Environmental and health monitoring circuitry for storage processor I/O annex module
US7279856B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K7/20836
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hot-pluggable I/O annex module of a storage processor assembly includes interface circuitry providing connections to an optional I/O interface module. The I/O annex module includes redundant cooling fans providing cooling airflow to an I/O annex mounting area, main power conversion circuitry for generating main operating power for the interface circuitry, auxiliary power conversion circuitry for generating auxiliary power, a controller for monitoring and controlling the operation of cooling fans; and monitoring circuitry powered by the auxiliary power for monitoring correct operation of the controller and, upon detecting incorrect operation, disabling the main power conversion circuitry. The monitoring circuitry includes a watchdog timer and a latch collectively operative to (i) determine if a controller status signal indicating correct operation of the controller does not toggle for a watch interval, and if so then (ii) enter an operating state in which the main power conversion circuitry is disabled and cannot be re-enabled except by cycling the primary power or removing and reinserting the I/O annex module to/from the storage processor assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.