Electronic device and method for communication between units

Abstract

To improve a degree of freedom in design of an electronic device.SOLUTION: A device is an electronic device comprising: a back plane; a control unit that is a monitoring entity which can be mounted on the back plane; and a plurality of controlled units as monitoring targets which can be mounted on the back plane. The plurality of monitored units includes a relay unit capable of relaying a control signal and a non-relay unit which does not relay the control signal. The control signal includes a first control signal for monitoring the relay unit and a second control signal for monitoring the non-relay unit. A communication between units in a case where the control unit, the relay unit and the non-relay unit are mounted on the back plane includes a first communication in which the control unit and the relay unit exchange the first control signal without relay and a second communication in which the control unit and the non-relay unit exchange the second control signal with the relay unit defined as a relay node.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and methods of communication between units. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for monitoring the status of a unit in a hot-swap electronic device by transmitting and receiving a mounting signal and a power supply alarm signal between units in a one-to-one connection. In this electronic device, the generation of an erroneous signal due to chattering of the mounting signal or the power supply alarm signal is prevented, thereby avoiding the situation where a partial disconnection state of the backboard connector goes undetected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-94975 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electronic device of Patent Document 1 uses a connection topology in which units are connected one-to-one, so when one control unit, which is the monitoring entity, monitors multiple controlled units, a star connection is formed in which signal lines are concentrated at the control unit. In this case, the more the number of controllable units that can be mounted on the backplane (the number of connectors for the controllable units) is increased, the more signal lines that must be connected to the control unit are increased, and the larger the connectors for the control units become.

[0005] Therefore, it becomes difficult to arrange multiple connectors at desired positions on the backplane, which reduces the degree of freedom in designing electronic devices. In view of the above conventional problems, the present disclosure aims to improve the degree of freedom in designing electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic device comprising a backplane, a control unit that is a monitoring entity and can be attached to the backplane, and a plurality of controlled units that are monitored and can be attached to the backplane, wherein the plurality of controlled units include a relay unit that can relay control signals and a non-relay unit that does not relay the control signals, and the control signals include a first control signal that is for monitoring the relay unit and a second control signal that is for monitoring the non-relay unit, and when the control unit, the relay unit, and the non-relay unit are attached to the backplane, communication between units includes a first communication in which the control unit and the relay unit send and receive the first control signal without relaying, and a second communication in which the control unit and the non-relay unit send and receive the second control signal using the relay unit as a relay node.

[0007] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method between units executed in an electronic device comprising a backplane, a control unit that is a monitoring entity attached to the backplane, and a plurality of controlled units that are monitored and attached to the backplane, wherein the plurality of controlled units include a relay unit that can relay control signals and a non-relay unit that does not relay control signals, and the control signals include a first control signal that is for monitoring the relay unit and a second control signal that is for monitoring the non-relay unit, and the communication method includes a first step in which the control unit and the relay unit transmit and receive the first control signal without relaying, and a second step in which the control unit and the non-relay unit transmit and receive the second control signal using the relay unit as a relay node.

[0008] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a system and device having the above-described characteristic configuration, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic configuration. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the system and device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing electronic devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a communication device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional example of a connection form for communication between units. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a connection form for communication between units. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the first solution. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the first solution. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of periodic status monitoring. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of state monitoring when an event occurs. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the state monitoring control. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the connection form for communication between units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The following provides an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure. (1) The electronic device of this embodiment is an electronic device comprising a backplane, a control unit that is a monitoring entity that can be attached to the backplane, and a plurality of controlled units that are monitored that can be attached to the backplane, wherein the plurality of controlled units include a relay unit that can relay control signals and a non-relay unit that does not relay the control signals, and the control signals include a first control signal that is for monitoring the relay unit and a second control signal that is for monitoring the non-relay unit, and when the control unit, the relay unit, and the non-relay unit are attached to the backplane, communication between units includes a first communication in which the control unit and the relay unit send and receive the first control signal without relaying, and a second communication in which the control unit and the non-relay unit send and receive the second control signal using the relay unit as a relay node.

[0012] According to the electronic device of this embodiment, the inter-unit communication includes the first and second communications described above, so a connection configuration can be adopted in which the control unit and the relay unit are connected one-to-one, and the relay unit and the non-relay unit are connected one-to-one. This reduces the number of signal lines required for the control unit connector, making the connector more compact. This makes it easier to arrange multiple connectors in desired positions on the backplane, improving the design flexibility of electronic devices.

[0013] (2) In the electronic device of this embodiment, the control unit may transmit the first control signal and one or more second control signals generated by the control unit to the relay unit in a time-division manner, and the relay unit may receive the first control signal addressed to itself and transmit one or more second control signals to the non-relay unit.

[0014] In this way, downstream time division multiplexing is realized for the first control signal and one or more second control signals, thereby making it possible to avoid collisions between downstream control signals.

[0015] (3) In the electronic device of this embodiment, the non-relay unit may capture the second control signal addressed to itself and discard the second control signal not addressed to itself.

[0016] In this case, the non-relay unit discards the second control signal that is not addressed to itself, so that it is possible to avoid malfunctions due to the incorporation of an erroneous control signal.

[0017] (4) In the electronic device of this embodiment, the non-relay unit may transmit the second control signal generated by itself to the relay unit, and the relay unit may transmit the first control signal generated by itself and the second control signal received from one or more of the non-relay units to the control unit in a time-division manner.

[0018] In this way, time division multiplexing of the first control signal and one or more second control signals in the upstream direction is realized, thereby making it possible to avoid collisions of the upstream control signals.

[0019] (5) In the electronic device of this embodiment, if the types of the control signal include a startup status indicating that the startup of the relay unit has been completed and an insertion completion indicating that the relay unit has been attached to the backplane, the relay unit may add the insertion completion of the non-relay unit to its own startup status.

[0020] In this way, the control unit can confirm the completion of insertion of a non-relay unit that is not directly connected to the control unit.

[0021] (6) In the electronic device of this embodiment, if the type of the control signal includes a restart request that instructs the receiving unit to restart, the control unit may transmit a restart request including identification information of the non-relay unit to the relay unit, and the relay unit may broadcast the received restart request to the non-relay units.

[0022] In this way, the relay unit can execute the restart request for the predetermined non-relay unit on behalf of the control unit.

[0023] (7) In the electronic device of this embodiment, if the relay unit is a plurality of redundant units, the control unit may transmit the second control signal having the same content to the plurality of units, and the plurality of units may determine which unit will be in an operating state through inter-unit communication between the relay units, and only the unit that has become in an operating state may transmit the second control signal to the non-relay unit.

[0024] In this way, even if one of the multiple relay units is removed, one of the remaining relay units will always function as a relay unit, thereby preventing the control unit from failing to communicate with the inserted non-relay unit and preventing multiple second control signals with the same content from being sent to the non-relay unit, which would result in unnecessary processing.

[0025] (8) In the electronic device of this embodiment, the relay unit may include a first relay unit connected to the control unit and a second relay unit connected to the first relay unit but not connected to the control unit, and the first relay unit may perform communication control on the first control signal, which is used to monitor the second relay unit, in the same manner as in the case of the second control signal.

[0026] In this way, the control unit and the second relay unit transmit and receive the first control signal for the second relay unit using the first relay unit as a relay node, and therefore the second relay unit can be included in the monitoring target of the control unit.

[0027] (9) In the electronic device of this embodiment, the relay unit may be a power supply unit that supplies power to other units attached to the backplane.

[0028] The reason is that electronic equipment cannot operate without a power supply unit installed, and the power supply unit is an essential unit that must always be installed on the backplane, making it the ideal unit to double as a relay unit. In the electronic device of this embodiment, the control unit is often configured redundantly to improve device reliability. In this case, the paired control unit has a signal line to the controlled unit, and can therefore also be used as a relay unit. In addition, since at least one line unit must be inserted to be able to provide communication services, a line unit can also be used as a relay unit.

[0029] (10) The communication method according to this embodiment is a communication method between units executed in the electronic device described above in (1) to (9). Therefore, the communication method according to this embodiment has the same effects as the electronic device described above in (1) to (9).

[0030] (11) In the communication method of this embodiment, the types of the second control signal may include a check request that requests the non-relay unit to check its status, and a check response that the non-relay unit responds with the check result.

[0031] In this case, the control unit can instruct a status check not only on units directly connected to itself, but also on non-relay units that are not directly connected to itself.

[0032] (12) In the communication method of this embodiment, the types of the second control signal may include an operation request that requests the non-relay unit to perform a specified operation, an operation response that the non-relay unit notifies the non-relay unit of the completion of the operation, a release request that requests the non-relay unit to release the operation, and a release response that the non-relay unit notifies the non-relay unit of the completion of the release.

[0033] In this case, the control unit can instruct a predetermined operation not only to the units directly connected to it, but also to non-relay units that are not directly connected to it. Furthermore, the control unit can instruct not only units directly connected to itself but also non-relay units that are not directly connected to itself to cancel a predetermined operation.

[0034] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0035] [Example of communication device structure] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a communication device 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the communication device 1. As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the communication device 1 includes a housing 2, a backplane 3, a control unit 4, a line unit 5, a power supply unit 6, and a fan unit 7.

[0036] The housing 2 is, for example, a 1U size metal casing. The housing 2 has a front opening 21 and a rear opening 22 through which the units 4 to 7 can be inserted and removed. A backplane 3 is installed inside the housing 2. The backplane 3 is a circuit board that is long in the left-right direction and has roughly the same shape as the cross section of the interior of the housing 2. The backplane 3 is located roughly in the center of the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction, and serves as a wall that divides the storage space of the housing 2 into roughly two halves in the front-to-rear direction.

[0037] The backplane 3 has a plurality of connectors 31 for inter-unit communication. The connectors 31 are, for example, female. The backplane 3 has a plurality of ventilation holes 32 for circulating cooling air from the fans in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, five connectors 31 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the front side of the backplane 3. Although they are hidden in Fig. 1, five connectors 31 are also arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the rear side of the backplane 3. Note that the number of connectors 31 to be installed on the backplane 3 is not limited to 10 and can be designed as desired.

[0038] The communication device 1 includes, as units connectable to a connector 31 of the backplane 3, a control unit 4 that is a monitoring entity that monitors the status through inter-unit communication, and a plurality of controlled units 5 to 7 that are to be monitored. That is, the control unit 4 is a unit that monitors the states of the other units 5 to 7 attached to the backplane 3, and the line unit 5, power supply unit 6, and fan unit 7 are the objects that the control unit 4 monitors.

[0039] The communication standard for communication between units is not particularly limited as long as it enables digital communication, but may be, for example, HDLC (High-Level Data Link Control), I2C, Ethernet, etc. In this embodiment, HDLC is adopted.

[0040] The structural example in Figure 1 illustrates a case in which two control units 4, two line units 5, two power supply units 5, and three fan units 7 are installed, but the number of each unit 4 to 7 installed is not particularly limited. However, since the power supply unit 5 is a unit that supplies power to the communication device 1, at least one power supply unit 5 must be always attached to the backplane 3 in order to keep the device in an operational state.

[0041] [Internal structure of the control unit] 2, the control unit 4 includes a circuit board 40 and a connector 41 provided on an edge of the circuit board 40. The connector 41 is, for example, a male connector that is detachable from the connector 31 of the backplane 3. The control unit 4 may include a housing that covers the circuit board 40.

[0042] The control unit 4 includes electronic components mounted on a circuit board 40, such as a signal processing unit 42, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 43, a memory 44, a communication processing unit 45, a management port 46, and a power supply unit 47. These electronic components are electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the circuit board 40 shown by solid lines in FIG.

[0043] The signal processing unit 42 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). A signal processing circuit for inter-unit communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as HDLC is set in the FPGA. The CPU 43 is an arithmetic processing device that comprehensively controls the operation of the control unit 4. The CPU 43 changes the settings of the signal processing unit 42, the communication processing unit 45, etc., based on predetermined setting information recorded in the memory 44, for example.

[0044] The communication processing unit 45 is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) chip. The management port 46 is, for example, an RJ-45 connector. The management port 46 is connected to a management computer owned by a communications administrator or a router connected to the Internet. The communication processing unit 45 is connected not only to the CPU 43 of its own unit but also to the CPU 53 of the line unit 5 via the management signal line 33. The communication processing unit 45 receives an Ethernet frame ("Ethernet" is a registered trademark) containing management information from the management computer.

[0045] If the management information included in the received frame is setting information of its own unit, the communication processing unit 45 transmits the setting information to the CPU 43 of its own unit. The CPU 43 records the received setting information in the memory 44. If the management information included in the received frame is setting information for the line unit 5, the communication processing unit 45 transmits the setting information to the CPU 53 of the line unit 5. The CPU 53 records the received setting information in the memory 54.

[0046] The power supply unit 47 is an electronic circuit including, for example, a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the DC voltage of the DC distribution line 34 into a predetermined voltage and supplies the converted DC voltage to an electronic circuit including an active element mounted on the circuit board 40.

[0047] [Internal structure of the line unit] 2, the line unit 5 includes a circuit board 50 and a connector 51 provided on an edge of the circuit board 50. The connector 51 is, for example, a male connector that is detachable from the connector 31 of the backplane 3. The line unit 5 may include a housing that covers the circuit board 50.

[0048] The line unit 5 includes, as electronic components mounted on a circuit board 50, a signal processing unit 52, a CPU 53, a memory 54, a switch unit 55, an external port 56, and a power supply unit 57. These electronic components are electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the circuit board 50 shown by solid lines in FIG.

[0049] The signal processing unit 52 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an FPGA, in which a signal processing circuit for inter-unit communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as HDLC is set. The CPU 53 is an arithmetic processing unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the line unit 5. The CPU 53 changes the settings of the signal processing unit 52, the switch unit 55, etc., based on predetermined setting information recorded in the memory 54, for example.

[0050] The switch unit 55 is, for example, a high-speed Ethernet switch LSI (Large Scale Integration) of 10 gigabits, etc. The external port 56 is, for example, a connector into which a pluggable optical transceiver (not shown) can be inserted or removed. The power supply unit 57 is an electronic circuit including, for example, a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the DC voltage of the DC distribution line 34 into a predetermined voltage and supplies the converted DC voltage to an electronic circuit including an active element mounted on the circuit board 50.

[0051] [Internal structure of the power supply unit] 2, the power supply unit 6 includes a circuit board 60 and a connector 61 provided on the edge of the circuit board 60. The connector 61 is, for example, a male connector that is detachable from the connector 31 of the backplane 3. The power supply unit 6 may include a housing that covers the circuit board 60.

[0052] The power supply unit 6 includes a signal processing unit 62, a first voltage conversion unit 63, and a second voltage conversion unit 64 as electronic components mounted on a circuit board 60. These electronic components are electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the circuit board 60 shown by solid lines in FIG. The signal processing unit 62 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an FPGA, in which a signal processing circuit for inter-unit communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as HDLC is set.

[0053] The first voltage conversion unit 63 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an AC / DC converter. The AC / DC converter converts AC voltage supplied from a commercial power source or the like into DC voltage of a predetermined voltage, and outputs the converted DC voltage to the DC distribution line 34 and the second voltage conversion unit 64. The second voltage conversion unit 64 is an electronic circuit including, for example, a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the DC voltage supplied from the first voltage conversion unit 63 into a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage, and supplies the converted DC voltage to an electronic circuit including an active element mounted on the circuit board 60.

[0054] [Internal structure of the fan unit] 2, the fan unit 7 includes a circuit board 70 and a connector 71 provided on the edge of the circuit board 70. The connector 71 is, for example, a male connector that is detachable from the connector 31 of the backplane 3. The fan unit 7 may include a housing that covers the circuit board 70.

[0055] The fan unit 7 includes electronic components mounted on a circuit board 70, such as a signal processing unit 72, a cooling fan 73, and a power supply unit 74. These electronic components are electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the circuit board 70, which is shown by the solid lines in FIG. The signal processing unit 72 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an FPGA, in which a signal processing circuit for inter-unit communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as HDLC is set.

[0056] The cooling fan 73 is a fan whose air volume can be adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of an electric motor. The rotation speed of the cooling fan 73 is controlled by a control signal from the signal processing unit 72. The power supply unit 74 is an electronic circuit including, for example, a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the DC voltage of the DC distribution line 34 into a predetermined voltage and supplies the converted DC voltage to the signal processing unit 72 and the electric motor of the cooling fan 73.

[0057] [Power supply unit relay function] As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 6 of this embodiment functions as a relay unit capable of relaying the second control signal out of the following first control signal and second control signal. First control signal: A control signal for monitoring itself (power supply unit 6) Second control signal: A control signal for monitoring a controlled unit (here, the fan unit 7 as an example) other than itself (the power supply unit 6).

[0058] That is, the signal processing unit 62 of the power supply unit 6 is configured to perform signal processing that does not relay the first control signal but relays the second control signal to another unit. Therefore, when the control unit 4, power supply unit 6, and fan unit 7 are mounted on a backplane, the inter-unit communication includes the following first and second communications.

[0059] First communication: The control unit 4 and the power supply unit 6 transmit and receive a first control signal without a relay. Second communication: The control unit 4 and the fan unit 7 transmit and receive a second control signal using the power supply unit 6 as a relay node.

[0060] The printed wiring of the backplane 3 includes a wiring structure that assumes that the three units 4, 6, and 7 perform the first and second communications described above. That is, the printed wiring of the backplane 3 includes, in addition to the management signal line 33 and the DC distribution line 34, a monitoring signal line 35 for monitoring the status of each unit, and this monitoring signal line 35 includes at least the following three types of signal lines:

[0061] 1st signal line 35A: At least two signal lines electrically connecting the control unit 4 and the power supply unit 6 Second signal line 35B: At least two signal lines electrically connecting the power supply unit 6 and the fan unit 7 Third signal line 35C: At least two signal lines electrically connecting the control unit 4 and the line unit 5

[0062] Specifically, when the control unit 4, line unit 5, and power supply unit 6 are attached to the connectors 31 of a predetermined number on the backplane 3, the signal processing unit 42 of the control unit 4 and the signal processing unit 62 of the power supply unit 6 are connected by the first signal line 35A. Similarly, the signal processing unit 62 of the power supply unit 6 and the signal processing unit 72 of the fan unit 7 are connected by a second signal line 35B, and the signal processing unit 42 of the control unit 4 and the signal processing unit 52 of the line unit 5 are connected by a third signal line 35C.

[0063] In this way, if the control unit 4, power supply unit 6, and fan unit 7 perform the above-mentioned first and second communications, the connection topology of these units 4, 6, and 7 can be such that the control unit 4 and power supply unit 6 are connected one-to-one, and the power supply unit 6 and fan unit 7 are connected one-to-one.

[0064] 2, for the sake of simplicity, a circuit configuration in which there is one control unit 4, one line unit 5, one power supply unit 6, and one fan unit 7 is illustrated. Therefore, the number of first, second and third signal lines 35A to 35C to be wired to the backplane 3 increases according to the number of units that can be mounted on the backplane 3 (the number of connectors 31 that must be installed).

[0065] For example, if four connectors 31 for the line units 5 are provided, that is, if a maximum of four line units 5 can be connected to one control unit 4, the number of third signal lines 35C wired to the backplane 3 will be four times the number shown in the figure (e.g., five). This also applies to the first and second signal lines 35A and 35B. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, advantages of using the power supply unit 6 as a relay unit in this embodiment will be described.

[0066] [Problems with conventional connection configurations] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional example of a connection form for communication between units. 3, "CT" represents a control unit 4, "LN" represents a line unit 5, "PW" represents a power supply unit 6, and "FN" represents a fan unit 7. The numbers after CT, LN, PW, and FN are identification numbers of units of the same type when units of the same type can be installed on the backplane 3.

[0067] Here, the control signals used for inter-unit communication include the following five types, and each control signal is transmitted over one signal line. Therefore, each arrow in Figure 3 includes at least five signal lines. 1) EXT: Insertion of own unit completed (attachment to connector 31 completed) 2) RDY: Startup status of your unit 3) RST: Requests restart of the other unit 4) TX: Data transmission 5) RX: Data reception

[0068] As shown in Figure 3, in conventional hot swappable communication equipment, it is common to connect CTs to LNs, PWs, and FNs one-to-one. In this case, the connection structure between units must be a star connection with the CT at the center. Also, when two CTs are used for redundancy as in the example shown, CT1 and CT2 are also connected by a signal line. Therefore, if each unit is made redundant as shown in the figure, a backplane 3 with a wiring pattern that can connect CT1 and CT2 to eight units is required. In this case, the number of signal lines required for the CT connector 31 is 5 lines x 8 units = 40 lines.

[0069] However, there is naturally a limit to the size of the backplane 3 that can be accommodated in, for example, a 1U chassis 2. Therefore, if the connectors 31 for the CTs become larger, a structural problem occurs in that it becomes impossible to arrange multiple connectors 31 in desired positions on the backplane 30 (for example, positions where the cooling air from the cooling fans 73 can easily circulate).

[0070] Advantages of the connection configuration according to this embodiment FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a connection form for communication between units. In the connection configuration of Figure 4, by utilizing the fact that PW has the function of relaying the second control signal, a configuration is adopted in which CT and PW are connected by a first signal line 35A on the upper side, and PW and FN are connected by a second signal line 35B on the lower side.

[0071] In this case, even if each unit is made redundant as shown in the figure, it is sufficient to adopt a backplane 3 with a wiring pattern that allows CT1 and CT2 to be connected to PW1, PW2, LN1, and LN2, respectively, and that allows CT1 and CT2 to be connected to each other. Therefore, the number of signal lines required for the CT connector 31 is 5 lines x 5 units = 25 lines, which is a significant reduction in the number of signal lines required for the CT connector 31 compared to the conventional connection configuration (Figure 3).

[0072] In this way, by connecting CT and PW with the first signal line 35A on the upper side and connecting PW and FN with the second signal line 35B on the lower side, the number of signal lines required for the connector 31 for the CT can be reduced. Therefore, the connector 31 for the CT can be made more compact than in the conventional connection configuration in which the LN, PW, and FN are all connected to the CT, which has the advantage of making it easier to arrange the connector 31 at a desired position on the backplane 30 and improving the design freedom of the communication device 1.

[0073] For example, as the connector 31 for the CT becomes more compact, the size of the ventilation opening 32 in the backplane 3 can be increased or its shape changed, thereby improving the circulation of cooling air within the communication device 1. Furthermore, when considering a new communication device, it is highly likely that only the PW can be newly designed and the CT and FN can be reused as the same units as those in the communication device 1.

[0074] In order to accommodate redundancy of PW and FN, it is only necessary to adopt a wiring backplane 3 that allows PW1 and PW2 to be connected to CT1, CT2, FN1 to FN3, respectively, and also allows PW1 and PW2 to be connected to each other. In this case, the number of signal lines required for the PW connector 31 is 5 lines x 6 units = 30. However, this number is also significantly less than the number of signal lines (= 40 lines) required for the CT connector 31 in the conventional connection configuration (Fig. 3).

[0075] [Issues and solutions when using relay units] As mentioned above, using PW as a relay unit has the structural advantage of making the CT connector 31 more compact, but it also creates new problems in terms of communications. Below, we will explain the details of these new problems and outline how to solve them.

[0076] (1st assignment) It is necessary to transmit the control signal between the CT and PW (first control signal) and the control signal between the CT and FN (second control signal) over the same signal line (first signal line 35A) without causing collision.

[0077] (Solution to the first problem: hereinafter referred to as "Solution 1") In this embodiment, to solve the first problem, the CT transmits control signals to each PW and each FN in a time-division manner. Specifically, the CT transmits the first and second control signals in the CT → FN direction (hereinafter referred to as the "downstream direction") one by one to the first signal line 35A on the upper side in a time-division manner. If a plurality of first signal lines 35A are connected to the CT (if the PW is made redundant), the CT executes the above-mentioned time-division transmission to all of the first signal lines 35A.

[0078] The PW that receives the first and second downstream control signals captures the first control signal addressed to itself and sends out the control signals excluding the first control signal to the second signal line 35B on the lower stage side. The FN captures the second control signal addressed to itself and discards the second control signals that are not addressed to itself. In this way, the first and second downstream control signals can be transmitted over the first signal line 35A without collision, thereby solving the first problem.

[0079] On the other hand, for the first and second control signals in the FN→CT direction (hereinafter referred to as the "upstream direction"), the PW performs switching control (gate control) and sends them to the first signal line 35A in a time-division manner, thereby avoiding signal collisions in the upstream direction. In this way, the first and second control signals in the upstream direction can be transmitted over the first signal line 35A without collision, thereby solving the first problem.

[0080] (Second assignment) CT cannot directly confirm FN's EXT (insertion complete). One possible solution to the second problem would be to have the CT poll the PW to check whether the FN under the PW is EXT. However, with this solution, if the FN is unplugged after the CT has issued a command to the FN to change the fan speed during the previous polling cycle, the command will be wasted.

[0081] (Solution to the second problem: hereinafter referred to as "Solution 2") In this embodiment, in order to solve the second problem, EXT (insertion completion) of the subordinate FN is added to the RDY (startup status) that the PW periodically notifies the CT. In this way, the completion of FN insertion is periodically notified to the CT. Therefore, the CT can confirm the completion of FN insertion, solving the second problem. In addition, compared to polling by the CT, there is an advantage in that the update period for the completion of FN insertion is improved, preventing commands to the FN from being wasted.

[0082] (Third assignment) CT cannot specify the FN that will execute RST (restart request).

[0083] (Solution to the third problem: hereinafter referred to as "Solution 3") In this embodiment, to solve the third problem, the CT adds the FN's identification information (for example, the FN's connector number) to the RST (restart request) sent to the PW. Furthermore, the PW that receives this RST broadcasts the RST including the identification information to the FN. In this way, the PW will execute the RST notification to the specified FN on behalf of the CT, thereby solving the third problem.

[0084] (4th assignment) When a relay unit PW is configured redundantly as PW1 and PW2, one way to prevent the same control signal from reaching the FN twice is for the CT to designate either PW1 or PW2 as the relay unit. However, in this case, if PW1 designated as a relay unit is removed from the CT, the remaining CT that has not been removed will no longer be able to communicate with the FN.

[0085] (Solution to the fourth problem: hereinafter referred to as "Solution 4") In this embodiment, in order to solve the fourth problem, the CT communicates with both PW1 and PW2 even when the PWs are made redundant. On the other hand, of PW1 and PW2, the PW in operation (e.g., PW1) relays the downstream second control signal to the FN, and autonomously switches the operating state (e.g., operating or standby) through communication between PW1 / PW2.

[0086] In this way, if PW1 and PW2 are allowed to autonomously switch their operating states (= relay functions), even if PW1 or PW2 is removed, one of the remaining units will always function as a relay unit. This eliminates the possibility of failure in communication with the inserted FN by the CT, thereby solving the fourth problem.

[0087] Hereinafter, embodiments of solutions 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, "HDLC_TX" refers to the function of transmitting a communication frame conforming to HDLC that includes a predetermined control signal (hereinafter abbreviated as "communication frame"). "HDLC_RX" refers to the function of receiving a communication frame.

[0088] In Figures 5 to 9, "QiRj_HDLC" written below the arrow indicates the name of the physical wiring between the units, where the unit connected to the transmitting side is Qi and the unit connected to the receiving side is Rj. Moreover, the rectangle above the arrow and "SiTj" inside it mean a communication frame whose source is Si and whose destination is Tj.

[0089] "XXk_EXT" means a communication frame notifying the insertion of unit XXk (connection to connector 31). "YYl_RDY" means a communication frame notifying the startup status of unit YYl. "ZZm_RST" means a communication frame notifying a restart request for unit ZZm.

[0090] where Q to T are variables that represent the initials of any of the units CT, PW, and FN, and XX, YY, and ZZ are variables that represent any of the units CT, PW, and FN. Also, i to m are variables that represent the identification numbers of units of the same type.

[0091] [Example of Solution 1] 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing an embodiment of the first solution. Specifically, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of time division multiplexing in the downlink direction, and Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of time division multiplexing in the uplink direction.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5, when CT1 transmits communication frames to four units, for example, PW1, FN1 to FN3, it sends out C1P1, C1F1, C1F2, and C1F3 that it has generated itself one by one to C1P1_HDLC (first signal line 35A) in a time-division manner. In this case, C1P1 is the first control signal in the downstream direction, and C1F1, C1F2, and C1F3 are the second control signals in the downstream direction.

[0093] Next, PW1 performs the following process on the received downstream communication frame. Process 1: Capture a communication frame (first control signal) addressed to itself. Process 2: On the condition that the unit itself is in an operating state (Act), a communication frame (second control signal) for monitoring the non-relay unit is transferred in the downstream direction.

[0094] Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5, PW1 captures C1P1 and performs the processing requested by this communication frame. Furthermore, when PW1 itself is in an operating state (Act), it sends C1F1, C1F2, and C1F3 to P1F1_HDLC, P1F2_HDLC, and P1F3_HDLC, which are the second signal line 35B, respectively, and broadcasts them to FN1 to FN3. FN1 to FN3 accept communication frames received from PW1 if they are addressed to them, and discard them if they are not addressed to them.

[0095] 6, PW1 has a switching circuit SW with multiple inputs (four in the example) and one output. The input side of the switching circuit SW is connected to multiple upstream transmission buffers BF1 to BF4.

[0096] The transmission buffer BF1 stores the communication frame received from FN1, which is a second control signal in the upstream direction generated by FN1. The transmission buffer BF2 stores the communication frame received from FN2, which is a second control signal in the upstream direction generated by FN2.

[0097] The transmission buffer BF3 stores the communication frame received from FN3, which is a second control signal in the upstream direction generated by FN3. The transmission buffer BF4 stores communication frames generated by the frame processing unit of the device itself (PW1). The frame processing unit generates a P1C1 addressed to CT1 in response to a C1P1 addressed to itself, and stores this communication frame in the transmission buffer BF4. This communication frame is a first control signal in the upstream direction.

[0098] PW1 has an output control unit that inputs switching information to the switching circuit SW. The output control unit determines which of the transmission buffers BF1 to BF4 has a communication frame to transmit in the upstream direction, based on the communication frame accumulation status of the transmission buffers BF1 to BF4. For example, if a communication frame is not currently being sent to P1C1_HDLC but is stored in the transmission buffer BF4, the switching information of the transmission buffer BF4 is input to the gate of the switching circuit SW, and P1C1 selects it as the upstream communication frame to send to P1C1_HDLC.

[0099] Similarly, if a communication frame is not currently being sent to P1C1_HDLC but a communication frame is stored in the transmit buffer BF1, the switching information of the transmit buffer BF1 is input to the gate of the switching circuit SW, and F1C1 is selected as the upstream communication frame to send to P1C1_HDLC. When communication frames are stored in the transmission buffers BF2 and BF3, the same selection as above is made.

[0100] Since CT1 transmits downstream communication frames one by one in a time-division manner, gate input to the switching circuit SW due to the accumulation of communication frames in the transmission buffers BF1 to BF4 occurs at approximately the same cycle as the downstream frame transmission interval.

[0101] [Example of Solution 2] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 2. As shown in Figure 7, assume that only FN1 is inserted under PW1, and that the insertion information (e.g., the connector number corresponding to FN1) is recorded in the memory of PW1 through inter-unit communication between PW1 and FN1. In this case, PW1 adds FN1_EXT to the data field of PW1_RDY for notifying its own startup status, and sends the PW1_RDY after the addition to P1C1_HDLC to transmit it to CT1.

[0102] Upon receiving the PW1_RDY, the CT1 decodes the communication frame, extracts FN1_EXT, and records the extracted information in memory. This allows CT1 to check the insertion information of FN1 that is not directly connected to itself, and to store the insertion information of FN1.

[0103] [Example of Solution 3] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 3. As shown in FIG. 8, CT1 sends FN1_RST to C1P1_HDLC to notify FN1 of a restart request.

[0104] Upon receiving the FN1_RST, PW1 decodes the communication frame and, upon determining that the communication frame is not addressed to itself, broadcasts FN1_RST by sending FN1_RST to P1F1_HDLC, P1F2_HDLC, and P1F3_HDLC.

[0105] In this case, as a result of decoding the communication frame, only FN1 executes a restart in response to the RST addressed to itself, while FN2 and FN3 discard the RST not addressed to themselves. In this way, PW1 broadcasts a RST addressed to its subordinate FN1 in the downstream direction, so that CT1 can have PW1 act on its behalf to issue a restart request (RST) to FN1 that is not directly connected to CT1.

[0106] [Example of Solution 4] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the solution means 4. In Figure 9, "unit insertion position information" is information that indicates the insertion position of the unit relative to the backplane 3, and PW1 and PW2 hold position information values ​​according to, for example, the connector number of the backplane 3 into which the unit is inserted. Here, it is assumed that the location information of PW1 is [1] and the location information of PW2 is [0], and the rule is that the unit with the larger number is in operation and the unit with the smaller number is inactive.

[0107] 9, PW2 transmits P2P1 including location information = 0 to PW1. Upon receiving P2P1, PW1 compares its own location information = 1 with PW2's location information = 0 to determine its own operating state. In this case, since the location information of PW1 is greater than the location information of PW2, PW1 sets its own operation state to the active state (Act).

[0108] Conversely, PW1 transmits P1P2 containing location information = 1 to PW2. Upon receiving P1P2, PW2 compares its own location information = 0 with PW1's location information = 1 to determine its own operating state. In this case, since the position information of PW2 is smaller than the position information of PW1, PW2 sets its own operating state to the dormant state (Stby).

[0109] The active PW1 broadcasts downstream communication frames (second control signals) to the subordinate FNs, but the dormant PW2 does not transmit downstream or upstream communication frames, which prevents the downstream and upstream communication frames from reaching the FNs or CTs twice.

[0110] Even if the inactive PW2 is removed, the active PW1 continues to relay communication frames, so communication between the CT and FN is maintained. When PW1 in the active state is removed, PW2 in the inactive state becomes active in response to the loss of communication with PW1 and starts relaying downstream communication frames. Therefore, even if PW1 is removed, communication between the CT and FN is maintained.

[0111] 9 shows an example in which there are two PWs, but the PWs may be made redundant with N (N≧3). In this case, among the N PWs, the unit that determines that its own unit insertion position information is the largest through the above-mentioned inter-unit communication becomes in an operating state (Act) and functions as a relay unit.

[0112] [Regular condition monitoring] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of periodic status monitoring performed by communication between units within the communication device 1. In FIG. Here, it is assumed that CT1 is the main monitor of status monitoring (CT2 is inactive), and the units to be monitored that are currently inserted into the backplane 3 are seven units: LN1, LN2, PW1, PW2, FN1, FN2, and FN3.

[0113] In Figure 10, "CHE" is a communication frame requesting a status check. "ACK" is a response frame. Items that can be specified for checking include the unit insertion status, optical transceiver insertion status, board temperature, and fan rotation speed. The CT1 periodically checks the status of all units by sending CHE to each unit inserted in the backplane 3 and receiving ACK from each unit. In other words, the sequence in Fig. 10 is periodically executed at predetermined intervals.

[0114] 10, CT1 transmits C1P1_CHE to PW1. In this case, PW1 executes the specified status check and transmits P1C1_ACK including the check result to CT1 (step S11). Next, CT1 transmits C1P2_CHE to PW2. In this case, PW2 executes the specified status check and transmits P2C1_ACK including the check result to CT1 (step S12).

[0115] Next, CT1 transmits C1F1_CHE to PW1 and PW2 (step S13). If PW1 is in Act and PW2 is in Stby, only PW1 transmits C1F1_CHE to FN1, FN2, and FN3 (step S14). In this case, only FN1 retrieves C1F1_CHE, executes the specified status check, and transmits F1C1_ACK including the check result to PW1 and PW2 (step S15). PW1 transfers the received F1C1_ACK to CT1 (step S16).

[0116] Next, CT1 executes the same process as in step S13 for FN2 and FN3 (sending CHE addressed to FN2 or FN3), thereby obtaining the check results of the status checks executed by FN2 and FN3.

[0117] Next, CT1 sends C1L1_CHE to LN1. In this case, LN1 executes the specified status check and sends L1C1_ACK including the check result to CT1 (step S17). Finally, CT1 sends C1L2_CHE to LN2. In this case, LN2 executes the specified status check and sends L2C1_ACK including the check result to CT1 (step S18).

[0118] In the example of Figure 10, CT1 transmits a communication frame (CHE) requesting a status check in the order of PW → FN → LN, but the transmission order is not limited to this and may be other orders, such as LN → PW → FN.

[0119] 10, the first control signal transmitted between CT1 and PW1 includes a check request (C1P1_CHE) in which CT1 requests PW1 to check its status, and a check response (P1C1_ACK) in which PW1 responds with the check result to CT1. Similarly, C1P2_CHE and P2C1_ACK also correspond to the first control signal. Therefore, CT1 can also instruct the relay units PW1 and PW1 to check their status.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 10, the second control signal relayed by PW1 includes a check request (C1F1_CHE) in which CT1 requests FN1 to check the status, and a check response (F1C1_ACK) in which FN1 responds to CT1 with the check result. Therefore, CT1 can instruct status checks not only on units (LN and PW) directly connected to itself, but also on FNs that are not directly connected to itself.

[0121] [Status monitoring when an event occurs] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of state monitoring when an event occurs, which is performed by communication between units in the communication device 1. In Figure 11, "ALM" is a communication frame that warns of an abnormality. Examples of abnormalities include an excessive temperature rise or an excessive time error. Here, we assume that LN1 sends an ALM because it has detected an excessive temperature rise.

[0122] "INC" is a communication frame that requests the FN to increase the fan rotation speed, and "RTN" is a communication frame that requests the FN to return the fan rotation speed to normal. As shown in FIG. 11, when LN1 detects an excessive temperature rise, it transmits L1C1_ALM to CT1 (step S21).

[0123] Next, CT1 sends C1L1_CHE to LN1 to have LN1 check the state of the substrate temperature. LN1 sends L1C1_ACK including the check result to CT1 (step S22). Here, it is assumed that CT1 determines that the notified substrate temperature is excessive, and selects FN1 as the FN located in a suitable position for lowering the substrate temperature of LN1.

[0124] In this case, CT1 transmits C1F1_INC to PW1 and PW2 (step S23). If PW1 is in Act and PW2 is in Standby, only PW1 transmits C1F1_INC to FN1, FN2, and FN3 (step S24). In this case, only FN1 takes in C1F1_INC, increases the fan rotation speed, and transmits F1C1_ACK to PW1 and PW2 in response to the increase (step S25). PW1 transfers the received F1C1_ACK to CT1 (step S26).

[0125] After a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed during which a temperature drop due to an increase in airflow is expected, CT1 sends C1L1_CHE to LN1 to have LN1 recheck the state of the substrate temperature. LN1 then sends L1C1_ACK including the check results to CT1 (step S27). Here, it is assumed that CT1 determines that the notified substrate temperature is normal.

[0126] In this case, CT1 transmits C1F1_RTN to PW1 and PW2 (step S28). If PW1 is in Act and PW2 is in Standby, only PW1 transmits C1F1_RTN to FN1, FN2, and FN3 (step S29). In this case, only FN1 receives C1F1_RTN, returns the fan rotation speed to normal, and transmits F1C1_ACK to PW1 and PW2 to notify them that the rotation speed has been returned (step S30). PW1 transfers the received F1C1_ACK to CT1 (step S31).

[0127] As shown in Figure 11, the second control signal relayed by PW1 includes an operation request (C1F1_INC) that requests FN1 to perform a predetermined operation (here, increase the fan rotation speed), and an operation response (F1C1_ACK) in which FN1 responds to CT1 that the operation has been completed. Therefore, CT1 can instruct predetermined operations not only to the units (LN and PW) directly connected to itself, but also to FNs that are not directly connected to itself.

[0128] As shown in Figure 11, the second control signal relayed by PW1 includes a release request (C1F1_RTN) that requests FN1 to release a specified operation (here, release the increase in the fan rotation speed), and a release response (F1C1_RTN) that FN1 responds to CT1 with the completion of the release. Therefore, CT1 can instruct the cancellation of a predetermined operation not only to the units (LN and PW) directly connected to itself, but also to FNs that are not directly connected to itself.

[0129] [Status monitoring control by control unit] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the state monitoring control executed by an active CT (here, assumed to be CT1). In FIG. 12, "n" is a variable (n=1, 2 . . . ) representing the connector number of the backplane 3, and "N" is the number of connectors 31 installed on the backplane 3.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 12, the CT1 sets a variable n to an initial value (=1) (step ST11), and then determines whether or not a unit is inserted into the connector 31 of the variable n (step ST12).

[0131] If the determination result in step ST12 is negative, CT1 skips steps ST13 to ST17 and moves the process to before step ST18. If the determination result in step ST12 is affirmative, the CT1 determines whether communication with the unit of variable n is possible (step ST13). This determination is made, for example, based on whether the number of abnormality occurrences in the FCS exceeds a threshold value.

[0132] If the determination result in step ST13 is negative, the CT1 issues a reset notification (step ST20). The reset notification is a process of sending a notification to the management computer that the unit has been reinserted or replaced, for example. If the result of the determination in step ST13 is affirmative, the CT1 determines whether an alarm has occurred in the unit of the variable n (step ST14).

[0133] If the result of the determination in step ST14 is negative, the CT1 performs additional processing to identify the cause of the alarm (step ST21). If the determination result in step ST14 is positive, the CT1 determines whether the communication between the units is normal (step ST15). This determination is made, for example, by checking whether the number of times abnormalities occur in data communication within a predetermined time period exceeds a threshold value.

[0134] If the determination result in step ST15 is negative, the CT1 issues a fault notification (step ST22). The fault notification is, for example, a process of transmitting information about the unit fault to a management computer. If the determination result in step ST15 is positive, the CT1 determines whether the substrate temperature of the unit of variable n is normal (step ST16). This determination is made based on whether the substrate temperature notified from the unit exceeds a threshold value.

[0135] If the determination result in step ST16 is negative, the CT1 performs a process of changing the fan rotation speed (step ST23). The change process is, for example, a process of instructing a predetermined FN to increase the fan rotation speed. If the determination result in step ST16 is affirmative, the CT1 determines whether the RTC (real-time clock) of the unit of the variable n is normal or not (step ST17).

[0136] If the determination result in step ST17 is negative, the CT1 performs time correction with the unit of variable n (step ST24). The time correction is performed, for example, by notifying the unit of the time difference between the CT1 and the unit. If the determination result in step ST17 is affirmative, the CT1 increments the variable n (step ST18), and then determines whether the variable n=N (step ST19).

[0137] If the determination result in step ST19 is negative, CT1 returns the process to before step ST12. If the determination result in step ST19 is affirmative, the CT1 ends the process, thereby completing the status monitoring of all units currently mounted on the backplane 3.

[0138] [First Modification] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the connection form for communication between units. The modified example of FIG. 13 is a connection configuration in which PW1 / PW2 feeds power to CT1 to CT2, LN1 to LN6, and FN1 to FN2, and PW3 / PW4 feeds power to LN7 to LN8 and FN3. For LN1 to LN6, it is necessary to insert either PW1 or PW2 to ensure that communication services can always be provided. On the other hand, if either PW3 or PW4 is inserted, it becomes possible to additionally provide communication services via LN7 to LN8.

[0139] 13, PW1 / PW2 are physically connected to CT1 / CT2, while PW3 / PW4 are physically connected to PW1 / PW2 but not to CT1 / CT2. In this way, the connection form for inter-unit communication may be a connection form including the following multiple types of relay units.

[0140] First relay unit: Relay units (PW1 / PW2) connected to control units (CT1 / CT2) Second relay unit: A relay unit (PW3 / PW4) that is connected to the first relay unit (PW1 / PW2) and is not connected to the control unit (CT1 / CT2)

[0141] In this case, the first relay unit (PW1 / PW2) may execute the same communication control (communication control in Figures 5 to 9) for the first control signal for monitoring the second relay unit (PW3 / PW4) as for the second control signal for monitoring the non-relay unit (LN4, etc.). In this way, CT1 / CT2 and PW3 / PW4 transmit and receive the first control signal for PW3 / PW4 using PW1 / PW2 as a relay node, so that PW3 / PW4 can be included in the monitoring targets of CT1 / CT2.

[0142] In the connection configuration of FIG. 13, the second control signals for LN7 to LN8 and FN3 under PW3 / PW4 are processed by PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4 as second control signals that are control signals for non-relay units. Therefore, the second control signal for LN7 to LN8 and FN3 is transmitted and received between CT1 / CT2 and LN7 to LN8 and FN3 via two stages of relay nodes, PW1 / PW2 and PW3 / PW4.

[0143] As is clear from the above, in the connection configuration of Figure 13, when the control units CT1 / CT2, relay units PW1 / PW2 / PW3 / PW4, non-relay units LN1 to LN8, FN1 to FN3 are mounted on the backplane 3, the inter-unit communications include the following first to fourth communications.

[0144] First communication: Communication in which CT1 / CT2 and PW1 / PW2 transmit and receive the first control signal for PW1 / PW2 without relaying Second communication: Communication in which CT1 / CT2 and LN4 to LN6, FN2 transmit and receive second control signals for LN4 to LN6, FN2 using PW1 / PW2 as relay nodes. Third communication: Communication in which CT1 / CT2 and PW3 / PW4 transmit and receive a first control signal for PW3 / PW4 using PW1 / PW2 as a relay node.

[0145] Fourth communication: Communication in which CT1 / CT2 and LN7-LN8, FN3 transmit and receive second control signals for LN7-LN8, FN3 using PW1 / PW2 and PW3 / PW4 as second-stage relay nodes. Fifth communication: Communication in which CT1 / CT2 and LN1 to LN3, FN1 transmit and receive second control signals for LN1 to LN3, FN1 without relaying Although FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the relay units PW1 / PW2 / PW3 / PW4 are connected in two stages, a connection configuration of a multi-stage configuration of three or more stages may also be used.

[0146] [Second Modification] In the above-described embodiment, the non-relay unit connected to the relay unit (power supply unit 6) may be not only the fan unit 7 but also the line unit 5. In this case, a communication processing unit (management communication LSI) 45 may be installed in the power supply unit 6, the communication processing unit 45 of the control unit 4 may be connected to the communication processing unit 45 of the power supply unit 6 via a management signal line 33, and the communication processing unit 45 of the power supply unit 6 may be connected to the CPU 53 of the line unit 5 via the management signal line 33.

[0147] In this way, it is possible to avoid concentration of not only the monitoring signal lines 35 but also the management signal lines 33 on the control unit 4 as the number of line units 7 increases, and it is possible to further compactify the connector 31 for the control unit 4. Therefore, the communication medium for inter-unit communication in this embodiment is not limited to the monitoring signal line 35, but may be any signal line that can be implemented on the backplane 3, such as the above-mentioned management signal line 33. In addition, the monitoring control signal also includes management information for setting the communication function.

[0148] [Other Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of equivalents to the configurations described in the claims.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, a unit other than the power supply unit 6 may be used as the relay unit. However, even in the case of an electronic device that uses a hot-pluggable pluggable system, the power supply unit 6 must be installed, so it is preferable that the relay unit be the power supply unit 6. Furthermore, the electronic device of the present disclosure is not limited to the communication device 1, but may also be a computer device such as a server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1 Communication equipment (electronic equipment) 2. Case 3 Backplane 4. Control Unit 5 Line unit (controlled unit) 6 Power supply unit (controlled unit, relay unit) 7 Fan units (controlled units, non-relay units) 21 Front opening 22 Rear opening 30 Backplane 31 Connector 32 Ventilation hole 33 Management signal line 34 DC distribution line 35 Monitoring signal line 35A 1st signal line 35B 2nd signal line 35C 3rd signal line 40 Circuit Board 41 Connector 42 Signal Processing Section 43 CPU 44 memory 45 Communication processing unit 46 Management Port 47 Power supply section 50 Circuit Board 51 Connector 52 Signal processing section 53 CPU 54 memory 55 Switch section 56 external ports 57 Power supply section 60 Circuit Board 61 Connector 62 Signal Processing Unit 63 First voltage conversion unit 64 Second voltage conversion unit 70 Circuit Board 71 Connector 72 Signal Processing Section 73 Cooling fan 74 Power supply section

Claims

1. a backplane; a control unit that is a monitoring entity and can be attached to the backplane; a plurality of controlled units to be monitored that can be attached to the backplane, The plurality of controlled units include: a relay unit capable of relaying a control signal; a non-relay unit that does not relay the control signal; The control signal is a first control signal for monitoring the relay unit; a second control signal for monitoring the non-relay unit; When the control unit, the relay unit, and the non-relay unit are mounted on the backplane, the communication between the units is performed as follows: a first communication in which the control unit and the relay unit transmit and receive the first control signal without relaying; a second communication in which the control unit and the non-relay unit transmit and receive the second control signal using the relay unit as a relay node; The relay unit includes: An electronic device that is a power supply unit that supplies power to other units attached to the backplane.

2. The control unit transmits the first control signal and one or more second control signals generated by itself to the relay unit in a time-division manner; The relay unit includes: The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device captures the first control signal addressed to itself and transmits one or more of the second control signals to the non-relay unit.

3. The non-relay unit The electronic device according to claim 2 , wherein the electronic device captures the second control signal addressed to itself and discards the second control signal not addressed to itself.

4. The non-relay unit transmits the second control signal generated by itself to the relay unit; The relay unit includes:

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device transmits the first control signal generated by itself and the second control signal received from one or more of the non-relay units to the control unit in a time-division manner.

5. The types of the control signal include: a startup status indicating that startup of the relay unit has been completed; and completing insertion, which indicates the installation of the non-relay unit into the backplane; The relay unit includes: The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a start-up status indicating that the non-relay unit has been inserted;

6. The types of the control signal include: It contains a restart request that instructs the receiving unit to restart, The control unit sending a restart request including identification information of the non-relay unit to the relay unit; The relay unit includes: The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the received restart request is broadcast to the non-relay units.

7. The relay unit includes: It is made up of multiple redundant units, The control unit transmitting the second control signal having the same content to the plurality of units; The plurality of units include: determining which unit will be in an operating state through inter-unit communication between the relay units; The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein only the unit that has become active transmits the second control signal to the non-relay unit.

8. The relay unit includes: a first relay unit connected to the control unit; a second relay unit connected to the first relay unit and not connected to the control unit, The control unit and the second relay unit The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first relay unit transmits and receives the first control signal for the second relay unit using the first relay unit as a relay node.

9. The connection form of the inter-unit communication is:

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising a portion where the control unit is connected one-to-one with the subordinate relay unit, and a portion where the relay unit is connected one-to-one with the subordinate non-relay unit.

10. a backplane; a control unit mounted on the backplane as a monitoring entity; a plurality of controlled units to be monitored, the controlled units being mounted on the backplane; The plurality of controlled units include: a relay unit capable of relaying a control signal; a non-relay unit that does not relay a control signal; The control signal is a first control signal for monitoring the relay unit; a second control signal for monitoring the non-relay unit; The communication method includes: a first step in which the control unit and the relay unit transmit and receive the first control signal without relaying; a second step in which the control unit and the non-relay unit transmit and receive the second control signal using the relay unit as a relay node; The relay unit includes: A communication method in which the power supply unit supplies power to other units attached to the backplane.

11. The type of the second control signal includes: a check request to request the non-relay unit to check its status; The communication method according to claim 10, further comprising a check response in which the non-relay unit responds with a check result.

12. The type of the second control signal includes: an operation request that requests the non-relay unit to perform a predetermined operation; an operation response in which the non-relay unit notifies completion of the operation; a cancellation request to request the non-relay unit to cancel the operation; 12. The communication method according to claim 10, further comprising a release response from the non-relay unit notifying completion of the release.

13. The connection form of the inter-unit communication is:

13. The communication method according to claim 10, including a portion where the control unit is connected one-to-one with the subordinate relay unit, and a portion where the relay unit is connected one-to-one with the subordinate non-relay unit.

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