OCP Debug Card with Remappable USB Ports for Remote Server Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCP debug cards lack internal memory for storing device files and remote access, requiring physical reconfiguration for USB storage and console port management, limiting their functionality in debugging multiple servers.
Innovation Solution
A USB port module with remappable USB 3.0 Type A connectors supporting I2C, UART, and USB 2.0 signals, allowing internal USB 2.0 storage access and remote configuration, enabling simultaneous debugging of multiple servers without physical reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional OCP debug cards are used, then basic USB debugging function is provided, but no internal memory for storing device files and no remote access capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (USB debugging, internal memory storage, remote access via network interface, and console port access) into a single integrated debug card. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate devices and physical reconfiguration, directly resolving the contradiction by enhancing functionality while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The debug card is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: USB 2.0 host mode for storage access, UART for console port communication, IPMB for platform management, and network interface for remote access. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized components, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple bulky OCP debug cards are physically connected to servers for debugging, then multiple servers can be debugged, but physical reconfiguration is required and remote access is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The debug card incorporates a network interface that enables self-service remote access. Administrators can connect to multiple servers via network without physically visiting each server or reconfiguring debug cards. The system serves itself by providing automated remote debugging capabilities, eliminating time-consuming physical reconfiguration and enabling concurrent management of multiple servers.
3Ease of operation
If USB 2.0 storage device is connected via USB port, then storage access is enabled, but physical unplug or reconfiguration is required and remote access is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic USB host mode capability where the debug card can programmatically connect to and disconnect from USB storage devices without physical intervention. The network interface provides dynamic remote access to storage and console ports, allowing operations to be performed remotely. This dynamic operation eliminates the need for physical unplug/replug and reduces operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An infrastructure management (IM) system including first and second communication modules. A user device is communicatively coupled to the first communication module and a target server is communicatively coupled to the second communication module via a USB port. One or more first messages may be communicated over the USB port to the target server using a first communication protocol. One or more second messages may be communicated over the USB port to the target server using a second communication protocol.