Nested PCIe Riser Cards for 1U Server Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale information handling systems, the conventional design of Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards results in wasted space due to their unusual shape, limiting the number of graphics processing unit (GPU) cards that can be fitted in a 1 U or thin server volume, as standard PCI brackets and edge connections do not allow for efficient use of available space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible PCIe media and riser cards that allow for a dense and nested PCIe mounting configuration within the 1 U server volume, enabling multiple PCIe devices to be connected via riser cards in adjacent physical slot locations, with the footprint of one PCIe connector overlapping another to maximize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard PCI brackets and edge connections are used, then conventional PCI card mounting is achieved, but space utilization is wasted due to unusual shape of brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where riser cards are positioned within the space between adjacent PCIe devices and their mounting brackets. Specifically, the riser card is fitted within the specified space between the first PCIe device and the first riser card, allowing multiple PCIe devices to be mounted in a compact nested configuration that maximizes space utilization within the 1U server volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar mounting to a three-dimensional nested arrangement. The riser cards are positioned at angles relative to the PCIe devices, utilizing vertical and lateral space dimensions. The footprint of PCIe connectors overlaps in a nested pattern, effectively using the Z-dimension (depth) and angular positioning to pack more devices into the same footprint area.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional PCI bracket design is used, then standard mounting is achieved, but the unusual shape results in wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate functional components: PCIe devices, riser cards, and mounting brackets. Each component is independently designed and positioned. The riser card acts as an intermediary element that segments the space between PCIe devices, allowing for optimized positioning and reducing the wasted space caused by conventional integrated bracket designs.
3Quantity of substance
If 4x Double Wide PCI cards are fitted, then GPU balancing with 2 processors is achieved, but standard mounting methods cannot accommodate more than 3x DW Full PCI in 1U volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested positioning where riser cards are fitted within the space between adjacent PCIe devices. This nested arrangement allows four Double Wide PCIe devices to be mounted in a 1U volume by utilizing the interstitial space between devices and connectors, overcoming the limitation of conventional mounting that only accommodates three devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses angular positioning and overlapping footprints in three-dimensional space to accommodate four Double Wide PCIe cards. The riser cards are positioned at angles, and connector footprints overlap in a nested pattern, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to fit more devices than conventional planar mounting would allow.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system (IHS) server volume includes at least two pairs of flexible peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) media for connecting data signals and power supply signals via riser cards mounted against respective PCIe devices in large adjacent physical slot locations. A first PCIe device corresponding to a first riser card and a second PCIe device corresponding to a second riser card are relatively positioned to enable the second riser card to be fitted within a specified space between the first PCIe device and the first riser card while a footprint of a first PCIe connector corresponding to the first PCIe device overlaps a footprint of a second PCIe connector corresponding to the second PCIe device. First and second PCIe cards provided by the first and second PCIe devices respectively are inserted into respective PCIe connectors via the first pair of riser cards having a dense nested arrangement.