EHF Communication Devices for Server Rack Wireless Data Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face challenges with cabling issues such as 'spaghetti cabling' due to inflexible cable ports and limited space on server racks, which restricts scalability and increases maintenance complexity, and limits the number of cable ports that can be physically implemented.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of extremely high frequency (EHF) communication devices to form EHF electromagnetic communication channels within server racks, allowing for wireless data transfer between components, thereby reducing the need for physical cables and increasing bandwidth without the constraints of traditional cable ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cable ports are increased to increase bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but the number of cable ports that can be physically implemented is limited by space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidserver rack back panel space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic communication system. EHF communication devices transmit data wirelessly through electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for physical cables and cable ports. This substitution resolves the space constraint issue while providing high-bandwidth communication between rack mountable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional cable port arrangements on the back panel to three-dimensional wireless electromagnetic signal propagation through the rack space. EHF signals can penetrate through rack structures and communicate with devices on multiple sides simultaneously, effectively utilizing the three-dimensional space within the rack rather than being constrained to the two-dimensional back panel surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If cables are used for data transfer, then data transfer is established, but spaghetti cabling results in poor cooling from impeded air flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. EHF communication devices transmit data through electromagnetic waves, eliminating physical cables that obstruct airflow. This allows unimpeded air circulation through the rack for improved cooling efficiency while maintaining robust data transfer capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If cables are used for connection, then data transfer is enabled, but maintenance complexity increases due to cable management issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with wireless electromagnetic communication. EHF communication devices establish data transfer through electromagnetic signals without physical cables, eliminating the maintenance complexities associated with cable management, connections, and physical wear. This significantly reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining data transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables increased port density and scalability within server racks by providing high-bandwidth wireless communication, improving airflow and reducing maintenance complexities by eliminating cable-related issues, while maintaining efficient data transfer and management capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each EHF communication device converts between an EHF electromagnetic signal and an electrical data signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

components that use extremely high frequency (EHF) communication devices to form EHF electromagnetic communication channels for data transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS10673780B2Computing devices using extremely high frequency (EHF) electromagnetic communication

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 MOLEX INC

AI summary

A system, such as a server rack, includes rack mountable devices that communicate using one or more extremely high frequency (EHF) communication devices. A rack mountable device includes a rack mountable chassis including multiple sides, and a circuit board along a side of the rack mountable chassis, the circuit board having a surface. The EHF communication devices are positioned along the side of the rack mountable chassis and attached to the surface of the circuit board. Each of the EHF communication devices is configured to convert between an EHF electromagnetic signal and an electrical data signal. The EHF communication devices form EHF communication channels with other EHF communication devices in other rack mountable devices, or in the server rack to provide high bandwidth data transfer utilizing space on the sides of the rack mountable device.