Server low-temperature startup method and server

Abstract

To provide a low-temperature startup method for servers for preventing a performance of a server from being affected by a low temperature by preventing elements from being unable to start normally when the server operates in a low-temperature environment, and server.SOLUTION: A server includes the n-number of first elements, the n-number of heaters and the m-number of second elements (n and m are integers greater than one), where each heater is provided in a corresponding first element, and a minimum activation temperature of the first element is higher than a minimum activation temperature of the second element. A low-temperature startup method includes: acquiring a first temperature of the first element and a second temperature of the second element in real time; when it is determined that the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than a first prescribed temperature value, activating the n-number of heaters and maintaining the operation for the prescribed time; after the prescribed time has elapsed, turning off the n-number of heaters; and after turning them off, activating the n-number of first elements and the m-number of second elements, thereby preventing components from being unable to start up normally when the server operates in a low-temperature environment, and preventing the performance from being affected by the low temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer technology. Specifically, it relates to a method for starting a server at low temperature and a server.

Background Art

[0002] A server usually needs to operate in a low-temperature environment, for example, an environment of -5°C to -40°C.

[0003] When some components of a server operate in a low-temperature environment, there may be problems with cold start-up. That is, because the temperature is too low, the components cannot start up and work normally, and as a result, it affects the performance of the server.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From the above, this application provides a method for starting a server at low temperature and a server, which can avoid the situation where elements cannot start up normally when the server operates in a low-temperature environment, and enable the performance of the server not to be affected by low temperature. The technical solution of this application is as follows.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a low-temperature startup method for a server. The server includes n first elements, n heaters, and m second elements, where n and m are positive integers of 1 or more. Each heater is provided on the corresponding first element, and the minimum startup temperature of the first element is higher than the minimum startup temperature of the second element. The low-temperature startup method includes the steps of: acquiring the first temperature of the first element and the second temperature of the second element in real time; determining that the temperature value of either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature value, starting the n heaters and maintaining this for a predetermined time; turning off the n heaters after the predetermined time has elapsed; and starting the n first elements and the m second elements after the n heaters have been turned off.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the step of turning off the n heaters if it is determined within the predetermined time that any of the first temperatures is greater than a second predetermined temperature value, wherein the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the further step is to turn off the n heaters if it is determined that all of the second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within the predetermined time.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, if it is determined that the first temperature of any one of the first elements has not changed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the invention further includes the step of generating and outputting a heating failure warning.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, starting the n heaters includes starting the heaters at a predetermined output.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the further steps include acquiring the ambient temperature of the server and the heating temperature of the heater in real time, and generating and outputting warning information if the ambient temperature is higher than a third predetermined temperature value and / or the heating temperature is higher than a fourth predetermined temperature value and / or all of the first temperatures are higher than a fifth predetermined temperature value, wherein the third predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the fourth predetermined temperature value; the fourth predetermined temperature value is greater than the second predetermined temperature value; and the fifth predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the third predetermined temperature value.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the first element includes at least one element from among a CPU, CPLD, PCH, LAN interface, and BMC.

[0012] A second aspect of this application provides a server. The server includes n first elements, n heaters, m second elements, and a heating control device, where n and m are positive integers of 1 or more. Each heater is provided on the corresponding first element, the minimum starting temperature of the first element is higher than the minimum starting temperature of the second element, and the heating control device is connected to the heaters, the first elements, and the second elements. The heating control device acquires the first temperature of the first element and the second temperature of the second element in real time, and if it determines that the temperature value of either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature value, it starts the n heaters and maintains them for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, it turns off the n heaters, and after turning off the n heaters, it starts the n first elements and the m second elements.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the heating control device further turns off the n heaters if it is determined that any of the first temperatures is greater than the second predetermined temperature value within the predetermined time. Here, the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the heating control device further turns off the n heaters if it is determined that all of the second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within the predetermined time.

[0015] This application classifies the elements within a server into a first element with a high minimum startup temperature and a second element with a low minimum startup temperature. By installing a heater in the first element with the high minimum startup temperature, and detecting that the temperature of all elements in the server is below a first predetermined temperature before the server starts up, the heater is activated to heat the corresponding first element for a predetermined time. This ensures that the first element reaches the minimum startup temperature, while simultaneously preventing the second element from exceeding its operating temperature due to the effects of heating. This prevents the server's elements from failing to start up properly and ensures that the server's performance is not affected by low temperatures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a server according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a first server according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a second server according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a third server according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a fourth server according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a fifth server according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that there are three types of relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent the case where only A exists, the case where A and B exist simultaneously, and the case where only B exists. Here, A and B may be singular or plural. Terms such as "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to represent a specific order or sequence.

[0018] Also, the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application or the methods shown in the flowcharts include one or more steps for implementing the methods. Without departing from the scope of the claims, the execution order of multiple steps can be mutually exchanged, and some steps may be deleted.

[0019] The server usually needs to operate in a low-temperature environment, for example, in an environment of -5°C to -40°C. However, some elements of the server may have problems with cold startup when operating in a low-temperature environment. That is, because the temperature is excessively low, the elements cannot start normally and perform operations, resulting in an impact on the performance of the server.

[0020] This application provides a method for cold startup of a server and a server, so that when the server operates in a low-temperature environment, it can avoid the situation where the elements cannot start normally and prevent the performance of the server from being affected by low temperature.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a server 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The server 100 includes n first elements 110, n heaters 120, and m second elements 130, where n and m are positive integers greater than or equal to 1. One of the heaters 120 is provided for a corresponding one of the first elements 110, and the minimum startup temperature of the first element 110 is higher than the minimum startup temperature of the second element 130.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present application, the first element 110 may include at least one element such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), a PCH (Platform Controller Hub), a LAN interface (Local Area Network), and a BMC (Baseboard Management Controller). The second element 130 may include a DP interface (DisplayPort), a clock buffer, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) to a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) circuit, and a microprocessor, etc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heater 120 includes a heating sheet and a switching tube. The heating sheet is installed on the corresponding first element 110 and connected to a heating power source via the switching tube. By controlling the conduction and conduction frequency of the switch, the operation and heat generation efficiency of the heating sheet can be controlled, and the heating process of the corresponding first element 110 can be controlled. The heating power source may be the system power source of the server or another power source independent of the system power source. The other power source is only used to drive the heater 120.

[0024] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a low-temperature startup method of the server 100 according to an embodiment of the present application will be introduced. Specifically, the low-temperature startup method includes the following steps.

[0025] Step S21: Obtain the first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 in real time.

[0026] In the embodiment of this application, a heating control device is installed inside the server 100, and the low-temperature startup method of this application is performed. The heating control device may include, but is not limited to, a processor capable of operating normally in a low-temperature environment, such as a low-temperature microprocessor.

[0027] The heating control device has a higher startup priority than other elements in server 100. In other words, when server 100 is started, the heating control device is started first, and after the heating control device has successfully completed the heating step, the other elements in server 100 are started. After the heating control device is started, the first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 are acquired in real time.

[0028] For example, a temperature sensor is installed on each element of the server 100, and the heating control device is connected to each temperature sensor to acquire the first and second temperatures. Alternatively, the first element 110 and the second element 130 in the server 100 can enter a hibernation state before startup, self-check their temperature in the hibernation state, and transmit it to the heating control device.

[0029] Step S22: If it is determined that either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the n heaters 120 are activated and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0030] In the embodiment of this application, the heating control device acquires n first temperatures and m second temperatures in real time, and then monitors in real time whether any of the first or second temperatures are lower than a first predetermined temperature. If the heating control device determines that any of the temperatures are lower than the first predetermined temperature, it activates all heaters 120 and maintains this state for a predetermined time.

[0031] The heating control device and the heater 120 are connected to an independent heating power supply, and the heating control device can control the heating power supply to operate the heater 120. The first predetermined temperature value may be any temperature value within the range of -5°C to 5°C.

[0032] Step S23: After a predetermined time has elapsed, turn off the n heaters 120.

[0033] Step S24: After turning off n heaters 120, start up n first elements 110 and m second elements 130.

[0034] As can be understood from the above, the embodiment of this application classifies the elements in the server 100 into a first element 110 with a high minimum startup temperature and a second element 130 with a low minimum startup temperature, installs a heater 120 on the first element 110 with a high minimum startup temperature, and when it is detected that the temperature of all elements in the server 100 is below a first predetermined temperature before the server 100 is started, the heater 120 is started and the corresponding first element 110 is heated for a predetermined time, thereby enabling the first element 110 to reach the minimum startup temperature, while simultaneously preventing the second element 130 from exceeding its operating temperature due to the effects of heating. This prevents the elements of the server 100 from failing to start up properly and ensures that the performance of the server 100 is not affected by low temperatures.

[0035] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a second server 100 according to one embodiment of this application. Specifically, the low-temperature startup method includes the following steps.

[0036] Step S31: The first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 are acquired in real time.

[0037] Step S32: If it is determined that either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the n heaters 120 are activated and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0038] Step S33: If it is determined within a predetermined time that any first temperature is greater than a second predetermined temperature value, the n heaters 120 are turned OFF. Here, the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

[0039] Step S34: After a predetermined time has elapsed, turn off the n heaters 120.

[0040] Step S35: After turning off n heaters 120, start up n first elements 110 and m second elements 130.

[0041] As can be understood from the above, in the embodiment of this application, the heating control device monitors whether the real-time temperature of the first element 110 is greater than a second predetermined temperature value within a predetermined time for starting the heater 120 to heat the first element 110, and if it is determined that the temperature is greater than the second predetermined temperature value, it turns off the heater 120 to prevent the first element 110 from being overheated. Here, the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value, and the second predetermined temperature value may be the maximum operating temperature value for all first elements 110.

[0042] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a third server according to one embodiment of this application. Specifically, the low-temperature startup method includes the following steps.

[0043] Step S41: The first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 are acquired in real time.

[0044] Step S42: If it is determined that either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the n heaters 120 are activated and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0045] Step S43: If it is determined that all second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within a predetermined time, the n heaters 120 are turned OFF.

[0046] Step S44: After a predetermined time has elapsed, the n heaters 120 are turned OFF.

[0047] Step S45: After turning off n heaters 120, start up n first elements 110 and m second elements 130.

[0048] As can be understood from the above, in the embodiment of this application, the heating control device utilizes the fact that the second element 130 can operate at a relatively low temperature within a predetermined time for starting the heater 120 to heat the first element 110, and directly acquires the second temperature to monitor whether the actual temperature value of the second element 130 is greater than the first predetermined temperature value. If it is determined that the actual temperature value of the second element 130, i.e., the second temperature value, is greater than the first predetermined temperature value, it is determined that the first element 110 has finished heating, and the heater 120 is turned OFF to prevent the first element 110 from being overheated.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for the fourth server 100 according to one embodiment of this application. Specifically, the low-temperature startup method includes the following steps.

[0050] Step S51: The first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 are acquired in real time.

[0051] Step S52: If it is determined that either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the n heaters 120 are activated and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0052] Step S53: After a predetermined time has elapsed, the n heaters 120 are turned OFF.

[0053] Step S54: After turning off n heaters 120, start up n first elements 110 and m second elements 130.

[0054] Step S55: If, after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the first temperature of any one of the first elements 110 has not changed, a heating failure warning is generated and output.

[0055] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a low-temperature startup method for a fifth server 100 according to one embodiment of this application. Specifically, the low-temperature startup method includes the following steps.

[0056] Step S61: The first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 are acquired in real time.

[0057] Step S62: Obtain the ambient temperature of server 100 and the heating temperature of heater 120 in real time.

[0058] Step S63: If it is determined that either the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the n heaters 120 are activated and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0059] Step S64: If the ambient temperature is higher than the third predetermined temperature value, and / or the heating temperature is higher than the fourth predetermined temperature value, and / or all first temperatures are higher than the fifth predetermined temperature value, a warning is generated and output. Here, the third predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the fourth predetermined temperature value. The fourth predetermined temperature value is greater than the second predetermined temperature value. The fifth predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the third predetermined temperature value.

[0060] Step S65: After a predetermined time has elapsed, turn off the n heaters 120.

[0061] Embodiments of this application also provide a server 100 comprising n first elements 110, n heaters 120, m second elements 130, and a heating control device, where n and m are positive integers of 1 or greater. One of the heaters 120 is provided on a corresponding first element 110, and the minimum start temperature of the first element 110 is higher than the minimum start temperature of the second element 130. The heating control device is connected to the heaters 120, the first elements 110, and the second elements 130.

[0062] The heating control device acquires the first temperature of the first element 110 and the second temperature of the second element 130 in real time. If it determines that the temperature value of either the first or second temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature value, it activates n heaters 120, maintains them for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, turns off the n heaters 120. After turning off the n heaters 120, it activates the n first elements 110 and m second elements 130.

[0063] The heating control device also turns off n heaters 120 if it determines that any first temperature is greater than a second predetermined temperature value within a predetermined time. Here, the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

[0064] The heating control device also turns off n heaters 120 if it determines that all second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within a predetermined time.

[0065] As can be understood from the above, the beneficial effects of the server 100 can be seen by referring to the beneficial effects of the low-temperature startup method in the previously described embodiment, and will not be explained again here.

[0066] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When this computer program is executed by a processor, the processor performs the cold startup method described above.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the embodiments produce the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions are stored in or transmitted through a computer storage medium. The computer instructions are transmitted from one site, computer, server, or data center to another site, computer, server, or data center by wired means (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless means (e.g., infrared, radio, microwave, etc.). The computer storage medium may be any available medium accessible to the computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may include magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that a computer program can be used to instruct the relevant hardware to implement all or some of the processes of the above embodiments. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and, when executed, may include the processes of each embodiment of the above methods. The aforementioned storage mediums are various programsable computer code storage media, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks. The technical features of these embodiments and methods can be combined in any way, provided they do not conflict with each other.

[0069] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and do not limit the scope of this application. Any modifications and improvements made by persons skilled in the art to the technical solutions of this application should all fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of this application, as long as they do not deviate from the design concept of this application.

Claims

1. A method for starting a server at low temperatures, The server comprises n first elements, n heaters, m second elements, and a heating control device, where n and m are positive integers of 1 or more, each heater is provided on the corresponding first element, and the minimum startup temperature of the first element is higher than the minimum startup temperature of the second element. The low-temperature startup method is performed by the heating control device. A step of acquiring the first temperature of the first element and the second temperature of the second element in real time, If it is determined that the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature value, the n heaters are activated and the process continues for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the n heaters are turned OFF. A low-temperature startup method characterized by including the step of turning off the n heaters, and then starting up the n first elements and the m second elements.

2. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 1, The low-temperature startup method further includes the step of turning off the n heaters if the heating control device determines within the predetermined time that any first temperature is greater than a second predetermined temperature value, wherein the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

3. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 1, A low-temperature startup method characterized by further including the step of turning off the n heaters if the heating control device determines that all of the second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within the predetermined time.

4. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 1, The low-temperature startup method further includes the step of generating and outputting a heating failure warning if the heating control device determines that the first temperature of any one of the first elements has not changed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

5. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 1, A low-temperature startup method characterized in that starting the n heaters includes starting the heaters at a predetermined output.

6. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 2, The heating control device includes the steps of acquiring the ambient temperature of the server and the heating temperature of the heater in real time, The heating control device further includes the step of generating and outputting warning information when the ambient temperature is higher than a third predetermined temperature value, and / or when the heating temperature is higher than a fourth predetermined temperature value, and / or when all of the first temperatures are higher than a fifth predetermined temperature value. The third predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the fourth predetermined temperature value. The fourth predetermined temperature value is greater than the second predetermined temperature value. A low-temperature startup method characterized in that the fifth predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value and less than the third predetermined temperature value.

7. A low-temperature startup method according to claim 1, The low-temperature startup method is characterized in that the first element includes at least one element from among a CPU, a CPLD, a PCH, a LAN interface, and a BMC.

8. A server comprising n first elements, n heaters, m second elements, and a heating control device, where n and m are positive integers of 1 or more, each heater is provided on the corresponding first element, the minimum startup temperature of the first element is higher than the minimum startup temperature of the second element, and the heating control device is connected to the heaters, the first elements, and the second elements. The aforementioned heating control device is A step of acquiring the first temperature of the first element and the second temperature of the second element in real time, If it is determined that the first temperature or the second temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature value, the n heaters are activated and the process continues for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the n heaters are turned OFF. A server characterized by performing the steps of turning off the n heaters, and then starting up the n first elements and the m second elements.

9. The server according to claim 8, The aforementioned heating control device is A server characterized in that, if it is determined within the predetermined time that any first temperature is greater than a second predetermined temperature value, the n heaters are turned OFF, and herein, the second predetermined temperature value is greater than the first predetermined temperature value.

10. The server according to claim 8, The aforementioned heating control device is A server characterized by further performing the step of turning off the n heaters if it is determined that all of the second temperatures are greater than the first predetermined temperature value within the predetermined time.

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