Server Hard Disk Interface Auto-Identification via Embedded Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage servers under SDN can only support either SATA or IP hard disks, limiting users' ability to freely choose a hard disk interface on the same server, failing to meet market demands for both types.
Innovation Solution
A server design that includes a machine body with a baseboard, power supply, converter, and load board with multiplexer, embedded controller IC, and SoC modules to automatically identify and support both IP and SATA hard disks by distinguishing between their telecommunication signals, allowing users to select the interface freely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage server supports only SATA hard disks, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited and users cannot choose IP hard disk interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to support multiple hard disk interface types (SATA and IP) simultaneously through the same physical interface. The embedded controller IC automatically detects the hard disk type and configures the appropriate protocol, making the server universally compatible with different storage interfaces without requiring separate physical connections or complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller IC acts as an intermediary between the hard disk interface and the storage server system. It receives telecommunication signals from the hard disk, automatically identifies whether it is a SATA or IP hard disk based on signal characteristics, and then routes the appropriate protocol to the system, enabling seamless support for multiple interface types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage server supports both SATA and IP hard disks, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller IC implements automatic self-service functionality by autonomously detecting the hard disk type through analyzing telecommunication signals and automatically configuring the appropriate protocol without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the user experience while maintaining support for multiple hard disk interface types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on the detected hard disk type. When a SATA hard disk is detected, the controller configures SATA-specific parameters; when an IP hard disk is detected, it switches to IP protocol parameters. This parameter adaptation allows the same hardware to efficiently support different interface types without permanent complexity.
3Ease of operation
If automatic identification of hard disk type is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller IC performs automatic self-service by autonomously detecting hard disk types through analyzing telecommunication signals and automatically configuring the appropriate protocol without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the user experience while maintaining support for multiple hard disk interface types.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller IC uses feedback from analyzing telecommunication signals to automatically determine the hard disk type. By monitoring signal characteristics and receiving feedback from the hard disk connection, the controller can automatically identify whether it is connected to a SATA or IP hard disk and adjust its configuration accordingly, improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A server capable of supporting and automatically identifying an IP hard disk and a SATA hard disk is operated under SDN. The server includes a machine body device. The machine body device is provided with a baseboard. The baseboard is electrically connected with electronic devices thereon. The electronic devices include an embedded controller IC on a back board; a multiplexer and a plurality of SoC modules on a load board; and a plurality of hard disks including at least one IP hard disk and one SATA hard disk. The embedded controller IC identifies each hard disk as the SATA hard disk or the IP hard disk according to a first potential signal of the telecommunication signal of the second pin of the signal terminals of each hard disk. The present invention meets the market for both IP hard disks and SATA hard disks and brings better economic benefits.