Side Plane Communication for Blade Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computing systems where multiple devices are mounted in a rack, direct communication channels between devices are often absent, relying on wires or backplanes, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility in device configuration and size variability.

Innovation Solution

A side plane is mounted to the frame, providing a physical communication channel that connects blades directly via their sides, allowing for flexible communication without the need for backplane connections, and can be redundant for reliability and upgradeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are mounted in a rack with backplane connections, then communication between devices is established, but device configuration flexibility and size variability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication channel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional backplane connections (rear dimension) to side plane connections (side dimension), allowing devices to communicate through their side surfaces. This dimensional change enables devices of varying sizes and configurations to connect flexibly without being constrained by uniform backplane interfaces, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If wires or backplanes are used for communication, then devices can communicate, but the system becomes cumbersome and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mounting flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function from the traditional backplane infrastructure and relocates it to the side planes of individual devices. This extraction eliminates the need for complex wire harnesses and centralized backplane connections, allowing each device to establish communications independently through its side plane interfaces, thereby simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If direct communication channels are provided between devices, then communication efficiency improves, but device size variability and configuration flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side plane interface is designed as a universal connection standard that can accommodate devices of various sizes and configurations. This universal interface maintains direct communication channels for efficiency while adapting to different device form factors, allowing the same communication mechanism to serve diverse device types without compromising either communication efficiency or size variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10247895B2Side plane

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A system includes a first blade including a first side of the first blade, a second side of the first blade, a front of the first blade, and a back of the first blade. The system further includes a second blade including a first side of the second blade, a second side of the second blade, a front of the second blade, and a back of the second blade. The system further includes a first side plane including a first physical communication channel configured to communicatively connect the first blade to the second blade via the first side of the first blade and the first side of the second blade.