U.S. patent application number 09/817851 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-02 for computer chassis assembly with a single center pluggable midplane board.
Invention is credited to Hardt, Thomas T., Manweiler, Kurt A., Sanders, Michael C..
Application Number | 20010010619 09/817851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22943746 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010010619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manweiler, Kurt A. ; et
al. |
August 2, 2001 |
Computer chassis assembly with a single center pluggable midplane
board
Abstract
A modularized computer chassis for housing multiple computer
modules, such as a processor module, media storage module, an I/O
module, and power supplies includes a housing divided generally
into four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of
the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane
board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of
the modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the
single midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board
includes direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors
on each of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the
modules and power supplies are directly connected to the single
pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon signal and power cables are
needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single
center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies
helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving
valuable rack space.
Inventors: |
Manweiler, Kurt A.;
(Tomball, TX) ; Hardt, Thomas T.; (Missouri City,
TX) ; Sanders, Michael C.; (Spring, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert A. Van Someren
Fletcher, Yoder & Van Someren
P.O. Box 692289
Houston
TX
77269-2289
US
|
Family ID: |
22943746 |
Appl. No.: |
09/817851 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09817851 |
Mar 26, 2001 |
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09249506 |
Feb 12, 1999 |
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6208522 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.02 ;
361/679.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/1429 20130101;
G06F 1/181 20130101; Y10S 439/928 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16; H05K
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer chassis for housing a plurality of electrical
components including a plurality of electrical components, said
computer chassis comprising: a housing having a first region and a
second region, said first region for receiving therein a first of
the plurality of electrical components, and the second region for
receiving therein a second of the plurality of electrical
component; an interface positioned intermediate said first region
and said second region, said interface for directly interfacing the
first electrical component and the second electrical component when
the first electrical component is received in said first region and
when the second electrical components is received in said second
region; a first connector connected to said interface, said first
connector for connecting to the first electrical component when
received in said first region; and a second connector connected to
said interface, said second connector for connecting to the second
electrical component when received in said second region
2. The computer chassis of claim 1, wherein said interface is
configured to directly interface the first electrical component
when connected to the first connector and further configured to
directly the second electrical component when connected to the
second connector.
3. The computer chassis of claim 1, wherein the interface includes
only one circuit board.
4. The computer chassis of claim 1, wherein the interface is
generally planar having a first side and a second side, said first
connector being connected to said first side of said interface
generally opposite the second connector.
5. The computer chassis of claim 1, further comprising: a third
connector connected to said interface, said third connector for
connecting to a third of the plurality of electrical components;
and a fourth connector connected to said interface, said fourth
connector for connecting to a fourth of the plurality of electrical
components.
6. The computer chassis of claim 5, wherein said interface is
configured to directly connect the third electrical component when
connected with said third connector and further configured to
directly connect the fourth electrical component when connected
with said fourth connector.
7. The computer chassis of claim 5, wherein said housing further
includes a divider, the divider dividing said housing into a top
tier and a bottom tier, the bottom tier for receiving the second
electrical component and the top tier for receiving the third
electrical component.
8. The computer chassis of claim 1, wherein said interface is
removably connected within said housing.
9. The computer chassis of claim 8, wherein said interface is
configured to be installed and removable without tools.
10. A computer system comprising: a first electrical component; a
second electrical component; a chassis for housing the said
electrical component and further for housing said second electrical
component; a first circuit board layer, said first circuit board
layer including a first connector for connecting to said first
electrical component; a second circuit board layer located
generally adjacent to the first circuit board layer, said second
circuit board layer including a second connector for connecting to
said second electrical component; and an interface for directly
interfacing said first electrical component when connected with
said first circuit board layer and further for directly interfacing
said second electrical component when connected with said second
circuit board layer, each of said first circuit board layer and
said second circuit board layer being connected with said
interface.
11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein said first electrical
component includes a plurality of processors and a plurality of
memory devices.
12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein said first circuit
board layer and said second circuit board layer include a single
circuit board.
13. The computer chassis of claim 10, wherein said interface is
generally planar having a first side and a second side, with said
first connector being connected to said first side and generally
opposite said second connector.
14. The computer system of claim 10, further comprising: a third
electrical component; a fourth electrical component; a third
connector connected to said interface, said third connector for
connecting with said third electrical component; and a fourth
connector connected to said interface, said fourth connector for
connecting with said fourth electrical component.
15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein said interface is
configured to directly interface said third electrical component
when connected with said third connector and said fourth electrical
component when connected with said fourth connector.
16. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the chassis further
includes a divider, said divider for dividing said chassis into a
top tier and a bottom tier, said bottom tier for receiving said
second electrical component and said top tier for receiving said
third electrical component.
17. The computer system of claim 10, wherein said second connector
is a multi-pin connector.
18. The computer system of claim 10, wherein said interface is
removably connected to said chassis, said interface being removable
without tools.
19. A computer chassis comprising: a housing having a front region
and a rear region, the front region for housing a first computer
component and the rear region for housing a second computer
component; an interface for interfacing the first computer
component and the second computer component, the interface
positioned intermediate to the front region and the rear region of
the housing; a first printed circuit board connected with the
interface; a second printed circuit board connected with the
interface; a first connector mounted to the first printed circuit
board, the first connector generally directed towards the front
region of the housing; a second connector mounted to the second
printed circuit board, the second connector generally directed
towards the rear region of the housing, the second connector
directly connected to the first connector.
20. The computer chassis of claim 19, wherein the first printed
circuit board and the second printed circuit board are the same
circuit board.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a computer chassis, and
more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a computer
chassis constructed to receive multiple modular components and
further with a single center pluggable midplane board for
cable-less connection of the modular components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Early computer designs generally included a chassis with a
plurality of individual components and assemblies mounted therein
and connected to one another by means of wires, cables, brackets,
nuts, bolts and the like. A major computer design advance occurred
with the advent of printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and
modular component assemblies. The printed circuit boards were, for
example, formed of lightweight material and housed a myriad of
components which were electrically interconnected with the
component assemblies through wiring harnesses. The wiring harnesses
and hard wire connections were subsequently replaced by
technologically advanced connectors used for integrally coupling
the individual components to each other and to other circuitry in
the computer.
[0003] In the design of electronic equipment, the use of
connectors, modular components, and specialized hardware has
permitted key components and printed circuit boards to be
efficiently added and removed. Such ease in the addition and
deletion of computer components and printed circuit boards has
facilitated assembly, repair, upgrade and/or changes in
functionality.
[0004] Computer reliability and serviceability are also valuable
design aspects. Originally, a rule of practice in the maintenance
of electrical circuitry, such as computer hardware, was that of
always turning the power to the computer off before components or
printed circuit boards were added or removed from the computer
chassis or support frame. Recent innovations have addressed the
desirability to insert and remove modular components and printed
cards from electrical equipment, such as computer hardware, when
the computer is electrically connected and operational, i.e. "hot."
It is now possible for the power to be disconnected from only the
connector of the drive or modular component to be removed or
inserted while allowing the adjacent components to remain
"hot."
[0005] Removable computer components today include disc drives,
drive cages, fans, power supplies, system I/O modules, processor
boards, and other subassemblies. As referenced above, the
removability of computer components allows for better overall
serviceability of the computer system, which is a distinct
advantage to both the user and the maintenance technician. A
defective power supply in the main or central computer generally
requires prompt replacement in order to limit downtime. It is for
this reason that modular components and connectors facilitate
prompt replacement and are thus popular in many computer
designs.
[0006] The modularity of computer systems is thus recognized as an
important design consideration. As mentioned above, modules can be
removed and examined for operability or other purposes much easier
than permanently mounted fixtures within a computer chassis.
Because computers provide an integral part of most business
operations, it is of utmost importance to maintain the reliability
and integrity of the computer system. When the various elements of
a computer can be easily removed in a modular form, they can also
be replaced to maintain the operational status of the computer.
[0007] Many existing design approaches for these types of computer
chassis configured to receive modular computer components utilizes
ribbon cables to connect interconnect the various modules. This
requires the computer chassis to be large enough for a user to be
able to reach into the chassis, behind the modules to be able to
connect and disconnect the modules. This therefore, requires a
larger form factor, thereby taking up valuable rack space.
[0008] Therefore, as can be appreciated there is a need for a
computer chassis configured to receive modular computer components
that can be readily serviced and upgraded, and that also has a
minimum form factor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention overcomes the above identified
problems as well as other shortcomings and deficiencies of existing
technologies by providing a computer chassis configured to receive
modular components that can be readily serviced and upgraded, and
that also has a minimum form factor.
[0010] The present invention further provides a modularized
computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a
processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power
supplies. The chassis includes a housing divided generally into
four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of the
modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane board
is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of the
modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the single
midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board includes
direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors on each
of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the modules
and power supplies are directly connected to the single pluggable
midplane board, and such that no ribbon signal and power cables are
needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single
center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies
helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving
valuable rack space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and
appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
Drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a frontal, right side perspective view of a
computer chassis constructed in accordance with the principles of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear left side perspective view of a computer
chassis in accordance with the principles of the present invention
as similarly shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a computer chassis in
accordance with the principles of the present invention as
similarly shown in FIG. 1 with the modules and top panel
removed;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear, left side perspective view of the computer
chassis as similarly shown in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a processor module in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a media drive module in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a power supply in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view an I/O module in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a planar front view of a system mid-plane board in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a system mid-plane board in
accordance with the principles of the present invention as
similarly shown in FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a planar rear view of a system mid-plane board in
accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a system mid-plane board in
accordance with the principles of the present invention; as
similarly shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring now to the drawings wherein like or similar
elements are designated with identical reference numerals
throughout the several views, and wherein the various elements
depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular, to
FIG. 1, there is shown a front perspective view of a computer
chassis 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, computer chassis 10 is configured as a server chassis
that is rack mountable. As illustrated, computer chassis 10
includes a fixedly attached top panel 11, and a slidably removable
top panel 12, a side panel 14, a removable processor module 16, and
a removable media drive module 18. Processor module 16 includes
vents 20 for permitting airflow to be drawn over the components
therein for cooling purposes.
[0025] As further depicted in FIG. 1, media drive module 18
includes media storage devices, such as hard drives 22, floppy
drive 24, and CD-ROM drive 26. In this particular embodiment media
drive module 18 includes a display unit 28 which is used to monitor
and interact with system operations.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of the computer chassis 10. As depicted computer
chassis 10 further includes a side panel 30, removable
hot-pluggable power supplies 32 and 34, and a removable
Input/Output (I/O) module 36. In this exemplary embodiment I/O
module 36 includes dual in-line cooling fans, although only cooling
fan 38 is identifiable in FIG. 2. I/O module 36 further provides
typical I/O functionality such as I/O ports 40, which includes
parallel and serial ports and the like. I/O module 36 also includes
expansion slots 42 for receiving various computer peripheral
components.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a front
perspective view of chassis 10 with each of processor module 16,
media drive module 18, I/O module 36 and the power supplies 34
removed therefrom, and the top panel 14 removed from the top of
chassis 10. As illustrated, chassis 10 further includes a center
support 44 to which the single midplane board (see FIGS. 9-12
described herein below) is secured. The midplane board is utilized
to interconnect the various modules and power supplies within the
computer chassis 10 without any ribbon signal and power cables. A
module divider 46 is secured to side panels 14 and 30 and is used
to separate the area of chassis 10 that receives processor module
16 from the area of chassis 10 that receives media drive module
18.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of computer chassis 10 with each of the processor
module 16, media drive module 18, I/O module 36 and the power
supplies 34 removed therefrom, and the top panel 14 removed from
the top. A module divider 48 is secured to side panels 14 and 30,
and is used to separate the area of chassis 10 that receives the
I/O processor module 36 and power supplies 34. A power supply
divider 50 is connected to the base 52 of computer chassis and
module divider 48, and is used to separate the area of chassis 10
that receives the power supplies 34.
[0029] Still referring FIG. 4, two power supply doors 54 and 56 and
connected to base 52 of chassis 10 with spring hinges 58 and 60,
respectively. Although illustrated in the down or open position for
clarity reasons, power supply doors 54 and 56 are normally biased
in the closed position when a power supply is not inserted into
chassis 10. Among other things, power supply doors 54 and 56, when
closed, help prevent improper air flow through chassis 10, thereby
improving cooling efficiency of the various modules.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 4, chassis 10 includes tracks 62 and
64, which mate with the edges of top panel 12. Tracks 62 and 64
permit top panel 12 to be slid or moved from above I/O module 36,
over fixed top panel 11. This permits quick and easy access to I/O
module 36 and it components, as well access to the midplane
board.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of processor module 16. Processor module 16 has
multiple slots to receive multiple processors, such as processor 66
and multiple memory devices. Each of the processors and memory
devices of processor module 16 interface with the components of
other modules of chassis 10 through processor module connector 68,
as well as obtain power from power supplies 34.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of media drive module 18. Media drive module 18
includes a media drive module connector 70 which is utilized to
interface the components of media drive module 18 with the
components of the other modules of chassis 10 as well as to provide
power from power supplies 34.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of one of the power supplies 34. Power supply 34
includes a power supply connector 72 which is utilized to interface
and supply power to the other components of the other modules of
chassis 10.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a rear
perspective view of the I/O module 36. I/O module 36 includes an
I/O module connector 74 which is utilized to interface the
components of I/O module 36 with the components of the other
modules of chassis 10 as well as to provide power from power
supplies 34. I/O module 36 further includes display lights 77 which
are piped from the error lights 75 from midplane board 76.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, there is illustrated an
exemplary embodiment of a midplane board 76 utilized in the present
invention. Midplane board 76 provides the interface between all of
the modules and power supplies within chassis 10. Referring in
particular FIGS. 9 and 10 there are illustrated front and front
perspective (respectively) views of the midplane board 76. As
depicted midplane board 76 includes connectors 78 and 80, and
mounting screws 82 and 84. Midplane board 76 is inserted into
chassis 10 and secured to center support 44 with mounting screws 82
and 84 which are securable by hand, thereby eliminating any need
for tools for the installation and removal therefrom. Connector 78
is in alignment with and receives processor module connector 68
when processor module 16 is inserted into chassis 10. This permits
processor module 16 to be plugged directly into midplane board 76.
Connector 80 is in alignment with and receives media drive
connector 70 when media drive module 18 is inserted into chassis
10. This permits media drive module 18 to be plugged directly into
midplane board 76.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 there are illustrated rear
and rear perspective (respectively) views of the midplane board 76.
As depicted midplane board 76 includes error lights 75 and
connectors 86, 88 and 90. As described above, midplane board 76 is
inserted into chassis 10 and secured to center support 44 with
mounting screws 82 and 84. Connector 86 is in alignment with and
receives I/O module connector 74 when I/O module 36 is inserted
into chassis 10. This permits the I/O module 36 to plug directly
into midplane board 76. Connector 88 and 90 are in alignment with
and receive power supply connectors 72 when power supplies 34 are
inserted into chassis 10. This permits power supplies 34 to plug
directly into midplane board 76.
[0037] Midplane board 76 is used to directly interconnect all of
the modules and their associated components and the power supplies
with direct connectors and without any ribbon signal and power
cables. The direct connectors facilitate easy assembly and
disassembly of the modules from chassis 10, and further permit easy
hot-swappability of the power supplies. By not utilizing any ribbon
signal and power cables to interconnect the modules and power
supplies, a small form factor can be maintained for chassis 10,
thereby saving valuable rack mounting space of the chassis 10. By
also allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the modules, the
amount of down time for the computer is minimized for repair and/or
upgrades of the modules.
[0038] Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, error lights 75 are
utilized to display status and critical error information relating
not only to the midplane board 76 but to the computer system as
well. For example, error lights 75 are used to indicate whether the
power supplies and the other modules are properly inserted into the
computer system 10, and further indicate the operating mode of
computer system 10. Error lights 75 are piped to the display lights
77 (see FIG. 8) to facilitate user interface.
[0039] Therefore, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art, the above described invention provides a modularized
computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a
processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power
supplies. The chassis includes a housing divided generally into
four regions, with each region configured for receiving either one
of the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable
midplane board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that
each of the modules and power supplies can be interconnected
through the single midplane board. The single center pluggable
midplane board includes direct pluggable connectors which
correspond to connectors on each of the modules and power supplies,
such that each of the modules and power supplies are directly
connected to the single pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon
signals and power cables needed for the connection. The direct
connection between the single center pluggable midplane board and
the modules and power supplies helps to minimize the height of the
chassis, thereby saving valuable rack space.
[0040] Although a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the
present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings
and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be
understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment
disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications
and substitutions without departing form the spirit of the
invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.
* * * * *