Shared Chassis Management for Dual Storage Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems with multiple storage processors require redundant subsystems and management, leading to resource duplication and inefficiencies, as each processor typically has its own power and cooling systems, which increases complexity and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system design where a pair of storage processors and management controllers are co-located within a single chassis, sharing resources like power and cooling, with communication links allowing the management controllers to monitor and control fan units and power supplies, ensuring adequate cooling and power distribution without duplication of resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each storage processor has its own power and cooling subsystems, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity and resource duplication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and cooling subsystems from individual storage processors into shared chassis-level subsystems. Multiple storage processors share common power supplies and fan sections, eliminating redundant components while maintaining reliability through centralized management and failover capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The management controller is designed with universal monitoring capabilities that can manage multiple storage processors, power supplies, and cooling fans through a single interface. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for dedicated management hardware for each processor while maintaining comprehensive system oversight.
2Reliability
If multiple management controllers monitor all fan units, then monitoring reliability is improved, but resource usage and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented and distributed among multiple management controllers, where each controller monitors a specific subset of fan units. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring coverage while reducing the monitoring burden on each individual controller and eliminating redundant monitoring of the same fan units by multiple controllers.
3Reliability
If redundant power supplies are provided for each storage processor, then system reliability is improved, but resource duplication and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines individual processor power supplies into shared chassis-level power supplies that serve multiple storage processors. This consolidation reduces the total number of power supplies needed while maintaining redundancy, as the shared power supplies can failover to support any individual processor that loses its dedicated power source.
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
This design reduces resource duplication while maintaining high availability by enabling efficient sharing of resources and coordinated management of cooling and power, thus optimizing system performance and reducing redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
A fan section is included in the chassis having a plurality of fan units, each one of the fan units being responsive to a common speed control signal
Implementation Method 2
the chassis includes a pair of temperature sensors each one producing a temperature signal for a corresponding one of the pair of storage processors
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for coupling data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives. The interface includes a chassis having disposed therein: a pair of storage processors adapted for coupling to the host computer/server; and, a pair of management controllers in communication one with the other through a communication link. The management controllers monitor elements of the interface including fans and power supplies and control such elements in response to massages passing between the management controllers.