Power Sequencing for Storage System Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power surges caused by simultaneously powering up large amounts of solid-state memory and processors can damage power supplies or circuitry in storage systems, which are often designed to conform to hard disk drive standards for compatibility, limiting the ability to utilize unique features of flash and other solid-state memories.

Innovation Solution

A power sequencing method and system that determine a chassis configuration before powering up blades, generate a power sequence based on identified blade attributes and chassis configuration, and apply this sequence to achieve an optimal system load, thereby preventing power surges by controlling the power-up sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If all blades are powered up simultaneously, then system startup time is reduced, but power surges occur that can damage power supplies or circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem startup timeVSAvoidpower surges

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power-up process is segmented into multiple sequential phases rather than a single simultaneous event. The chassis management controller divides the blade population into groups and powers them up in successive time intervals, with each phase powering a subset of blades until all are operational. This segmentation prevents power surges by limiting the number of blades drawing power simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis management controller performs preliminary actions by determining the chassis configuration and generating the power sequence before any blades are powered up. The controller identifies which slots are occupied and creates a predetermined power-up sequence, ensuring that power is applied in a controlled manner from the outset rather than allowing simultaneous power-up.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If power sequencing is implemented to prevent power surges, then power supply stability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidpower sequencing control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic configuration detection and power sequence generation. The chassis management controller automatically identifies occupied slots, determines blade attributes, and generates the appropriate power sequence without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. This automation reduces the operational complexity despite the added control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis management controller serves multiple functions: it manages power sequencing, detects blade presence, identifies slot occupancy, and monitors system configuration. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller, the system achieves power supply stability through comprehensive control while minimizing the complexity that would arise from multiple separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9671846B1Power sequencing for optimal system load at start up

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

A method for power sequencing is provided. The method includes determining a chassis configuration prior to blades within slots of the chassis being powered up and generating a power sequence based on the determining. The method includes applying the power sequence to the blades and monitoring the applying and the chassis configuration to achieve an optimal system load.