Monolithic IC for Remote Server Management and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote server management systems lack the capability to power down computer server systems remotely, leading to increased power consumption and costs due to the need for physical intervention and the use of expensive external KVM cables and additional graphics controllers.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integrated circuit with a server management controller, network media access controller, graphics controller, and frame grabber engine enables remote management and control of server systems, including remote power control, graphics management, and efficient data transmission, using a shared frame buffer memory to reduce power consumption and cable clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If typical KVM remote operating technology is used with external KVM cables and additional graphics controller, then remote management capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the graphics controller, frame buffer memory, and server management controller into a single integrated circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external KVM cables and additional graphics controllers, reducing device complexity while maintaining remote management capability through the integrated circuit that combines multiple functions in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions including graphics processing, frame buffering, and server management control within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide remote management capabilities without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If additional graphics controller with frame buffer memory is used, then remote graphics control is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the graphics controller and frame buffer memory into a single integrated circuit, the patent eliminates the need for separate additional graphics controllers that would consume extra power. The integrated design shares power supply resources and reduces the total power consumption while still enabling remote graphics control functionality.
3Measurement precision
If analog video signal sampling with analog to digital converter is used, then video signal conversion is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/analog video signal sampling and conversion process with a digital video transmission system. The integrated circuit directly handles digital video signals, eliminating the need for analog to digital conversion through separate converters, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining video signal processing capability.
4Power
If physical switching off and on of server system is required, then power control is achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit enables the server system to control its own power state remotely through the management controller. The system can be powered on or off remotely without requiring physical intervention, allowing the system to serve itself by executing power control commands through the integrated management interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated management circuit acts as an intermediary between remote users and the server system's power control functions. It receives remote power control commands and translates them into appropriate power management actions, enabling remote power on/off capability without physical presence at the server location.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a server system is disclosed for data processing having a printed circuit board with one or more processors to process data; a network interface controller coupled to the one or more processors; and a monolithic integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the one or more processors and the network interface controller. The network interface controller couples the server system to a network for remote client access to the server system. The monolithic integrated circuit couples a remote computer system to the server system via the network. The remote computer system includes a remote storage device, a remote display, a remote keyboard, and a remote mouse to allow remote control and management of the server system.