Hot-Pluggable I/O Annex Module With Watchdog Power Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems often require customers to purchase and install unnecessary power supplies and cooling fans for maximum configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as these components are not used in all installations due to optional interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A hot-pluggable I/O annex module with its own power conversion, cooling, and monitoring components that can be incrementally added to a storage processor assembly based on the use of optional interfaces, allowing for modular expansion and efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power supplies and cooling fans are designed for maximum configuration including optional interfaces, then the system can support all possible configurations, but customers incur unnecessary costs for unused components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into mandatory components (power supply, main cooling fan) and optional components (I/O annex module with its own power converter and cooling fans). The optional components are segmented into separate modules that can be added only when needed, allowing customers to pay for and consume power only for the functionality they actually use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is made dynamic and adjustable. Customers can choose to add or remove the I/O annex module based on their specific needs. The power consumption and cooling requirements dynamically adjust to match the actual configuration in use, rather than being fixed at maximum capacity.
2Reliability
If power supplies and cooling fans are designed for maximum configuration, then the system can handle peak loads, but customers pay for unused capacity in all installations
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling capacity is segmented into a main cooling system for the storage processor and an optional I/O annex cooling system. Each cooling system is sized appropriately for its specific load, so customers without I/O annex modules do not pay for or install unnecessary cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module (storage processor and I/O annex) has its own locally-appropriate power supply and cooling capacity. The I/O annex module includes its own power converter and cooling fans sized for its specific requirements, rather than all systems having uniformly oversized components.
3Ease of operation
If optional interface circuitry is included in all systems, then customers have immediate access to specialized functionality, but systems with less than maximum configuration waste resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the I/O annex module can be added or removed based on actual needs. This enables resource efficiency by ensuring that specialized interface functionality and its supporting components are present only when required, eliminating waste in systems that don't need these features.
4Loss of energy
If supporting components are added only when optional interfaces are utilized, then resource waste is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into independent, self-contained modules. The I/O annex module is a separate unit with its own power converter, cooling fans, and monitoring circuitry. This segmentation manages complexity by creating clear boundaries and independent units rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O annex module is designed as a universal, self-sufficient unit that can be added to any storage processor system. It comes with all necessary supporting components (power converter, cooling, monitoring) integrated into a single module, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added functionality.
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
Enables flexible and efficient use of resources by allowing customers to add supporting components only when needed, reducing waste and costs by integrating power and cooling components proportionally with the use of optional interface circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
at least one main cooling fan powered by the primary power and located adjacent to the storage processor mounting area to provide cooling airflow
Implementation Method 2
redundant I/O annex cooling fans that provide a cooling airflow to the I/O annex mounting area
Implementation Method 3
main power conversion circuitry that converts the primary power from the power source into main operating power for the interface circuitry
Implementation Method 4
auxiliary power conversion circuitry that converts the primary power from the power source into auxiliary power
Data Source
AI summary
A hot-pluggable I/O annex module of a storage processor assembly includes interface circuitry providing connections to an optional I/O interface module. The I/O annex module includes redundant cooling fans providing cooling airflow to an I/O annex mounting area, main power conversion circuitry for generating main operating power for the interface circuitry, auxiliary power conversion circuitry for generating auxiliary power, a controller for monitoring and controlling the operation of cooling fans; and monitoring circuitry powered by the auxiliary power for monitoring correct operation of the controller and, upon detecting incorrect operation, disabling the main power conversion circuitry. The monitoring circuitry includes a watchdog timer and a latch collectively operative to (i) determine if a controller status signal indicating correct operation of the controller does not toggle for a watch interval, and if so then (ii) enter an operating state in which the main power conversion circuitry is disabled and cannot be re-enabled except by cycling the primary power or removing and reinserting the I/O annex module to/from the storage processor assembly.