Storage Integrator Consolidating Server Ports for Protocol Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of ports in servers that support various protocols restricts the expansion of storage devices and systems, leading to space constraints and heat dissipation issues due to the need for multiple I/O devices, which affects data exchange efficiency and causes premature damage to temperature-sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
An integrator for storage devices comprising a base board with interfaces for connecting servers and I/O devices, utilizing PCIe switch chips and a heat radiator to facilitate data transmission and improve heat dissipation, allowing for the connection of multiple I/O devices without increasing server ports, and enabling efficient data exchange between servers and I/O devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O devices are connected to the server to support various protocols, then the functionality and protocol support of the storage device are improved, but the number of server ports required increases, leading to space constraints and heat dissipation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple I/O device connections through a single server port by introducing an integrator that consolidates multiple protocol interfaces (PCIe, SAS, SATA, FC, IB) into one unified connection point, allowing the server to access multiple storage devices through a single port rather than requiring separate ports for each device
Solution Approach 2:
The integrator acts as an intermediary device between the server and multiple I/O devices, providing protocol conversion and data routing capabilities that enable a single server port to communicate with multiple different types of storage devices through standardized interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O devices are connected to the server to support various protocols, then the functionality and protocol support of the storage device are improved, but the number of server ports required increases, leading to heat dissipation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The integrator consolidates multiple I/O device connections and their associated heat generation into a single external unit, separating the heat source from the server interior and improving overall heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrator extracts the I/O device interface functionality from the server system, moving it to an external device that can be independently cooled, thereby reducing the thermal load within the server enclosure
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O devices are connected directly to the server, then data exchange capability is improved, but data exchange efficiency deteriorates due to increased complexity and resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The integrator serves as an intelligent intermediary that manages data exchange between the server and multiple I/O devices, implementing data routing, protocol conversion, and resource arbitration that improves overall data exchange efficiency compared to direct server connections
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an integrator for a storage device, a corresponding storage device and a method of manufacturing the same. The integrator comprises a base board comprising a first interface and a second interface; a connector coupled to the first interface of the base board, the connector being connectable with at least one server in the storage device; an input/output (I/O) part coupled to the second interface of the base board and connectable with an I/O device; and a switcher arranged on the base board and adapted to exchange data between the first interface and the second interface to support data transmission of the I/O device or other servers with the server via the integrator.