Modular Server Sleds with Segmented Card Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server architectures are inefficient in terms of space usage and flexibility, as they require replacing the entire printed circuit board assembly if a single server fails, and are not optimized for scale-out computing systems due to bulky, power-hungry high-performance processors.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-node server platform with a cubby chassis housing multiple server sleds, each equipped with a baseboard featuring multiple card slots for receiving modular cards, including high-powered SoC processor cards, and a baseboard management controller for independent power management and hot swapping, allowing for scalable and flexible computing with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single printed circuit board assembly is used to host multiple servers, then space usage is improved, but the entire assembly must be replaced if a single server fails, reducing reliability and increasing maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the server platform into modular sleds, each containing a baseboard with multiple card slots. Each server card is an independent replaceable unit, allowing individual cards to be serviced without affecting other cards on the same baseboard. This segmentation enables partial replacement rather than full assembly replacement, improving reliability while maintaining space efficiency.
2Power
If high-performance processors are used to increase computing power, then processing capability is improved, but the processors become bulky and power hungry, worsening space and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments computing power into multiple independent server cards, each with its own processor. This allows the system to use multiple moderate-power processors instead of fewer high-power processors, achieving comparable total computing power with better power efficiency and reduced heat generation per card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the architectural parameter from concentrated high-performance processors to distributed moderate-performance processors. This parameter change enables the system to achieve scale-out computing efficiency while maintaining adequate computing power through parallel processing across multiple cards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular cards with independent power management are used, then flexibility and serviceability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation at the card level, where each server card is a self-contained module with its own power management circuitry. This segmentation provides flexibility and ease of serviceability while keeping individual card complexity manageable through standardization and modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal card slots and baseboard interfaces that can accommodate different types of server cards. This universality allows the same baseboard infrastructure to support multiple card types, reducing overall system complexity despite individual cards having independent power management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here are multi-server sleds that include multiple card slots for receiving modular cards. Pairs of card slots can be connected to one another via a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus. However, communication via the PCIe bus may only be permitted when the pair of card slots includes modular cards of different types (e.g., a server card and a device card). Card type can be established by looking at the voltage available on a single pin of the PCIe bus corresponding to a modular card, and/or parsing system information stored within a memory of the modular card. This is enabled by a baseboard management controller (BMC) that communicates with the modular card via a bridge integrated circuit (IC) interface. Software-implemented modifications to the standard PCIe pin assignments may be made to avoid permitting communication between modular cards of the same type.