Blade Server SMP Coupling via Firmware ID Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of blade server apparatus with an SMP coupling system faces challenges in signal transmission quality due to restrictive processor ID definitions and wiring lengths, particularly in 8-connection configurations, which lead to increased costs and delayed problem detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ID converter within the firmware to optimize connection destinations by converting processor IDs, reducing wiring lengths and improving signal transmission quality, and using ultra-low-loss materials for substrates to match the electrical characteristics of 4-connection type SMP coupling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If processor IDs are defined sequentially from left to right to satisfy apparatus specifications, then ease of operation is improved, but wiring length increases which deteriorates signal transmission quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ID conversion table as an intermediary mechanism that maps between the sequential processor IDs (easy to operate) and the optimal connection destinations (good signal quality). The conversion table acts as a mediator that translates the simple sequential numbering into the complex wiring pattern required for optimal signal transmission, allowing both requirements to coexist without direct conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wiring lines are extended to connect all 8 processors according to sequential ID arrangement, then adaptability is improved, but signal transmission quality deteriorates due to increased wiring length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter mapping between processor IDs and physical connection destinations. Instead of a direct one-to-one mapping based on sequential IDs, the system uses an ID conversion table that transforms the ID parameter into optimized connection parameters. This allows the system to maintain adaptability for 8 processors while using wiring patterns that optimize signal transmission quality by reducing effective wiring length.
3Reliability
If ultra-low-loss materials are used for 8-connection type substrates to maintain signal quality, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal quality optimization function from the physical substrate material and relocates it to the logical ID conversion layer. Instead of relying on expensive ultra-low-loss materials to maintain signal quality, the system uses a software-based ID conversion table that achieves the same effect virtually. This allows standard, cheaper materials to be used while maintaining equivalent signal transmission quality through intelligent routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A blade server apparatus including a plurality of server modules, a backplane for mounting the plurality of server modules thereon, and an SMP coupling device having wiring lines to SMP couple the plurality of server modules. Each of the server modules has one or more processors controlled by firmware and a module manager for managing its own server module, the module manager has an ID determiner for informing each processor of a processor ID, each processor has a processing unit and an SMP virtual connecting unit for instructing ones of wiring lines of the SMP coupling device through which a packet received from the processing unit is to be transmitted, and an ID converter for converting the processor ID and informing it to the SMP virtual connecting unit is provided within the firmware.