Configurable System Board Riser Card Socket Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
High availability devices require flexible configuration within limited enclosure space, necessitating efficient use of components and space in IT infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The IT device includes a system board with a riser card socket, expansion card slots, and a controller assembly that can energize expansion card slots even when the riser card is empty, utilizing a switch assembly and multiplexer to route data and enable PCI Express expansion cards, facilitating configuration flexibility and spatial efficiency in high availability storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a riser card is installed in the riser card socket to provide expansion card slots, then the device achieves configuration flexibility, but the enclosure space is reduced and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the riser card socket functionality directly into the system board by providing expansion card slots that are electrically coupled to the system board without requiring a separate riser card. The controller assembly integrates the logic to detect riser card presence and control expansion card slot operation, combining what would traditionally be separate components (riser card, system board, controller) into a more compact integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system board is designed with universal expansion card slots that can function both when a riser card is present and when it is absent. The controller assembly provides multi-functionality by detecting the riser card presence and automatically configuring the expansion card slots to work in either mode, making the system adaptable to different configuration scenarios without requiring separate hardware for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a riser card is installed to enable expansion card slots, then the device achieves configuration flexibility, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller assembly merges the functionality of detecting riser card presence and controlling expansion card slot operation into a single integrated component. Rather than requiring separate control logic and detection mechanisms, the controller assembly handles both functions, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic detection and configuration. The controller assembly automatically detects whether a riser card is present in the socket and autonomously configures the expansion card slots to operate appropriately without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. This self-configuration capability reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for manual setup procedures.
3Reliability
If expansion card slots are energized only when a riser card is present, then the device operates in a controlled manner, but the configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic operation where the controller assembly continuously monitors riser card presence and automatically adjusts the operational state of the expansion card slots in real-time. When a riser card is detected, the controller enables the expansion card slots; when absent, it disables them. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain operational control while providing configuration flexibility across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller assembly implements feedback by detecting the presence or absence of a riser card and using this information to control the energizing state of the expansion card slots. The system continuously monitors the riser card socket status and adjusts its operation accordingly, ensuring reliable controlled operation while maintaining the ability to adapt to different configuration scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An IT device includes a system board and a riser card socket electrically coupled to the system board and configured to receive a riser card. At least one expansion card slot is electrically coupled to the system board and configured to receive at least one expansion card. A controller assembly is electrically coupled to the system board and configured to energize the at least one expansion card slot while the riser card socket is empty.