Enhanced SAS Connector Design for Data Center Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face limitations in throughput and latency due to the capabilities of SAS and SATA interfaces, and the form factor constraints of PCIe SSDs, which hinder efficient data transfer and hot-plug capabilities, especially in data center environments where airflow and cooling are critical.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) connector design that includes additional signal pins and lanes, allowing for selective data transfer over PCIe or SAS paths, enabling improved connectivity and compatibility with both SAS and PCIe devices while maintaining airflow and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional SAS or SATA interfaces are used, then device compatibility is maintained, but data transmission throughput is limited and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SAS and PCIe connectors into a single unified connector that supports both interface types simultaneously. This merging allows the system to leverage the high throughput of PCIe while maintaining SAS compatibility, thereby increasing data transmission throughput and reducing latency without sacrificing device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector is designed to serve multiple functions by supporting both SAS and PCIe interfaces through a single physical connection point. This multi-functionality enables the system to achieve higher performance when PCIe capability is needed while maintaining broad device compatibility, effectively resolving the contradiction between throughput and compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCIe SSDs are placed in 2.5 inch form factor, then system design flexibility improves, but airflow and cooling efficiency deteriorate due to blocked vent holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SAS and PCIe connectors into a single unified connector design. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connector locations, allowing PCIe SSDs to be positioned in the 2.5 inch form factor without blocking cooling vents, thus maintaining both form factor flexibility and cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector design changes the spatial arrangement by integrating multiple connector functions into a single three-dimensional structure. This dimensional integration allows PCIe devices to be co-located with SAS devices in the same form factor while maintaining proper airflow paths for cooling
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical connectors are provided for SAS and PCIe devices, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and airflow blocking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical connectors (SAS and PCIe) into a single unified connector. This consolidation maintains device compatibility by supporting both interface types while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and their associated mounting and routing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector is designed with universal functionality to support both SAS and PCIe interfaces through a single connection point. This multi-functionality achieves device compatibility without the complexity of multiple separate connectors, as the single connector handles both interface types through integrated signal paths
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for improving connections to an information handling system are disclosed. An enhanced serial attached small computer system interface for an information handling system includes a receptacle which is connectable to an information handling system and a connector which is connectable to the receptacle. The connector comprises a first set of signal pins positioned on a first planar surface of the connector and a second set of signal pins positioned on a second planar surface of the connector. The second planar surface is not co-planar with the first planar surface. The connector further includes a third set of signal pins positioned on a third planar surface of the connector and the third planar surface is not co-planar with the first planar surface and the second planar surface.