Removable Backup Power Modules for Serviceable Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and servicing backup power sources in storage devices, such as NVDIMMs and batteries, is difficult due to their location behind midplanes, making it challenging to service, repair, replace, or expand their capacity, especially in storage servers where accessing these components requires removing the chassis from the rack.
Innovation Solution
Implementing power devices with a form factor compatible with storage devices, allowing them to be easily installed and removed from accessible chassis slots, and using a connection fabric and power control circuit to manage power transfer between devices, facilitating easy access and expansion of backup power capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup power sources are integrated behind midplanes in storage devices, then system reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power source is segmented into a separate, removable module that can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular power module is designed to be detachable from the main storage device, allowing technicians to service the power source without replacing the entire storage device or accessing components behind the midplane.
2Device complexity
If backup power sources are located behind midplanes, then device integration is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power source is extracted from its traditional integrated location behind the midplane and repositioned as an externally accessible component. This extraction allows the power module to be serviced, replaced, or upgraded without disassembling the main device housing or removing the midplane, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If backup power capacity is increased, then reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power system is designed with dynamic scalability, allowing the power module capacity to be adjusted or upgraded independently of the main storage device. This dynamic approach enables increased power capacity for enhanced reliability without permanently complicating the base device design, as upgrades are achieved through replacing or adding modular power units rather than redesigning the entire power system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a storage device including an interface to connect the storage device to a storage system, and a power control circuit configured to control a power transfer to the storage device. The power control circuit may be configured to control a power transfer to a power device. The power control circuit may be configured to monitor a charge state of a power device. The power control circuit may be configured to send information about a charge state of a power device. An apparatus may include a power device including an interface to connect the power device to a storage system, a power source, and a power control circuit configured to control, at least partially, a power transfer from the power source to a storage device, wherein at least a portion of the power device may have a storage device form.