PCIe I/O Expansion Drawer Power Control via Sideband Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling power to PCIe I/O expansion drawers require separate service cables and proprietary networks, which increase complexity and cabling, and lack granular control over powering individual I/O modules during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A host system uses sideband signals transmitted through PCIe cable links to control power to PCIe I/O expansion drawer modules, allowing for the power down or up of specific modules by inhibiting or activating these signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate service cables and enabling finer control over module power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate service cables and proprietary networks are used to control power to PCIe I/O expansion drawers, then power control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the service network and PCIe data transfer network into a single network infrastructure. The host system uses the same PCIe cable links to transmit both data and sideband signals for power control, eliminating the need for separate service cables. This merging of functions reduces cabling complexity while maintaining power control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCIe cable links are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data signals and sideband signals for power control. The sideband signals are multiplexed over the existing PCIe infrastructure, allowing the same physical medium to serve multiple purposes: data transfer and power management control.
2Ease of operation
If separate service cables are used for power control, then power management is achieved, but the system requires additional cabling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power management control signals with the existing PCIe data infrastructure. Sideband signals carrying power control commands are transmitted over the same PCIe cable links used for data transfer, eliminating the need for additional service cables and reducing overall cabling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCIe cable links serve dual purposes: transmitting high-speed data signals and carrying sideband signals for power management. This multi-functionality reduces the quantity of cabling required while maintaining comprehensive power management capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary service networks are used, then concurrent maintenance capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PCIe interface universal by enabling it to handle both data transfer and power management control through sideband signals. This eliminates the need for proprietary service networks while maintaining concurrent maintenance capability, as the host system can control power to individual I/O modules through the standard PCIe interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines concurrent maintenance functionality with the standard PCIe interface by implementing sideband signaling. This merging eliminates the need for separate proprietary service networks, reducing system complexity while preserving the ability to perform maintenance operations on powered-on systems.
4Device complexity
If PCIe cable links are used for sideband signals, then separate service cables are eliminated, but precise control over individual module power states requires granular signal management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sideband signals to enable individual control of power states for specific I/O modules within the expansion drawer. By addressing modules individually through the PCIe interface, the system achieves granular power control despite using shared cable infrastructure, allowing selective powering of modules for maintenance without affecting other components.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided in which a host system receives a request to power down a selected I/O module located in a PCIe I/O expansion drawer. The host system identifies at least one cable card located in the host system that corresponds to the selected I/O module and transmits at least one set of sideband signals to the PCIe I/O expansion drawer through at least one set of PCIe cable links. The host system, in turn, inhibits the transmission of the at least one set of sideband signals to power down the selected I/O module.