PCIe Rack Network Interface for Fast Server Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of electronic components in equipment racks are time-consuming and require manual handling of power, network, and cooling cables, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rack with PCIe connectors and a network adaptor that provides serial link terminations and multiplexes signals, allowing for automated connection and disconnection of electronic components, including servers, memory banks, and disk drives, by using PCIe connectors and a network interface controller to manage network interfaces and power supply connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of power, network, and cooling cables is used for installation and removal of electronic components, then proper connections can be established, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables electronic components to self-configure network connections upon insertion. The PCIe connector automatically detects the component and configures the network interface without requiring manual cable handling or operator intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface is pre-configured and ready on the rack before the electronic component is inserted. When the component is installed, the connection is immediately established and configured in advance, eliminating the need for manual post-installation setup and reducing installation time
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connectors (RJ45 for network, power cables, cooling connections) are used, then all necessary connections can be made, but the device complexity and manual handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate connection functions (network, power, cooling) are merged into a single PCIe connector interface. This unified connector establishes all necessary connections simultaneously when the electronic component is inserted, reducing the number of separate connectors and manual handling steps while maintaining full connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The PCIe connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - establishing network connections, power delivery, and cooling connections through a single universal interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized connectors for each function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides a network interface to electronic components. The system comprises a rack, having a plurality of rack stages, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding electronic component. One peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) connector corresponds to each rack stage and is connectable to the corresponding electronic component when received in the rack stage. The PCIe connectors are assembled in a PCIe connector group. Each PCIe connector of the PCIe connector group has a same number of active serial links. The system also comprises a network adaptor that provides a serial link termination for each active serial link of the PCIe connector group. The network adaptor comprises a communication interface for communicating with a network. The network adaptor is configured to multiplex signals exchanged between the network and the PCIe connectors of the PCIe connector group.