Multi-function Interconnect for Flexible Electronic Equipment Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems have rigid configurations with single-function slots that limit flexibility and scalability, requiring significant upgrades or replacements to increase capacity or change configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic equipment assembly with a multi-function interconnect that includes columns of signal conductors and connectors, allowing different types of resource devices to be accessed through a common set of standards, enabling multi-function slots that can accommodate various devices such as storage devices, network interfaces, and compression/accelerator cards, with the use of paddle cards for form factor adaptation and hot-swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated single-function slots are used for each component type, then device reliability and signal integrity are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-function slots that can accommodate different types of resource devices (storage devices, network interface cards, compression/accelerator cards) through a common interface design. The interconnect includes columns of signal conductors with connectors that can interface with multiple device types, eliminating the need for dedicated slots for each component type while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated slots are provided for each resource device type, then device compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis provides a unified slot design with standardized connectors that can interface with multiple types of resource devices. This universal interface approach reduces the number of different slot types needed while maintaining ease of device installation and removal, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces paddle cards as intermediary components that enable different types of resource devices to interface with the common slot design. These paddle cards provide the necessary adapter functionality to accommodate various device form factors and connection types while maintaining compatibility with the standardized interconnect interface.
3Productivity
If all dedicated slots are occupied, then resource utilization is optimized, but scalability and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-function slot design allows the system to dynamically allocate slots for different resource devices based on operational needs. When storage capacity is needed, storage devices can be installed in slots previously used for other purposes, and vice versa. This flexibility enables incremental capacity expansion without requiring additional dedicated slots or entire new enclosures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic equipment assembly has an interconnect including columns of signal conductors, connectors mounted to the columns of signal conductors, and a chassis coupled with the interconnect. The chassis provides slots that guide resource devices into engagement with the connectors mounted to the columns of signal conductors to enable the interconnect to electronically access the resource devices. At least one column of the columns of signal conductors of the interconnect is a multi-function column. Each multi-function column is constructed and arranged to electronically access different types of resource devices through a respective connector mounted to that multi-function column.