Server

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of servers, and specifically relate to a server. The embodiments of the present application aim to solve the problem of difficulty in switching between a single-processor system and a multi-processor system. The server provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises: a housing, which comprises a panel; a first processor and a second processor, which are arranged in the housing; and an expansion circuit board, which is pluggably connected to the panel. The expansion circuit board comprises a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is configured to couple to the first processor, and the second connector is configured to couple to the second processor; and the expansion circuit board is provided with a baseboard management controller, wherein the first connector and the second connector are each coupled to the baseboard management controller; alternatively, the first connector and the second connector are coupled to each other, and the first connector and the second connector are coupled to the baseboard management controller. The server can switch between a single-processor system and a multi-processor system, and the switching operation is relatively simple.

Description

server

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on February 21, 2025, with application number 202510208191.9 and entitled "Server", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of server technology, specifically to a server. Background Technology

[0003] A server is a device that provides computing services. Server systems can include single-processor systems with a single processor or multi-processor systems with multiple processors. Single-processor systems and multi-processor systems can be applied to different business applications. However, it is difficult to convert between single-processor systems and multi-processor systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a server that is easy to convert between single-processor and multi-processor systems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a server, the server comprising: a housing, a first processor, a second processor, and an expansion circuit board, wherein both the first processor and the second processor are disposed within the housing. The expansion circuit board has a first connector and a second connector, the housing includes a panel, and the expansion circuit board can be plugged into and detachably connected to the panel via the first connector and the second connector. When the expansion circuit board is plugged into the panel, the first connector is coupled to the first processor, and the second connector is coupled to the second processor.

[0006] The expansion circuit board also includes a baseboard management controller. The first connector and the second connector can be coupled to the baseboard management controller, respectively. Thus, the first processor and the second processor are respectively coupled to the baseboard management controller, forming one single-processor system, and the second processor and the baseboard management controller form another single-processor system. These two single-processor systems can be used for different services, increasing the server's service capacity.

[0007] Alternatively, the first connector and the second connector are coupled to couple the first processor and the second processor and achieve memory consistency. Furthermore, the first connector and the second connector are also coupled to the baseboard management controller. Thus, the first processor, the second processor, and the baseboard management controller together form a multiprocessor system, improving the server's performance and efficiency.

[0008] With the above settings, the server can switch between single-processor and multi-processor systems, and the switching operation is relatively simple. Furthermore, there's no need to design separate servers for single-processor and multi-processor systems, reducing design and development work and saving labor costs. At the same time, it avoids using separate servers for single-processor and multi-processor systems, reducing procurement and maintenance costs.

[0009] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the expansion circuit board is provided with a storage device, which is coupled to the baseboard management controller. When the first connector and the second connector are respectively coupled to the baseboard management controller, the storage device stores first configuration information. When the first connector and the second connector are coupled and the first connector and the second connector are coupled to the baseboard management controller, the storage device stores second configuration information. The server also includes a programmable logic device, which is coupled to the baseboard management controller. The programmable logic device is used to acquire the first configuration information or the second configuration information and control the first processor and the second processor according to the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

[0010] With the above settings, the server can be automatically configured as a single-processor system or a multi-processor system based on the information stored in the storage device.

[0011] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the programmable logic device controls the first processor to be a single-processor system and controls the second processor to be a single-processor system according to the first configuration information, and the programmable logic device controls the first processor and the second processor to be connected in parallel to form a multi-processor system according to the second configuration information.

[0012] With the above settings, the server can be automatically configured as a single-processor system or a multi-processor system based on the information stored in the storage device.

[0013] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the server includes a third connector and a fourth connector, which are disposed on a panel; the third connector is coupled to a first processor, the fourth connector is coupled to a second processor, the first connector is pluggable to the third connector, and the second connector is pluggable to the fourth connector.

[0014] With the above configuration, the expansion circuit board and the panel are pluggable and detachable via the first connector, the second connector, the third connector, and the fourth connector.

[0015] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the expansion circuit board includes wires coupled to a first connector and a substrate management controller, and coupled to a second connector and a substrate management controller; or, the wires are coupled to the first connector and the second connector, and both the first connector and the second connector are coupled to the substrate management controller via wires.

[0016] By changing the connection position of the wires as described above, the server can switch between single-processor and multi-processor systems, and the switching operation is relatively simple.

[0017] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the expansion circuit board includes a first expansion circuit board and a second expansion circuit board, which are respectively pluggably connected to the panel. On the first expansion circuit board, a first connector and a second connector are respectively coupled to the substrate management controller. On the second expansion circuit board, the first connector and the second connector are coupled, and the first connector and the second connector are coupled to the substrate management controller.

[0018] With the above settings, the server can switch between a single-processor system and a multi-processor system by plugging in the first expansion circuit board or the second expansion circuit board, and the switching operation is relatively simple.

[0019] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the server may further include a motherboard, and both the first processor and the second processor are disposed on the motherboard.

[0020] In some embodiments that may include the above-described examples, the server includes a first motherboard and a second motherboard, with a first processor disposed on the first motherboard and a second processor disposed on the second motherboard. This configuration reduces the design and development work of the motherboards, saving labor costs.

[0021] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, there may be multiple first processors connected in series.

[0022] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, there may be multiple second processors connected in series.

[0023] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the expansion circuit board further includes a peripheral connector coupled to a first connector or a second connector, the peripheral connector being used for coupling with an external device. This configuration facilitates coupling of external devices with the server and allows the server to be coupled with more external devices. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the cabinet in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the server in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the server shown in Figure 2 from another angle;

[0027] Figure 4 is a structural diagram of the server and peripherals in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of the server and peripherals in another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the server and peripherals in another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 is a structural diagram of the first expansion circuit board in one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of the second expansion circuit board in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 9 is a flowchart of starting the server in one embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Cabinet; 2. Reception slot; 10. Server; 100. Housing; 110. Front panel; 111. Connector slot; 120. Back panel; 121. Power interface; 130. Top panel; 140. Bottom panel; 150. First side panel; 160. Second side panel; 200. Motherboard; 210. First motherboard; 220. Second motherboard; 310. First processor; 320. Second processor; 400. Fan; 500. Peripheral connector; 510. Third connector; 520. Fourth connector; 600. Expansion board; 610. First expansion board; 620. Second expansion board; 630. First connector; 640. Second connector; 700. Baseboard management controller; 800. Wire; 900. Cable routing; 20. External device; 21. Lift card bracket; 22. Hard drive backplate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all possible embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0036] As used herein, terms such as “equal,” “parallel,” and “perpendicular” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “equal” includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate equality may be, for example, a difference between the two equal items less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the directional indications used to explain the structure and movement of different components, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are relative. These indications are appropriate when the components are in the positions shown in the figures. However, if the description of the component positions changes, these directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, a server room may be equipped with a rack 1, which can be used to house servers, communication equipment, network equipment, or power supply equipment. For example, the rack 1 may have multiple storage slots 2, which can be arranged along the height of the rack 1. Servers, communication equipment, network equipment, or power supply equipment can be housed in the storage slots 2.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, this application provides a server 10, which may include at least one of tower servers, rack servers, or blade servers. Of course, the server 10 in this application embodiment is not limited to tower servers, rack servers, or blade servers.

[0040] For ease of explanation, the width direction of server 10 is defined as the first direction x, the length direction of server 10 is defined as the second direction y, and the height direction of server 10 is defined as the third direction z. Understandably, the first direction x and the second direction y intersect; for example, the first direction x and the second direction y can be perpendicular or approximately perpendicular. The plane containing the first direction x and the second direction y intersects the third direction z; for example, the third direction z is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the plane containing the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the server 10 includes a housing 100, which may include a front panel 110, a back panel 120, a top panel 130, a bottom panel 140, a first side panel 150, and a second side panel 160. The front panel 110 and the back panel 120 are spaced apart in a first direction x, and both may be perpendicular to the first direction x. The first side panel 150 and the second side panel 160 are spaced apart in a second direction y and are respectively connected between the front panel 110 and the back panel 120. The top panel 130 and the bottom panel 140 are spaced apart in a third direction z and are respectively connected between the front panel 110 and the back panel 120, and respectively connected between the first side panel 150 and the second side panel 160.

[0042] When the server 10 is housed in the rack 1 (as shown in Figure 1), the front panel 110 of the server 10 can be exposed in the housing slot 2 (as shown in Figure 1) and face the outside of the rack 1. The back panel 120 of the server 10 can be provided with a power interface 121, through which the server 10 can be connected to an external power cord.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4, server 10 includes a motherboard 200, a first processor 310, and a second processor 320. Both the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are mounted on the motherboard 200, which is housed within a casing 100, allowing the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 to be housed within the casing 100. Both the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 can be Central Processing Units (CPUs). For example, the motherboard 200, which houses the first processor 310 or the second processor 320, can also be referred to as a node board.

[0044] In some implementations, server 10 may have a motherboard 200, on which the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are both located.

[0045] In some other implementations, server 10 may have two motherboards 200, with a first processor 310 located on one of the two motherboards 200 and a second processor 320 located on the other of the two motherboards 200.

[0046] For example, the two motherboards 200 may include a first motherboard 210 and a second motherboard 220, that is, the server 10 may include a first motherboard 210 and a second motherboard 220. A first processor 310 may be located on the first motherboard 210, and a second processor 320 may be located on the second motherboard 220. The first motherboard 210 and the second motherboard 220 may be arranged in a second direction y. Alternatively, the first motherboard 210 and the second motherboard 220 may also be stacked along a third direction z.

[0047] The structure of the motherboard 200 in the first motherboard 210 can be the same as that in the second motherboard 220. This reduces the design and development work of the motherboard 200 and saves manpower costs.

[0048] There may be one first processor 310, or there may be two or more first processors 310. When there are multiple first processors 310, the multiple first processors 310 can be connected in series so that the multiple first processors 310 can process the business together.

[0049] There may be one second processor 320, or there may be two or more second processors 320. When there are multiple second processors 320, they can be connected in series so that they can jointly process services. The number of first processors 310 may be equal to the number of second processors 320.

[0050] Server 10 includes peripheral connector 500, which may include at least one of the following connectors: board-to-board connectors, edge connectors, pin headers, or input / output interfaces.

[0051] Peripheral connector 500 can be coupled to the first processor 310 or the second processor 320. For example, peripheral connector 500 can be coupled to the first processor 310 or the second processor 320 via trace 900 on motherboard 200; or, peripheral connector 500 can be coupled to the first processor 310 or the second processor 320 via wire 800.

[0052] Both the wire 800 and the trace 900 on the motherboard 200 can be used to transmit high-speed bus signals. The server 10 can be coupled to the external device 20 through the peripheral connector 500. The external device 20 may include at least one of the following: hard drive, riser card, memory, sound card, network card, hardware firewall, mouse or keyboard.

[0053] In one example, the peripheral connector 500 may be located on the motherboard 200, and the external device 20 may be located inside the housing 100 and coupled to the motherboard 200 and electronic components on the motherboard 200, such as the first processor 310 or the second processor 320, through the peripheral connector 500 on the motherboard 200.

[0054] For example, in an example where external device 20 includes a booster card, the booster card includes a booster circuit board and a booster card bracket 21, with the booster circuit board mounted on the booster card bracket 21. The booster circuit board can be plugged into a peripheral connector 500 on the motherboard 200, thereby coupling with the motherboard 200, and the booster circuit board can be perpendicular to the motherboard 200. When the booster circuit board is plugged into the motherboard 200, the booster card bracket 21 can be mounted on the housing 100 of the server 10, with at least a portion of the booster card bracket 21 exposed on the backplane 120.

[0055] The booster circuit board is equipped with a booster card connector, and other external devices 20, such as sound cards, network cards or hard drives, can be coupled to the motherboard 200 through the booster card connector, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the space inside the housing 100 and enabling the server 10 to be coupled to more external devices 20.

[0056] In another example, the peripheral connector 500 can be disposed on the panel 110, and the peripheral connector 500 on the panel 110 is coupled to the motherboard 200. The external device 20 can be disposed outside the housing 100 and coupled to the motherboard 200 through the peripheral connector 500 on the panel 110. For example, the peripheral connector 500 can be exposed on the panel 110. Alternatively, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the panel 110 can be provided with a socket 111, which includes an opening and a bottom located within the socket 111 and facing the opening. The peripheral connector 500 can be disposed on the bottom of the socket 111.

[0057] In the example where the external device 20 includes a hard drive, the hard drive can be inserted into the connector slot 111 through the slot opening and connected to the peripheral connector 500 located at the bottom of the slot, thereby coupling with the motherboard 200 to achieve functions such as data storage. The hard drive may include a hard drive body and a hard drive backplate 22. The hard drive body is mounted on the hard drive backplate 22. When the hard drive is inserted into the connector slot 111, the hard drive body is connected to the peripheral connector 500, and the hard drive backplate 22 is exposed in the slot opening of the connector slot 111.

[0058] In the above example, there can be multiple slots 111, each of which can accommodate a hard drive or other external device 20. For example, the multiple slots 111 can be arranged along the second direction y; or, the multiple slots 111 can be arranged along the third direction z; or, the multiple slots 111 can be arranged in an array along the second direction y and the third direction z.

[0059] In another example, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the peripheral connector 500 can be located on the back panel 120. The peripheral connector 500 on the back panel 120 is coupled to the motherboard 200. The external device 20 can be located outside the housing 100 and coupled to the motherboard 200 through the peripheral connector 500 on the back panel 120.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, server 10 includes a fan 400, which is disposed within housing 100. The fan 400 and motherboard 200 can be arranged in a first direction x, with the fan 400 positioned between panel 110 and motherboard 200. The fan 400 drives airflow to dissipate heat from the motherboard 200, first processor 310, and second processor 320. This application embodiment does not limit the number of fans 400; there may be one, two, or more fans 400.

[0061] Server 10 includes an expansion circuit board 600 having a first connector 630 and a second connector 640. For example, the expansion circuit board 600 may include a circuit board body, which may include at least one of a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board. The first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are disposed on the circuit board body.

[0062] Both the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 may include at least one of the following connectors: board-to-board connector, gold finger connector, pin header / female header connector, or I / O interface. The expansion board 600 is configured to be coupled to the motherboard 200 via the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. For example, the first connector 630 is configured to be coupled to the first processor 310, and the second connector 640 is configured to be coupled to the second processor 320.

[0063] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 5. The peripheral connector 500 may include a third connector 510 and a fourth connector 520. Both the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 may include at least one of the following connectors: board-to-board connector, gold finger connector, pin header connector, or I / O interface.

[0064] The third connector 510 is coupled to the first processor 310. For example, the third connector 510 can be coupled to the first processor 310 via a peripheral connector 500 on the motherboard 200. The fourth connector 520 is coupled to the second processor 320. For example, the fourth connector 520 can be coupled to the second processor 320 via a peripheral connector 500 on the motherboard 200. Thus, the first connector 630 can be coupled to the first processor 310 via the third connector 510, and the second connector 640 can be coupled to the second processor 320 via the fourth connector 520.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first connector 630 may be pluggably connected to the third connector 510, and the second connector 640 may be pluggably connected to the fourth connector 520.

[0066] In one example, the first connector 630 and the third connector 510 can be pluggably connected to a board-to-board connector via a gold finger connector. For example, the first connector 630 can be a gold finger connector, and correspondingly, the third connector 510 can be a board-to-board connector; or, the first connector 630 can be a board-to-board connector, and correspondingly, the third connector 510 can be a gold finger connector.

[0067] In another example, the first connector 630 and the third connector 510 can be pluggably connected via a pin header and female header connector. For example, the first connector 630 can be a pin header in a pin header and female header connector, and the third connector 510 can be a female header in a pin header and female header connector; or, the first connector 630 can be a female header in a pin header and female header connector, and the third connector 510 can be a pin header in a pin header and female header connector.

[0068] The pluggable connection method of the second connector 640 and the fourth connector 520 can be the same as that of the first connector 630 and the third connector 510, and will not be repeated here. Of course, in the example of this application, the first connector 630, the second connector 640, the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 are not limited to gold finger connectors, board-to-board connectors or pin headers and female headers, as long as they can achieve a pluggable connection between the first connector 630 and the third connector 510, and a pluggable connection between the second connector 640 and the fourth connector 520.

[0069] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 5, in the above embodiments, both the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 can be located on the motherboard 200, thereby allowing the expansion circuit board 600 to be pluggably connected to the motherboard 200 via the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. Alternatively, both the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 can be located on the back panel 120, thereby allowing the expansion circuit board 600 to be pluggably connected to the back panel 120 via the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. Or, both the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 can be located on the front panel 110, thereby allowing the expansion circuit board 600 to be pluggably connected to the front panel 110 via the first connector 630 and the second connector 640.

[0070] In one example, the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 can be exposed on the panel 110, and the expansion circuit board 600 is exposed on the panel 110 when it is plugged in. In another example, the third connector 510 and the fourth connector 520 can be located at the bottom of the insertion slot 111, and the expansion circuit board 600 is located inside the insertion slot 111 when it is plugged in. This arrangement facilitates the user's insertion and removal of the expansion circuit board 600. When the server 10 is located in the receiving slot 2 (as shown in Figure 1), the panel 110 is exposed in the receiving slot 2, and the expansion circuit board 600 is pluggable to the panel 110, facilitating user operation.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the expansion circuit board 600 also includes a Baseboard Manager Controller (BMC) 700, which is coupled to both the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. When the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the baseboard manager controller 700 is coupled to the motherboard 200.

[0072] Therefore, the baseboard management controller 700 can collect information about the hardware in the server 10, such as temperature information of the first processor 310 or the second processor 320, or speed information of the fan 400 (as shown in Figure 4); the baseboard management controller 700 can also remotely control the server 10 to power on / off or restart the server system. This application embodiment does not limit the number of baseboard management controllers 700. For example, two baseboard management controllers 700 can be provided, and the two baseboard management controllers 700 can be coupled to the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 respectively.

[0073] In one embodiment, referring to FIG5, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are not coupled, but are coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. Thus, when the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. One first processor 310 can form a single-processor system with the baseboard management controller 700, and one second processor 320 can form another single-processor system with the baseboard management controller 700.

[0074] In another embodiment, referring to FIG6, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled together, and both the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled to the baseboard management controller 700.

[0075] For example, the first connector 630 is coupled to the substrate management controller 700, and the first connector 630 is also coupled to the second connector 640, so that the second connector 640 can be coupled to the substrate manager through the first connector 630.

[0076] Alternatively, the second connector 640 is coupled to the substrate management controller 700, and the second connector 640 is also coupled to the first connector 630, so that the first connector 630 can be coupled to the substrate manager through the second connector 640.

[0077] With the above configuration, when the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are coupled through the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. The first processor 310 and the second processor 320 can synchronize data to achieve memory consistency. Furthermore, both the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. The first processor 310 and the second processor 320 can be considered to be connected in parallel to the baseboard management controller 700. One first processor 310, one second processor 320, and the baseboard management controller 700 can together form a multiprocessor system with two processors.

[0078] The server 10 provided in this embodiment includes a housing 100, a first processor 310, a second processor 320, and an expansion circuit board 600. Both the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are housed within the housing 100. The expansion circuit board 600 has a first connector 630 and a second connector 640. The housing 100 includes a panel 110. The expansion circuit board 600 can be plugged into and detached from the panel 110 via the first connector 630 and the second connector 640. When the expansion circuit board 600 is plugged into the panel 110, the first connector 630 is coupled to the first processor 310, and the second connector 640 is coupled to the second processor 320.

[0079] The expansion circuit board 600 also includes a baseboard management controller 700. The first connector 630 and the second connector 640 can be coupled to the baseboard management controller 700, respectively. Thus, the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 are respectively coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. The first processor 310 and the baseboard management controller 700 form one single-processor system, and the second processor 320 and the baseboard management controller 700 form another single-processor system. The two single-processor systems can be applied to different services, increasing the service capacity of the server 10.

[0080] Alternatively, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled to couple the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 and achieve memory consistency. Furthermore, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are also coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. Thus, the first processor 310, the second processor 320, and the baseboard management controller 700 together form a multiprocessor system, improving the performance and efficiency of the server 10.

[0081] With the above configuration, server 10 can switch between single-processor and multi-processor systems, and the switching operation is relatively simple. Furthermore, there is no need to design separate single-processor and multi-processor server 10 systems, reducing design and development work and saving manpower costs. At the same time, it avoids using separate single-processor and multi-processor server 10 systems, reducing procurement and maintenance costs.

[0082] Of course, server 10 may also include a third processor. Correspondingly, expansion board 600 also includes a fifth connector, through which baseboard management controller 700 can be coupled to the third processor. The third processor can form a single-processor system with baseboard management controller 700; or, the third processor can form a multi-processor system together with first processor 310, second processor 320 and baseboard management controller 700.

[0083] In some implementations, the first connector 630 and the baseboard management controller 700, the second connector 640 and the baseboard management controller 700, and the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 can be coupled via wires 800. Exemplarily, the wires 800 can be detachably connected to the first connector 630, the second connector 640, or the baseboard management controller 700 via terminals or alligator clips. The wires 800 can be used to transmit high-speed bus signals.

[0084] In other implementations, the first connector 630 and the baseboard management controller 700, the second connector 640 and the baseboard management controller 700, and the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 can all be coupled via traces 900 on the expansion circuit board 600. The traces 900 on the expansion circuit board 600 can be used to transmit high-speed bus signals.

[0085] In one embodiment, server 10 may include an expansion circuit board 600. Exemplarily, expansion circuit board 600 may have a first conductor and a second conductor, both of which are detachably connected to a first connector 630, a second connector 640, or a baseboard management controller 700. Thus, the coupling relationship between the first connector 630, the second connector 640, and the baseboard management controller 700 can be changed via the first and second conductors.

[0086] For example, the two ends of the first wire can be detachably connected to the first connector 630 and the baseboard management controller 700, respectively, to couple the first connector 630 and the baseboard management controller 700; the two ends of the second wire can be detachably connected to the second connector 640 and the baseboard management controller 700, respectively, to couple the second connector 640 and the baseboard management controller 700. Thus, when the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the first processor 310 and the baseboard management controller 700 form a single-processor system, and the second processor 320 and the baseboard management controller 700 form another single-processor system.

[0087] Alternatively, both ends of the first wire can be detachably connected to the first connector 630 and the second connector 640, respectively, to couple the first connector 630 and the second connector 640; one end of the second wire can be detachably connected to the baseboard management controller 700, and the other end of the second wire can be detachably connected to either the first connector 630 or the second connector 640, to couple the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 to the baseboard management controller 700. Thus, when the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the first processor 310, the second processor 320, and the baseboard management controller 700 together form a multiprocessor system.

[0088] With the above settings, the server 10 can switch between a single-processor system and a multi-processor system by changing the connection position of the wire 800, and the switching operation is relatively simple.

[0089] In another embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 7, and 8, server 10 may include two expansion circuit boards 600. For example, expansion circuit boards 600 may include a first expansion circuit board 610 and a second expansion circuit board 620. Both the first expansion circuit board 610 and the second expansion circuit board 620 include a first connector 630, a second connector 640, and a baseboard management controller 700. The first expansion circuit board 610 and the second expansion circuit board 620 are respectively pluggably connected to panel 110, thereby being coupled to motherboard 200.

[0090] On the first expansion circuit board 610, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are respectively coupled to the baseboard management controller 700. Thus, when the first expansion circuit board 610 is plugged into the panel 110, the first processor 310 and the baseboard management controller 700 form a single-processor system, and the second processor 320 and the baseboard management controller 700 form another single-processor system.

[0091] On the second expansion circuit board 620, the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled together, and at least one of the first connector 630 or the second connector 640 is also coupled to the substrate management controller 700. Thus, when the second expansion circuit board 620 is plugged into the panel 110, the first processor 310, the second processor 320, and the substrate management controller 700 together form a multiprocessor system.

[0092] With the above settings, the server 10 can switch between a single-processor system and a multi-processor system by plugging in the first expansion circuit board 610 or the second expansion circuit board 620, and the switching operation is relatively simple.

[0093] In one embodiment, multiple first processors 310 and multiple second processors 320 are provided. Thus, when the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, multiple first processors 310 can be coupled to the baseboard management controller 700 to form a multiprocessor system, and multiple second processors 320 can be coupled to the baseboard management controller 700 to form another multiprocessor system. The two multiprocessor systems can be applied to different services respectively; or, multiple first processors 310, multiple second processors 320 and the baseboard management controller 700 can jointly form a multiprocessor system, improving the performance and efficiency of the server 10.

[0094] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the peripheral connector 500 may be disposed on the expansion circuit board 600. For example, it may be disposed on at least one of the first expansion circuit board 610 or the second expansion circuit board 620. The peripheral connector 500 may be coupled to at least one of the first connector 630 or the second connector 640. When the expansion circuit board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, for example, when the expansion circuit board 600 is plugged into the panel 110, the external device 20 can be coupled to the motherboard 200 through the peripheral connector 500 on the expansion circuit board 600. This facilitates the coupling of the external device 20 to the server 10 and allows the server 10 to be coupled to more external devices 20.

[0095] In one embodiment, the expansion circuit board 600 is provided with a storage device, which may include at least one of electronic components such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory. The storage device is used to store configuration information, for example, the configuration information may include first configuration information or second configuration information. The storage device is coupled to a baseboard management controller 700, which obtains the configuration information through the storage device.

[0096] Server 10 also includes a Complex Programming Logic Device (CPLD), which may be located on motherboard 200 and coupled to motherboard 200, first processor 310, and second processor 320. In embodiments where motherboard 200 includes a first motherboard 210 and a second motherboard 220, the CPLD may include a first CPLD and a second CPLD. The first CPLD may be located on the first motherboard 210 and coupled to the first motherboard 210 and the first processor 310, while the second CPLD may be located on the second motherboard 220 and coupled to both the second motherboard 220 and the second processor 320.

[0097] When the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are respectively coupled to the baseboard management controller 700, the memory stores the first configuration information. When the expansion board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the programmable logic device is coupled to the baseboard management controller 700 and obtains the first configuration information through the baseboard management controller 700. The programmable logic device can control the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 according to the first configuration information. For example, the programmable logic device can control the first processor 310 and the baseboard management controller 700 to form a single-processor system, and control the second processor 320 and the baseboard management controller 700 to form a single-processor system according to the first configuration information.

[0098] When the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled, and both the first connector 630 and the second connector 640 are coupled to the baseboard management controller 700, the storage device stores the second configuration information. When the expansion board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the programmable logic device is coupled to the baseboard management controller 700 and obtains the second configuration information through the baseboard management controller 700. The programmable logic device can control the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 according to the second configuration information. For example, the programmable logic device can control the first processor 310, the second processor 320, and the baseboard management controller 700 to form a multiprocessor system according to the second configuration information.

[0099] With the above settings, server 10 can be automatically configured as a single-processor system or a multi-processor system based on the configuration information stored in the storage device.

[0100] In an example where there is only one expansion circuit board 600, a storage device may be provided. The configuration of the storage device can be modified to store first configuration information or second configuration information. In an example where the expansion circuit board 600 includes a first expansion circuit board 610 and a second expansion circuit board 620, the storage device may include a first storage device and a second storage device. The first storage device may be located on the first expansion circuit board 610 and store the first configuration information, and the second storage device may be located on the second expansion circuit board 620 and store the second configuration information.

[0101] In the above example, the expansion board 600 may further include a communication device, which may include at least one of electronic components such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic device. The communication device is coupled to a memory device and is also coupled to at least one of a first connector 630 or a second connector 640. When the expansion board 600 is coupled to the motherboard 200, the communication device can obtain configuration information through the memory device, and the programmable logic device can obtain configuration information through the communication device.

[0102] Based on the above structure, referring to Figure 9, the steps to start server 10 may include:

[0103] S100, server powered on;

[0104] S200, the baseboard management controller, or the communication device obtains configuration information through the storage device;

[0105] S300: Programmable logic devices obtain configuration information through a baseboard management controller or communication equipment;

[0106] S400, motherboard powered on;

[0107] S500: Determine whether the configuration information is the first configuration information or the second configuration information;

[0108] If the configuration information is the first configuration information:

[0109] S511: The first processor and the second processor are powered on and started up; the programmable logic device controls the first processor and the second processor to be reset.

[0110] After both the first processor 310 and the second processor 320 have completed their resets:

[0111] S512, the programmable logic device sends "ready" to the board management controller;

[0112] The content sent here is not limited to "ready".

[0113] S513. Determine whether all programmable logic devices have sent "Ready";

[0114] If not: The substrate management controller 700 returns to step S513 after waiting for a certain period of time. Here, there is no limit to the waiting time of the substrate management controller 700.

[0115] if:

[0116] S514, The baseboard management controller sends a start signal to the programmable logic device;

[0117] S515, the programmable logic device controls the first processor and the second processor to simultaneously de-reset and establish a memory-consistent connection between the first processor and the second processor.

[0118] If the configuration information is the second configuration information:

[0119] S521, the first processor and the second processor power on and start up;

[0120] S600: Initialize external devices, load external device firmware, and load server operating system;

[0121] S700, startup complete.

[0122] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some or as many of the technical features as possible; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A server, characterized by The server comprises: a housing comprising a panel; a first processor and a second processor arranged in the housing; and an expansion circuit board pluggably connected with the panel; the expansion circuit board comprises a first connector and a second connector, the first connector is configured to be coupled with the first processor, and the second connector is configured to be coupled with the second processor; wherein a baseboard management controller is arranged on the expansion circuit board, and the first connector and the second connector are respectively coupled with the baseboard management controller; or the first connector and the second connector are coupled, and the first connector and the second connector are coupled with the baseboard management controller. A storage device is arranged on the expansion circuit board, and the storage device is coupled with the baseboard management controller; 2. The server of claim 1, wherein, in the case that the first connector and the second connector are respectively coupled with the baseboard management controller, the storage device stores first configuration information; in the case that the first connector and the second connector are coupled, and the first connector and the second connector are coupled with the baseboard management controller, the storage device stores second configuration information; The server further comprises a programmable logic device coupled with the baseboard management controller, the programmable logic device is used to acquire the first configuration information or the second configuration information, and control the first processor and the second processor according to the first configuration information and the second configuration information. The programmable logic device controls the first processor to be a single-processor system according to the first configuration information, and controls the second processor to be a single-processor system; 3. The server of claim 2, wherein, The programmable logic device controls the first processor and the second processor in parallel to be a multi-processor system according to the second configuration information. The server comprises a third connector and a fourth connector, the third connector and the fourth connector are arranged on the panel; the third connector is coupled with the first processor, and the fourth connector is coupled with the second processor; 4. The server of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first connector is pluggably connected with the third connector, and the second connector is pluggably connected with the fourth connector. The expansion circuit board comprises a wire, the wire couples the first connector and the baseboard management controller, and couples the second connector and the baseboard management controller; 5. The server of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, or, The wire couples the first connector and the second connector, and the first connector and the second connector are both coupled with the baseboard management controller through the wire. The expansion circuit board comprises a first expansion circuit board and a second expansion circuit board, the first expansion circuit board and the second expansion circuit board are respectively pluggably connected with the panel; 6. The server of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, On the first expansion circuit board, the first connector and the second connector are respectively coupled with the baseboard management controller; On the second expansion circuit board, the first connector and the second connector are coupled, and the first connector and the second connector are coupled with the baseboard management controller. ​ 7. The server of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The server further comprises a mainboard, and the first processor and the second processor are arranged on the mainboard.

8. The server of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The server comprises a first mainboard and a second mainboard, the first processor is arranged on the first mainboard, and the second processor is arranged on the second mainboard.

9. The server of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first processor is a plurality of processors, and the plurality of first processors are connected in series; and / or, The second processor is a plurality of processors, and the plurality of second processors are connected in series.

10. The server of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The expansion circuit board further comprises a peripheral connector, the peripheral connector is coupled with the first connector or the second connector, and the peripheral connector is used for coupling with an external device.

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