Removable Identification Module for Shelf Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The identification of electronic equipment in communications systems is cumbersome due to the large number of shelves deployed, as backplane information is not separately recorded, leading to significant effort and cost when replacing failed memory devices that are permanently connected.
Innovation Solution
A field-replaceable system identification module with a housing, persistent memory, and a module connector that can be easily coupled and decoupled from the backplane, allowing for remote interrogation and data retrieval, and featuring a programmable read-only memory device for storing system-specific data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory devices are soldered or permanently connected to the backplane, then the backplane information is retained, but the repair of the memory device requires significant work and associated cost to retrieve the backplane and affect replacement of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backplane system into two separate components: a permanent backplane and a removable identification module. The identification module contains the memory device and can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the backplane or other components. This segmentation allows the memory device to be easily replaced by simply detaching the identification module rather than performing complex backplane retrieval and soldering operations.
2Productivity
If multiple shelves are deployed in the network, then the communications system capacity is increased, but the identification of a specific shelf becomes prohibitive due to the large number of shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identification module as an intermediary component that contains all necessary identification information (shelf serial number, MAC addresses, configuration data). This module serves as a mediator between the physical shelf and the identification system, allowing technicians to quickly identify and retrieve information about specific shelves without having to physically inspect or manually search through numerous shelves in the network.
3Loss of information
If the memory device is permanently connected to the backplane, then the identifier information is stored, but the replacement of the memory device requires significant effort and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory device from the backplane structure and places it within a separate, removable identification module. This extraction allows the identification module to be easily removed and replaced as a complete unit. When replacement is needed, the entire identification module can be quickly detached from the backplane and swapped with a new one, dramatically reducing replacement time and effort compared to accessing and replacing individual memory devices soldered to the backplane.
Data Source
AI summary
A system identification module for storing system specific information is described. The system includes a housing, a module connector and a persistent memory for storing system specific data associated with a communications system having a backplane. The housing and the module connector define an enclosure surrounding the persistent memory. The module connector can be electrically coupled to and removed from the backplane connector. The persistent memory can be a programmable read-only memory device. System specific information such as the system serial number, the date of manufacture, the system vintage and the common language equipment identifier (CLEI) code can be remotely accessed using the system identification module.