Server I/O Connector Pin Control via Logic Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server designs require multiple electrical connectors for different peripheral cards, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for specialized connectors for special cards, which cannot be used with standard cards.
Innovation Solution
A logic-determination device and/or baseboard management controller (BMC) is used to control the conduction of standard-bus pins in connectors, determining the type of electronic card and adjusting pin functionality accordingly, eliminating the need for specialized connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized connectors are used for special cards, then the special cards can operate normally, but the manufacturing cost increases and the connector cannot be used for standard cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single connector that can accommodate both standard cards and special cards through configurable pin conduction. The connector uses a switch controlled by determination logic to dynamically enable or disable specific pins based on the inserted card type, eliminating the need for separate specialized connectors and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality for both card types
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch integrated chip is added to the connector to detect card type, then the connector can identify standard or special cards, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a determination logic device that receives distinguishing signals from the inserted card and controls the switch accordingly. This mediator translates the physical card characteristics into logical control signals that configure the connector pins, providing card type detection functionality without requiring a complex switch integrated chip in the connector itself, thus reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are used for different peripheral cards, then each card type can be properly connected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple specialized connectors into a single universal connector that can handle both standard and special cards. By combining the functionality of multiple connectors into one configurable unit with dynamic pin control, the system reduces the total number of connectors needed while maintaining compatibility with various card types, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An input/output switching system for a server is disclosed herein. The input/output switching system includes a logic-determination device and at least one connector. The at least one connector electrically connects with at least one electronic card. The at least one connector comprises at least one first standard-bus pin group, at least one second standard-bus pin group, and a first distinguishing-signal pin group. The logic-determination device generates a first determination result which is used for determination of type of the at least one electronic card by receiving a distinguishing signal transmitted from the first distinguishing-signal pin group.