Gasket Module Optical Protocol Conversion for Drive Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hard disk drives with mechanical components are prone to failure, leading to the need for solid-state drives, but existing solutions for connecting logical drives to processor layers often require lengthy copper traces and involve complex switching layers, which are inefficient and physically challenging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-speed data connections using optical protocols and gasket modules that convert data from SAS or PCIe protocols to optical or electrical protocols, allowing direct connection of logical drives to processors and reducing the need for switching layers through optical multiplexing and data-rate multiplication, thereby minimizing the number of required fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional copper traces and switching layers are used to connect logical drives to processors, then the connection can be established, but the physical length becomes excessive and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical copper trace connections with optical fiber connections. Optical protocols are used to transmit data between logical drives and processors, eliminating the need for lengthy copper traces and complex switching layers. This substitution of electrical transmission with optical transmission resolves the contradiction by providing longer reach without increased complexity.
2Speed
If optical protocols are implemented for high-speed data transmission, then transmission speed and distance improve, but the need for protocol conversion and optical multiplexing increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket module is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical sealing between processor and storage devices, incorporates optical interfaces for high-speed data transmission, and includes protocol conversion capabilities. By integrating these diverse functions into a single universal component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high transmission speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket module acts as an intermediary component between logical drives and processors. It includes optical multiplexing capabilities that consolidate multiple data streams into fewer optical fibers, and protocol conversion features that translate between different interface standards. This intermediary role simplifies the connection architecture while enabling high-speed optical transmission.
3Device complexity
If direct connection of logical drives to processors is implemented, then switching layers are reduced, but the physical distance and signal transmission challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical fiber connections instead of electrical copper traces to bridge the physical distance between logical drives and processors. Optical protocols enable high-speed data transmission over longer distances without the signal degradation issues that plague electrical connections. This allows direct connections to be implemented even across greater physical separations, reducing the need for intermediate switching layers.
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 efficient, high-speed data transmission over longer distances without the need for complex switching layers, reducing physical constraints and improving reliability by using optical connections and data-rate multiplication to minimize fiber usage.
Implementation Method 1
converting the data to be transmitted via a second protocol. The second protocol is a high-speed proprietary or standard protocol... the second protocol includes an optical communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus may include receiving data from a first device. The data may be received via a first protocol. The method can also include converting the data to be transmitted via a second protocol. The second protocol may be a high-speed proprietary or standard protocol. The method can also include transmitting the data via the second protocol to a second device.