Keyed SAS Expansion Cables Preventing Misconnection Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems, particularly RAID systems, face challenges in efficiently expanding storage capacity and maintaining fault tolerance and performance as business needs grow, with existing interfaces like SCSI and SAS/SATA having limitations in scalability and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system design featuring two chassis with SAS expanders, storage processors, and multiplexers that enable bidirectional connections and expansion, using SAS controllers and cables with keyed connectors to prevent misconnection errors and ensure redundancy, allowing for easy expansion of disk drives and maintaining connectivity even if one cable is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SAS expanders are used to expand storage capacity, then the storage capacity and connectivity are improved, but the risk of connectivity errors and bandwidth loss increases due to incorrect cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by implementing keyed connectors with different orientations for front-end and back-end ports. The keyed connector design ensures that cables can only be connected in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect cabling that would lead to connectivity errors. This asymmetric physical design resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while enabling storage capacity expansion through SAS expanders.
2Reliability
If redundant cabling is implemented to maintain connectivity, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring keyed connectors with specific orientations during manufacturing. This preliminary design decision ensures that redundant cabling paths can be established without requiring complex field configurations. The keyed connectors are designed in advance to support redundant connections, reducing the complexity of implementing reliability through redundant cabling.
3Ease of operation
If automatic enclosure numbering is implemented to manage component swaps, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through automatic enclosure numbering systems that autonomously assign and track enclosure identifiers without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically manages numbering when components are swapped or added, reducing the operational burden on users. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while keeping the complexity hidden within the automated system rather than requiring complex manual procedures.
4Reliability
If keyed connectors are used to prevent incorrect cabling, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector design into distinct keyed components with specific geometric features. The keyed connector is segmented into a housing, contact elements, and keying features that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes for each component, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of the keyed design.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system has a first and second chassis. Each of tow datapaths has a keyed front end datapath point connected to a keyed expansion point of a respective SAS expander of the first chassis, and has a keyed backend datapath point connected to a keyed front end expansion point of a respective SAS expander of the second chassis.