Reconfigurable USB I/O Device Persona for Server Blade Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server blade configurations are limited by fixed hardware connections, preventing on-the-fly reconfiguration of USB devices without additional hardware points, limiting flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a reconfigurable input/output processor and management module allows multiple USB devices to be dynamically allocated and managed, enabling remote USB device usage through USB personas and protocols, allowing server blades to utilize external USB devices without physical ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB devices are physically connected to server blades through fixed hardware ports, then connection reliability is ensured, but system flexibility and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of USB devices through software personas that can be dynamically assigned to server blades. Instead of requiring physical USB ports on each blade, the system generates virtual USB device representations that mimic the functionality of physical devices, allowing multiple blades to access USB functionality through software-based virtualization rather than hardware duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The management module acts as an intermediary between physical USB devices and server blades. It receives USB device connection requests from blades, manages the allocation of USB devices through persona assignment, and coordinates the connection through the backplane infrastructure, eliminating the need for direct physical USB ports on each blade while maintaining reliable connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB devices are physically installed on each server blade planar, then device availability is ensured, but space utilization and system scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal USB access architecture where a single physical USB device connected to the backplane can serve multiple server blades simultaneously through dynamic persona assignment. The USB device becomes a shared resource that can be allocated to different blades as needed, eliminating the requirement for each blade to have dedicated USB ports and maximizing the utilization of limited planar space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the USB functionality of multiple blades into a shared pool by connecting USB devices to the backplane rather than individual blade planars. This consolidation allows multiple blades to share access to the same physical USB devices through the management module's coordination, reducing total hardware requirements and freeing up valuable planar real estate.
3Ease of operation
If USB device connections are fixed at design time, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but operational flexibility and on-the-fly reconfiguration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static USB configuration into a dynamic system where USB device assignments can change at runtime. The management module continuously monitors and adjusts persona assignments based on current operational needs, allowing USB devices to be hot-swapped and reallocated between blades without physical reconfiguration or system shutdown, thereby achieving operational flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining USB device personas and their characteristics during system initialization or manufacturing. These pre-configured personas are stored and can be rapidly assigned to different blades as needed, combining the benefits of pre-planned configuration with runtime flexibility. The persona definitions are prepared in advance but their assignment is dynamic, allowing easy reconfiguration without complex hardware changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for allowing a server blade in a blade chassis to use a remote universal serial bus (USB) device. Multiple USB devices are coupled to a management module in the blade chassis. A persona describing only authorized USB devices is sent to a reconfigurable input/output (I/O) device in the server blade in the blade chassis, allowing the server blade to utilize the remote USB device(s).