Modular Storage Array Bridge Module Interconnect for Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage array manufacturers face increased costs and design cycles due to the need for continuous redesigns to accommodate various types of storage drives and protocols, lacking a modular infrastructure that allows for easy reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular motherboard configuration with universal-type connectors and preconfigured routing enables connection of different protocol storage drives via a bridge module interconnect, incorporating an I/O mid-plane with pre-wired PCIe lanes and a storage mid-plane with pre-wired connections, allowing for flexible integration of multiple protocol bridge modules and drive connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage arrays are redesigned for each type of drive and protocol, then compatibility with specific drives is improved, but manufacturing cost and design cycle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal motherboard design with standardized connectors and preconfigured routing that can accommodate multiple drive types (SAS, SATA, NVLink, U.2, U.3) and protocols through a single platform. The bridge module interconnect provides protocol translation capabilities, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support diverse storage protocols without requiring separate motherboard designs for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage array architecture into modular components: compute modules, bridge modules, protocol bridge modules, and drive connectors. This segmentation allows independent configuration of protocol handling capabilities while maintaining a standardized base platform. The bridge module interconnect acts as an intermediary layer that can be selectively configured with different protocol bridge modules based on the required drive types.
2Productivity
If custom configurations are designed for each storage array, then routing between compute modules and storage drives is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preconfigured routing paths and pre-wired connections on the motherboard during manufacturing. The routing between compute modules, bridge module interconnect, and drive connectors is established in advance through standardized pathways. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex custom routing designs for each storage array deployment while maintaining optimized data flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge module interconnect serves as an intermediary component that standardizes the interface between compute modules and diverse storage protocols. It provides a uniform connection point that can adapt to different protocols through protocol bridge modules, simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for direct complex routing configurations between each compute module and each drive type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers continue to change designs as drive options evolve, then support for new protocols is improved, but loss of time in design cycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal motherboard platform with standardized connectors and preconfigured routing provides a timeless foundation that can support both current and future drive protocols. The bridge module interconnect with its protocol bridge module architecture allows new protocols to be supported by adding or replacing protocol bridge modules without requiring fundamental redesigns of the core motherboard infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration capability where protocol bridge modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the required drive types. The system can adapt its protocol support capabilities in response to different deployment scenarios, allowing manufacturers to support emerging protocols by updating the bridge module configuration rather than initiating complete redesign cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage array and systems for configuring a storage array are provided. In one example, the storage array includes a motherboard. The motherboard includes a first compute module and an input/output (I/O) mid-plane that is routed to the first compute module. The I/O mid-plane has a plurality of peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) lanes coupled to the first compute module. A bridge module interconnect is routed to the I/O mid-plane via one or more of the plurality of PCIe lanes of the I/O mid-plane. The bridge module interconnect provides bridge connections to receive to two or more types of protocol bridge modules. A storage mid-plane provides integrated routing between each of a plurality of drive connectors and each of the bridge connections of the two or more types of protocol bridge modules of the bridge module interconnect.