Server Storage Boot Sequencing via Standby Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale data centers, storage servers often face issues where the storage device has not finished booting when the server attempts to access data, leading to abnormal server operations.
Innovation Solution
A power-on method where a stand-by power is generated for the server module upon receiving a blade enable signal, allowing it to assert a power-on signal to the storage module, which performs a first boot-on process, and only after receiving a ready signal from the storage module does the server module perform a second boot-on process using normal power, ensuring the storage device is accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the server and storage device use the same power and boot simultaneously, then the boot process is simplified, but the storage device may not be ready when the server needs to access data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into two distinct paths: stand-by power for the server module and normal power for the storage module. This segmentation allows independent control of power delivery timing, enabling the storage module to complete its boot process before the server module attempts data access, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining simplified boot process design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by delivering stand-by power to the server module first, allowing it to initialize and assert the power-on signal to the storage module. The storage module then performs its boot-on process before the server module proceeds with full boot operations. This sequential preliminary action ensures the storage device is ready before data access is required.
2Loss of time
If the server module boots first and accesses storage immediately, then boot time is reduced, but abnormal operations occur due to storage unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a power management module that mediates between the server module and storage module power sequences. This intermediary controls the power delivery timing, ensuring the storage module receives power and completes initialization before the server module attempts data access, preventing abnormal operations while minimizing boot time through optimized power sequencing.
3Reliability
If separate power paths are used for server and storage modules, then storage device readiness is ensured, but power system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a power management module that handles multiple functions: generating stand-by power, controlling power-on signals, monitoring boot status, and managing the transition from stand-by to normal power. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable storage device accessibility through separate power paths while minimizing overall system complexity by consolidating control logic in a single module.
Data Source
AI summary
A power-on method for a server device includes generating a stand-by power to a server module of the server device when a blade enable signal is asserted; asserting, by the server module, a power-on signal to a storage module of the server device; performing, by the storage module, a first boot-on process when the storage module receives the asserted power-on signal; transmitting, by the storage module, an asserted ready signal to the server module when the first boot-on process finishes; and performing, by the server module, a second boot-on process via a normal power when the server module receives the asserted ready signal.