Common Server Storage Backplane for Multi-Type Drive Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server systems require multiple backplane configurations to support different drive types, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in slot utilization due to the need for multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) and complex inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A universal backplane control system utilizing an embedded Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that can be programmed to emulate different slot types (U.2 or U.3) based on user input, allowing a single backplane to support multiple drive types by advertising the right signals through a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple backplane configurations are used to support different drive types, then drive type compatibility is improved, but device complexity and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive type compatibilityVSAvoidbackplane configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal backplane design that can support multiple drive types (SAS, SATA, NVMe, U.2, U.3) through a single hardware platform. The backplane includes multiple slot types (first slot type for SAS/SATA, second slot type for NVMe/U.2/U.3) that can be configured via firmware to accommodate different drive technologies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized backplane SKUs while maintaining full drive type compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The backplane incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities through firmware that can programmatically adjust the operational mode of different slot types. The system can dynamically identify inserted drives and reconfigure the backplane's signal routing and electrical characteristics to match the detected drive type, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different drive technologies without manual reconfiguration or hardware changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple backplane SKUs are used to support different drive types, then drive type compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive type compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal backplane design that can support multiple drive types (SAS, SATA, NVMe, U.2, U.3) through a single hardware platform. The backplane includes multiple slot types (first slot type for SAS/SATA, second slot type for NVMe/U.2/U.3) that can be configured via firmware to accommodate different drive technologies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized backplane SKUs while maintaining full drive type compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple specialized backplanes into a single universal backplane unit. By merging SAS, SATA, NVMe, U.2, and U.3 support into one hardware design with configurable slot types, the system consolidates what would traditionally require separate backplane inventories, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory carrying costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple backplane SKUs are used to support different drive types, then drive type compatibility is improved, but slot utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive type compatibilityVSAvoidslot utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities through firmware that can programmatically adjust the operational mode of different slot types. The system can dynamically identify inserted drives and reconfigure the backplane's signal routing and electrical characteristics to match the detected drive type, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different drive technologies without manual reconfiguration or hardware changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12547340B2Multi-type disk drive support using a common server storage backplane

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A Baseband Management Controller (BMC) operably coupled to a storage controller of a storage unit to determine based on a detected output, a first type of slot coupled to the BMC for emulating when attaching the storage unit of a first type, or a second type of slot for emulating when attaching the storage unit of a second type. Reading a use configuration option associated with configuring logic of the BMC for attaching either the storage unit of the first type or for attaching the storage unit of the second type. Determining whether to directly attach the storage unit of the first type based on a logic of the BMC to a processor or to indirectly attach the storage unit of a second type based on the logic of the BMC to the processor for advertising of at least one slot to be emulated as a U.2 slot.