector interface standard for high-performance data transmission between servers and storage devices.

[0003] Today, with the increasing networking and informatization across all industries worldwide, ever-growing volumes of data require more timely processing, analysis, and storage. Consequently, the core motherboard design of high-performance servers (a crucial component for data processing, analysis, and storage) is becoming increasingly complex, leading to higher maintenance costs. The demand for hard drive resources for data storage is also growing, while SAS resources on motherboards are becoming increasingly scarce, and internal chassis space is becoming increasingly compact. This results in reduced heat dissipation, increased power consumption, and consequently, larger and heavier servers.

[0004] Traditional server chassis increase the number of configurable hard drives by changing the chassis size, such as 1U, 2U, 4U, etc., but this leads to a continuous increase in the size and weight of the server equipment, which is very inconvenient for users.

[0005] Existing server motherboards have a high degree of integration, with various functional modules integrated into the limited CPU processor PCIe resources. This results in a complex motherboard design, leading to high maintenance costs. Furthermore, PCIe resources are scarce, with even fewer allocated to hard disk SAS resources. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a miniSAS storage resource interface card, based on a domestically produced SAS resource expansion chip, which expands the single-channel SAS resources on the server motherboard into multi-channel SAS resources, thereby reducing the complexity of the motherboard design while expanding the SAS resources of the motherboard.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to propose a miniSAS storage resource interface card, including a SAS resource expansion chip, connector 1, connector 3, and connector 4. Connector 1 includes one x8 SAS resource link, and connectors 3 and 4 each include two x4 resource links. The SAS resource expansion chip includes a first signal link and a second signal link. The first signal link is a signal that passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connectors 3 and 4. The second signal link is based on connector 1 to split into a first signal and a second signal. The first signal passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connector 3. The second signal is directly connected to connector 4.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes connector 2, connector 1, connector 2, connector 3 and connector 4 are electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip respectively, and connector 2 is used to read the serial port log of the SAS resource expansion chip.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes an EMMC chip, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip. The EMMC chip includes a driver unit and a log storage unit. The driver unit is used to support the operation of the SAS resource expansion chip, and the log storage unit is used to store information data related to the SAS resource expansion chip. The information data includes at least a serial port log.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor chip, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip and is located near the SAS resource expansion chip to monitor the temperature of the SAS resource expansion chip.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector 1 is used for the electrical connection between the miniSAS storage resource interface card and the server.

[0012] Furthermore, the end of the connector 1 that connects to the server is configured as a connector, and the main control board of the server is configured with a plug-in port. The connector mates with the plug-in port, so that the miniSAS storage resource interface card is connected to the main control board of the server through the connector 1.

[0013] Furthermore, connectors 3 and 4 are used for high-speed signal cable connection between the miniSAS storage resource interface card and the SAS hard disk module.

[0014] Furthermore, the SAS hard disk module includes at least one SAS hard disk storage module, and the connector 3 and the connector 4 are connected to the SAS hard disk in the SAS hard disk storage module through the high-speed signal cable cabinet.

[0015] By connecting the interface card and the SAS hard disk storage module with a high-speed signal cable, the hard disk can be placed outside the chassis, no longer limited by the limited internal space of a single chassis.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a crystal oscillator, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip.

[0017] Furthermore, the SAS resource expansion chip is an HL7721 chip.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention proposes a miniSAS storage resource interface card, which, based on a SAS resource expansion chip, expands the single-channel SAS resources on the server motherboard into multiple-channel SAS resources, thereby reducing the complexity of the motherboard design while expanding the SAS resources of the motherboard.

[0019] The miniSAS storage resource interface card of this application has two modes, each corresponding to a signal link. The first is the default mode, and the second is the emergency mode. The emergency mode is a contingency plan when the default mode cannot be used, which reduces maintenance difficulty and improves user satisfaction in emergency use.

[0020] The core components of this application are domestically produced, with a high localization rate. Based on the domestic SAS resource expansion chip, and in conjunction with other domestically produced components, the miniSAS storage resource interface card of this application is constructed.

[0021] The miniSAS storage resource interface card of this application serves as a bridge between the server (data processing node) and the hard disk (data storage node). It enables data interaction between the server and the hard disk while separating the hard disk from the server into a separate storage module, reducing the overall size and weight of the server, improving the flexibility of the user in using the server, and achieving data protection. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In these drawings, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. The drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Other drawings will be readily available to those skilled in the art based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a hardware circuit block diagram of a miniSAS storage resource interface card according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a miniSAS storage resource interface card according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model and the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Furthermore, the design orientation only indicates the relative positional relationship between the components, not the absolute positional relationship.

[0025] This utility model embodiment provides a miniSAS storage resource interface card. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 It mainly includes a SAS resource expansion chip, connector 1, connector 3, and connector 4. Connector 1 includes one X8 SAS resource link, and connectors 3 and 4 each include two X4 resource links. The SAS resource expansion chip includes a first signal link and a second signal link. The first signal link is a signal that passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connectors 3 and 4. The second signal link is based on connector 1 and splits into a first signal and a second signal. The first signal passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connector 3. The second signal is directly connected to connector 4.

[0026] In the embodiments of this application, connector 1 is used to realize the electrical connection between miniSAS storage resource interface card and server. Specifically, the end of connector 1 that connects to the server is configured as a plug-in. The main control board of the server is configured with a plug-in port. The plug-in is connected to the plug-in port so that miniSAS storage resource interface card is connected to the main control board of the server through connector 1.

[0027] Connectors 3 and 4 are used to realize high-speed signal cable connection between miniSAS storage resource interface card and SAS hard disk module. Specifically, the SAS hard disk module includes at least one SAS hard disk storage module. Connectors 3 and 4 are connected to the SAS hard disk in the SAS hard disk storage module through a high-speed signal cable cabinet.

[0028] This connection method allows hard drives to be placed outside the chassis, no longer limited by the limited space inside a single chassis.

[0029] For example, a SAS hard disk module may include multiple SAS hard disk storage modules, and a miniSAS storage resource interface card may establish a connection relationship with any one or more of the SAS hard disk storage modules.

[0030] This application also includes connector 2, an EMMC chip, a temperature sensor chip, and a crystal oscillator. The SAS resource expansion chip is electrically connected to connector 1, connector 2, connector 3, connector 4, the EMMC chip, the temperature sensor chip, and the crystal oscillator, respectively.

[0031] Connector 2 is used to read the serial port log of the SAS resource expansion chip; the EMMC chip includes a driver unit and a log storage unit. The driver unit is used to support the operation of the SAS resource expansion chip and ensure its normal operation; the log storage unit is used to store information data related to the SAS resource expansion chip, including at least the serial port log; the SAS resource expansion chip stores log and other information data in the EMMC chip; the temperature sensor chip can be located near the SAS resource expansion chip to monitor the temperature changes of the SAS resource expansion chip.

[0032] In specific implementation, the core device of this application, the SAS resource expansion chip, can be the HL7721 from Hualan Microelectronics, the ZPB-28G-25-V1-A4-C3-D from Chenjing Electronics as the crystal oscillator, the NCEMASLD-64G (Wide Industrial) from Jiangbolong as the eMMC chip, the GF7E-3408-C2F0 from AVIC Optoelectronics as connector 1, the 10112627-101LF from FCI as connectors 3 and 4, and the NST117-CDNR from Naxin Microelectronics as the temperature sensor chip; to construct the miniSAS storage resource interface card of this application.

[0033] The working principle of the miniSAS storage resource interface card in this application is as follows: The miniSAS storage resource interface card includes two modes: a default mode, which operates based on the first signal link, and an emergency mode, which operates based on the second signal link.

[0034] Specifically, in the default mode, the SAS resource expansion chip mainly expands one x8 SAS resource on the server main control board into a 4 x4 SAS resource link.

[0035] Specifically, in emergency mode, the SAS expansion chip expands one X4 SAS resource on the server main control board into two X4 SAS resource links and directly brings out the X8 SAS resource on the main control board.

[0036] Both modes operate on the same principle; let's take the default mode as an example. Figure 2As shown, the CPU's downstream PCIe x8 resources in the server communicate with the hard disk controller's upstream PCIe x8 resources. The hard disk controller's downstream SAS x8 resources communicate with the miniSAS storage resource interface card's SAS resource expansion chip via connector 1. The SAS resource expansion chip outputs four downstream SAS x4 signals, which are connected to the SAS hard disk storage module via connectors 3 and 4. This not only enables communication of hard disk data between the three modules, but also expands one of the CPU's PCIe x8 resources into four SAS x4 resources.

[0037] The temperature sensor chip is located near the SAS resource expansion chip and is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the high-power SAS resource expansion chip during operation. The temperature sensor is connected to the I / O port of the SAS resource expansion chip, which then transmits the received temperature data to the server BMC chip via connector 1. The BMC then reads the temperature data from the temperature sensor and issues corresponding instructions. The crystal oscillator and eMMC chip provide clock and drive signals to the SAS resource expansion chip, respectively, to ensure its normal operation.

[0038] The SAS resource expansion chip saves relevant logs during operation to the EMMC chip. Maintenance or debugging personnel can read the relevant logs and the serial port logs of the SAS resource expansion chip through connector 2, which facilitates debugging and maintenance.

[0039] In practical implementation, the following process can be referred to: ① Line connection: Connect the miniSAS storage resource interface card to the server main control board through connector 1. The GF7E-3408-C2F0 of AVIC Optoelectronics is a 4*8 bend male and female connector, which has the advantage of being a strong and reliable connector. Use 8644-8644 high-speed signal cable to connect connectors 3 and 4 of the miniSAS storage resource interface card to the SAS hard disk enclosure.

[0040] ② Power on: The server powers on normally and enters the operating system; enter the command lsblk in the operating system terminal to view the information of all SAS hard drives. It can be seen that all SAS hard drives are mounted and the speed is normal at 12Gps.

[0041] ③Performance testing: The FIO testing tool was used to perform read and write performance tests on all SAS hard drives, and the test results were normal; the stress testing tool and OS / DC restart testing tool were used to perform stability tests on all SAS hard drives, and no disk drops or other abnormalities were found.

[0042] ④ Status monitoring: While performing ② and ③, log in to the BMC web management page to check the temperature of the SAS resource expansion chip at all times.

[0043] After successfully completing the above steps, the miniSAS storage resource interface card proposed in this application will function normally and can be used without errors.

[0044] This application discloses a miniSAS storage resource interface card, which uses a domestically designed SAS resource expansion chip from Hualan Microelectronics as the core chip and is constructed in conjunction with other domestic components, resulting in a high degree of localization. It expands the single-channel SAS resources on the server motherboard into multi-channel SAS resources, thereby reducing the complexity of the motherboard design, expanding the SAS resources of the device, and improving maintainability.

[0045] This application discloses a miniSAS storage resource interface card, which includes two modes, allowing users to change the mode according to their needs, thereby improving the application flexibility of the miniSAS storage resource interface card.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0047] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniSAS storage resource interface card, characterized in that, The system includes a SAS resource expansion chip, connector 1, connector 3, and connector 4. Connector 1 includes one x8 SAS resource link, and connectors 3 and 4 each include two x4 resource links. The SAS resource expansion chip includes a first signal link and a second signal link. The first signal link is a signal that passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connectors 3 and 4. The second signal link is split into a first signal and a second signal by connector 1. The first signal passes through connector 1 to the SAS resource expansion chip, and finally to connector 3. The second signal is directly connected to connector 4.

2. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, It also includes connector 2, connector 1, connector 2, connector 3 and connector 4 are electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip respectively, and connector 2 is used to read the serial port log of the SAS resource expansion chip.

3. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an EMMC chip, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip. The EMMC chip includes a driver unit and a log storage unit. The driver unit is used to support the operation of the SAS resource expansion chip, and the log storage unit is used to store information data related to the SAS resource expansion chip. The information data includes at least a serial port log.

4. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a temperature sensor chip, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip and is located near the SAS resource expansion chip to monitor the temperature of the SAS resource expansion chip.

5. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, The connector 1 is used for the electrical connection between the miniSAS storage resource interface card and the server.

6. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 5, wherein, The connector 1 is configured as a plug-in at one end, which is connected to the server. The main control board of the server is equipped with a plug-in port. The plug-in is connected to the plug-in port, so that the miniSAS storage resource interface card is connected to the main control board of the server through the connector 1.

7. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, Connectors 3 and 4 are used for high-speed signal cable connection between the miniSAS storage resource interface card and the SAS hard disk module.

8. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 7, wherein, The SAS hard disk module includes at least one SAS hard disk storage module, and the connector 3 and the connector 4 are connected to the SAS hard disk in the SAS hard disk storage module through the high-speed signal cable cabinet.

9. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a crystal oscillator, which is electrically connected to the SAS resource expansion chip.

10. The miniSAS storage resource interface card of claim 1, wherein, The SAS resource expansion chip is the HL7721 chip.

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