Switched Fabric Mezzanine Storage Module for High-Bandwidth Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-drop parallel bus architectures in computer systems are limited in supporting simultaneous high-bandwidth data transfers between storage devices and processors, leading to inefficiencies in data communication and network expansion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-service platform system that combines a parallel multi-drop bus network with a switched fabric, allowing both architectures to operate concurrently, where the switched fabric handles high-bandwidth data transfers while the parallel bus manages system control, using multi-gigabit connectors for intermodule communication and employing switch modules and fabric-to-storage bridges for protocol translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-drop parallel bus architecture is used for storage device communication, then system compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but data transfer speed and simultaneous high-bandwidth capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two independent parts: a multi-drop parallel bus for control and low-speed data transfer, and a switched fabric for high-speed data transfer. Each segment handles specific functions, allowing the high-speed fabric to operate independently without compromising the simplicity of the parallel bus interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different communication architectures (multi-drop parallel bus and switched fabric) into a single hybrid system. The backplane integrates both interfaces, allowing storage devices to connect through the simple parallel bus while simultaneously utilizing the high-speed switched fabric for bandwidth-intensive operations.
2Device complexity
If a multi-drop parallel bus architecture is used, then device simplicity and compatibility are maintained, but simultaneous high-bandwidth transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A fabric-to-storage bridge acts as an intermediary between the simple parallel bus interface and the high-speed switched fabric. This bridge translates control signals from the parallel bus into fabric protocol commands, enabling high-speed transfers without complicating the original simple interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both the traditional parallel bus interface for compatibility and the switched fabric interface for high-performance operations. This universal design allows a single storage device to leverage both communication paths as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only a parallel multi-drop bus is used, then system compatibility is maintained, but network expansion capability and bandwidth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds another dimension to the communication architecture by introducing a switched fabric layer above the traditional parallel bus. This dimensional addition enables high-speed data transfer without replacing the original interface, thus maintaining compatibility while expanding capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switched fabric mezzanine storage module (560) includes a storage module (562) and a switched fabric connector (563) coupled to the storage module. The storage module is coupled to directly communicate with a switched fabric (506), where the switched fabric storage mezzanine module is coupled to a payload module (502) having one of a 3U form factor, a 6U form factor and a 9U form factor. The payload module can include at least one multi-gigabit connector (518) coupled to a rear edge (519) of the payload module, where the at least one multi-gigabit connector is coupled to communicatively interface with a backplane (504).