Blade Server Power Management via Chassis Controller Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional blade server chassis struggle to manage power usage levels efficiently, particularly when new generation blades with higher power consumption are added, leading to the inability of newer blades to operate due to exceeding the chassis's power supply capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the chassis controller assesses the possible power usage levels of new blades and allows operation at a power level that keeps the total chassis power usage below its maximum capacity, utilizing multiple performance modes and configuration options to optimize power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If new generation blades with higher power consumption are added to existing chassis, then blade performance and capability are improved, but the total power usage exceeds the chassis power supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts blade power usage levels based on real-time assessment of chassis power capacity. The chassis controller evaluates the power consumption of new blades and automatically selects appropriate power usage levels that keep total consumption within chassis limits, allowing blades to operate at reduced power levels when necessary to maintain system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power usage parameter of blades by introducing multiple discrete power usage levels (e.g., level 1, level 2, level 3 corresponding to different power consumption tiers). The chassis controller assigns specific power usage levels to blades based on their power consumption characteristics and the overall chassis power capacity, enabling flexible power management across mixed blade generations
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chassis controllers are used with mixed blade generations, then system compatibility is maintained, but new blades cannot operate when power capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis controller continuously monitors and assesses the total power usage level of all blades in the chassis. When a new blade is added or power usage changes, the controller evaluates the current state against the chassis power capacity and provides feedback by adjusting blade power usage levels or preventing power-on if capacity would be exceeded, enabling adaptive management of mixed blade generations
Solution Approach 2:
Before allowing a new blade to operate, the chassis controller performs a preliminary assessment of the blade's power consumption characteristics and evaluates whether the blade can be assigned a power usage level that keeps total chassis power consumption within capacity limits. This preliminary evaluation prevents power capacity violations before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for power usage level management of blades installed in blade servers. When a new blade added is to a blade server, possible power usage levels for the new blade are assessed to determine possible effects on the total power usage level of the chassis. By assessing the different power usage levels, the chassis controller can then make intelligent decisions as to the power usage levels at which new blades will be allowed to operate while still keeping within chassis power supply capabilities. Blade power usage levels can be based upon a variety of considerations, including processor performance modes and blade configuration options.