Server Video Signal Duplication Using BMC and ADC-DAC Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server maintenance approaches require additional hardware for duplicating video signals to multiple display devices, increasing costs and space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A server design incorporating a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a duplicator with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), registers, a switch set, and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to divide and duplicate video signals for multiple display devices without additional hardware, using a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) for signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware (detection chip or switch chip with external control circuit) is used to duplicate video signals to multiple display devices, then the capability to display maintenance information on multiple devices is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to display on multiple display devicesVSAvoidadditional hardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The BMC is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only manages server hardware but also divides video signals, converts them to digital format, stores them in registers, and outputs them through GPIO pins. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for video duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing resources (BMC, ADC, DAC, registers, GPIO pins) to accomplish video signal duplication without requiring external or additional specialized hardware. The BMC serves itself by handling both server management and video signal distribution functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware (detection chip or switch chip) is mounted on the server to enable video signal duplication, then the functionality to support multiple display devices is improved, but the available server space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo output to multiple devicesVSAvoidavailable server space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The BMC and its integrated components (ADC, DAC, registers) are utilized for dual purposes: server management and video signal processing. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware components that would occupy physical space on the server.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The video signal processing functions (signal division, ADC conversion, signal storage, DAC conversion, and output control) are merged into the existing BMC architecture rather than being implemented as separate physical components, thereby conserving server space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional approaches with detection chip or switch chip are used, then video signal duplication capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal duplication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The BMC performs multiple functions including video signal division, ADC conversion, digital signal storage in registers, DAC conversion, and output through GPIO pins. This eliminates the need for separate detection chips or switch chips, reducing component count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The video signal duplication functionality is extracted from the domain of specialized video hardware (detection chips, switch chips) and implemented using the BMC's existing processing capabilities, thereby eliminating the need for additional expensive hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient duplication of video signals to multiple display devices without additional hardware, reducing costs and optimizing server space, while maintaining flexibility in circuit design and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The ADC is configured to convert the original analog component signal into a converted digital component signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 2

Each of the DACs is configured to convert the converted digital component signal outputted by the switch set for the display device into a converted analog component signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10840937B1Server with capability of duplicating video source signal

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 MITAC COMPUTING TECH

AI summary

A server utilizes a BMC to divide a video source signal into original analog and digital component signals, and stores the digital component signal in a set of registers of a duplicator. An ADC converts the original analog component signal into a converted digital component signal, which is stored in another set of registers of the duplicator. A switch set of the duplicator is switched to output a pair of the converted and the original digital component signals. One DAC converts the converted digital component signal into a converted analog component signal, which together with the original digital component signal, serves as a duplicated video signal.