Interchangeable I/O Modules with Universal Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular server systems lack flexibility and complexity in inventory management due to their design, which requires either discrete dedicated I/O devices per server or shared common I/O devices, limiting the ability to interchange different types of I/O modules and not allowing for per-server differences in I/O devices or system speed.
Innovation Solution
A generic I/O bay in a server that can host interchangeable I/O modules with individual and shared personalities, featuring connectors that can be oriented in multiple configurations to accommodate various types of I/O modules, such as Ethernet, PCIe, and ultra-high speed customized cabled fabrics, allowing for easy swapping and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular server systems use discrete dedicated I/O devices per server or shared common I/O devices, then the system provides basic I/O functionality, but the flexibility for users is impeded and inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal I/O module design where a single module type can serve multiple functions - acting as either a dedicated I/O device for a specific server or a shared common I/O device for multiple servers. The module includes a server interface that can be configured to connect to different servers, and the same module can be used across different server types. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized module types, thereby improving user flexibility while reducing inventory management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O module incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through a form factor converter that can change the physical configuration of the module. The server interface can be dynamically adjusted to connect to different servers, and the module can transition between being a dedicated I/O device and a shared common I/O device. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple static module types, thus improving flexibility while simplifying inventory management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If monolithic pass-thru I/O modules are used when shared I/O modules are not needed, then the system provides I/O functionality, but per-server differences in I/O devices and system speed cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O module is segmented into distinct functional components: a server interface portion that handles server-specific connections and a form factor converter portion that handles the physical adaptation. This segmentation allows the server interface to be customized for different servers while the form factor converter provides a standardized interface. The modular segmentation enables per-server customization of the interface without increasing overall design complexity, as each segment can be independently configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary portions of the I/O module server-specific. The server interface portion is customized for each server type, while the form factor converter portion remains standardized. This localized customization approach allows per-server differences to be accommodated without making the entire module complex. Only the local server interface area varies by server, while the rest of the module maintains a uniform design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional server systems include I/O hardware in all servers, then the system maintains consistent hardware availability, but servers without I/O requirements cannot have the I/O hardware left out
Solution Approach 1:
The form factor converter is extracted as a separate, standardized component that can be independently configured. This extraction allows the server interface portion to be selectively included or excluded based on I/O requirements. Servers without I/O requirements can simply omit the server interface portion while still having the standardized form factor converter available for future use or for servers that do require I/O capabilities. This extraction principle enables optional I/O configuration without increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for connecting interchangeable input/output (I/O) modules having individual and shared personalities may include a generic I/O bay of a server hosting one or more compute nodes configured to be connected to one or more removable I/O modules. A first connector coupled to a first I/O module may connect the first I/O module to a compute node having a second connector. The first I/O module may be oriented about a first axis. The compute node may be oriented about a second axis. The first connector and the second connector may be capable of being connected in a plurality of orientations. In one embodiment the second axis may be orthogonal to the first axis, and the removable I/O modules may include shared I/O modules. In an embodiment the second axis may be parallel to the first axis, and the removable I/O modules may include individual I/O modules.