Emc Corporation

Raytheon Company

William R Tuccio

Thomas Earl Linnell

Christopher J Mulvey

Farouk Khan

John K Walton

Christopher S MacLellan

Brian William Gallagher

Erik C Nelson

Paul T Tirrell

Jeffrey Teachout

Edward J Claprood

Robert A Thibault

Lawrence G Pignolet

Paul C Wilson

David C Bisbee

Mark Zani

Scot C Tata

Thomas Delucia

Enrico DiFabio

Brian Gallagher

William H Stotz, Jr

Steven MacArthur

Kendall A Chilton

A data storage interface for coupling data between processors and a bank of disk. The interface includes a plurality of first directors coupled to the processors and a plurality of second directors coupled to the bank of disk drives. A cache memory is coupled between the plurality of first directors and the plurality of second directors. The interface includes a pair of independent power busses. At least one of the first or second directors is coupled to the pair of independent power busses. One portion of the disk drives in the bank is connected to only a first one of the pair of power buses and a different portion of the disk drives is connected to only the other one of the pair of power buses. A power circuit includes a pair of input terminals, each one being electrically connected to a corresponding one of the pair of independent power busses. The circuit includes an output terminal. A pair of switching transistor sections is provided. The transistor switching sections is serially connected between a corresponding one of the pair of input terminals and the output terminal. A logic network is provided for operating the switching sections to prevent current passing into one of the pair of input terminals from one of the power busses from passing into the other one of the power buses. The logic section operates the switching sections to prevent current from one of the pair of power buses to the one of the input terminals connected thereto from exceeding a predetermined value, and operates the switching sections to prevent a difference between a voltage at one of the input terminals and a voltage at the other one of the input terminals from exceeding a predetermined value.

Dual power bus data storage system

A system interface includes a plurality of first directors, a plurality of second directors, a data transfer section and a message network. The data transfer section includes a cache memory. The cache memory is coupled to the plurality of first and second directors. The messaging network operates independently of the data transfer section and such network is coupled to the plurality of first directors and the plurality of second directors. The first and second directors control data transfer between the first directors and the second directors in response to messages passing between the first directors and the second directors through the messaging network to facilitate data transfer between first directors and the second directors. The data passes through the cache memory in the data transfer section. A method for operating a data storage system adapted to transfer data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives. The method includes transferring messages through a messaging network with the data being transferred between the host computer/server and the bank of disk drives through a cache memory, such message network being independent of the cache memory.

Data storage system having point-to-point configuration

A data storage system having a plurality of disk drives. Each one has a pair of bi-directional ports. A pair of directors controls the flow of data to and from the disk drives. A first fiber channel port by-pass selector section is provided. The first fiber channel by-pass selector section includes: an input/output port coupled to a first one of the directors; and, a plurality of output/input ports connected between a first one of the ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first plurality of fiber channel links. The first fiber channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the first one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the first ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first fiber channel selectively in accordance with a control signal fed to the first fiber channel by-pass selector section. The first fiber channel includes one, or more, of the first plurality of fiber channel links. A second fiber channel port by-pass selector section is provided having an input/output port coupled to a second one of the directors and a plurality of output/ports serially connected between a second one of the pair of ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second plurality of fiber channel links. The second fiber channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the second one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the second ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second fiber channel selectively in accordance with the control signal. The second fiber channel includes one, or more, of the second plurality of fiber channel links.

Fiber channel port by-pass selector section for dual ported disk drives

A data storage system having a plurality of disk drives. Each one has a pair of ports. A pair of directors controls the flow of data to and from the disk drives. A first fiber channel port by-pass selector section is provided. The first fiber channel selector section includes: an input/output port coupled to a first one of the directors; and, a plurality of output/input ports connected between a first one of the ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first plurality of fiber channel links. The first fiber channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the first one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the first ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first fiber channel selectively in accordance with a control signal fed to the first fiber channel by-pass selector section. The first fiber channel includes one, or more, of the first plurality of fiber channel links. A second fiber channel port by-pass selector section is provided having an input/output port coupled to a second one of the directors and a plurality of output/ports serially connected between a second one of the pair of ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second plurality of fiber channel links. The second fiber channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the second one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the second ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second fiber channel selectively in accordance with the control signal. The second fiber channel includes one, or more, of the second plurality of fiber channel links.

Fibre channel by-pass

A data storage system wherein a host computer is coupled to a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The interface includes a plurality of directors and a memory interconnected by a plurality of busses for controlling data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. A front-end portion of the directors is coupled to the host computer through front-end input/output adapters. Each one of the front-end directors includes a fiber channel hub. The hub is configured to provide a selected one of a plurality of fiber channel loops between one of the front-end directors and a selected one, or more, of a plurality of host computer sections. The fiber channel hub includes a plurality of transceivers each one being adapted to communicate with a corresponding one of the plurality of host computer sections. A plurality of multiplexer sections is coupled to a said one of the directors through a configurable fiber channel loop. Each one of such multiplexer sections is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of host computer sections through a corresponding one of the transceivers. Each one of the multiplexer sections is responsive to control signal for coupling, or decoupling, the one of the host computer sections coupled thereto to, or from, the loop selectively in accordance with the control signal.

Fibre channel data storage system having improved fro-end I/O adapted hub

A data storage system having a plurality of disk drives. Each one has a pair of ports. A pair of directors controls the flow of data to and from the disk drives. A first fibre channel port by-pass selector section is provided. The first fibre channel selector section includes: an input/output port coupled to a first one of the directors; and, a plurality of output/input ports connected between a first one of the ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first plurality of fibre channel links. The first fibre channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the first one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the first ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first fibre channel selectively in accordance with a control signal fed to the first fibre channel by-pass selector section. The first fibre channel includes one, or more, of the first plurality of fibre channel links. A second fibre channel port by-pass selector section is provided having an input/output port coupled to a second one of the directors and a plurality of output/ports serially connected between a second one of the pair of ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second plurality of fibre channel links. The second fibre channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the second one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the second ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second fibre channel selectively in accordance with the control signal. The second fibre channel includes one, or more, of the second plurality of fibre channel links.

Fibre channel data storage system having expansion/contraction

Electrical cabinet for storing a plurality of disk drives. The cabinet has an array of slots, each one of the slots being adapted to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of disk drives. Each one of the disk drive has a pair of ports. A printed circuit board mounted to a rear of the housing. The board having a plurality of plugs, each one of the plugs being positioned in registration with a corresponding one of the slots to make electrical connection to such corresponding one of the disk drives. The housing has a slot for receiving a pair of fibre channel port by-pass cards. The port by pass cards are electrically interconnected to the disk drives through the printed circuit board. Each one of such port-by pass cards is coupled to a corresponding one of a pair input/output ports through a corresponding one of a pair fibre channel transmission medium. Each one of the port by-pass cards is coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of ports of the disk drives. Each one of the port by-pass cards is configured to couple a selected one, or ones of the disk drives coupled thereto to or from a fibre channel provided by the port by-pass card being the input/output port thereon selectively in accordance with control signals fed to thereto.

Fibre channel data storage system

A data storage system having a plurality of disk drives. Each one has a pair of bidirectional ports. A pair of directors controls the flow of data to and from the disk drives. A first fibre channel port by-pass selector section is provided. The first fibre channel port by-pass selector section includes: an input/output port coupled to a first one of the directors; and, a plurality of output/input ports connected between a first one of the ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first plurality of fibre channel links. The first fibre channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the first one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the first ports of the plurality of disk drives through a first fibre channel selectively in accordance with a control signal fed to the first fibre channel by-pass selector section. The first fibre channel includes one, or more, of the first plurality of fibre channel links. A second fibre channel port by-pass selector section is provided having an input/output port coupled to a second one of the directors and a plurality of output/ports serially connected between a second one of the pair of ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second plurality of fibre channel links. The second fibre channel port by-pass selector section is adapted to couple the second one of the directors serially to one, or ones, of the second ports of the plurality of disk drives through a second fibre channel selectively in accordance with the control signal. The second fibre channel includes one, or more, of the second plurality of fibre channel links.

Fibre channel port by-pass selector section for dual ported disk drives

A data storage system wherein a host computer is coupled to a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The interface has a plurality of directors and a memory interconnected by a plurality of busses for controlling data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. A portion of the directors have input/output interfaces coupled to disk drive bank through input/output adapters. The system interface includes a system printed circuit board, such printed circuit board having the directors and the memory plugged into one side thereof and having the input/output adapters plugged into an opposite side thereof. A disk backplane is provided. The disk backplane has having plugged therein: a pair of disk drive sections, each section having a plurality of disk drives in the bank of disk drives; and a pair of port by-pass card, each one of the port by-pass cards being coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of disk drive sections. Each one of the input/output adapters includes a fibre channel hub. The hub is configured to provide a selected one of a plurality of fibre channel loops between one of the directors and a selected one, or more, of the pair disk drive sections. A first one of such loops is between the director and one of the pair of disk drive sections coupled thereto through a first one of the pair of port by-pass cards coupled thereto. A second one of such loops is between the director and the one of the pair of disk drive sections coupled thereto through a second one of the pair of port by-pass cards to A third one of such loops is between the director through the first one of the pair of port by-pass cards to the one of the pair of disk drive sections coupled thereto then through the second one of the pair of port by-pass cards to the one of the pair of disk drive sections coupled thereto.

Fibre channel data storage system having improved rear-end I/O adapted hub

A method for testing a data storage system, such system having a host computer coupled to a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The interface includes a plurality of directors and memories interconnected by a plurality of busses for controlling data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memories. A portion of the directors is coupled to the host computer. The method includes providing a test printed circuit board having input ports adapted for plugging into a system printed circuit board, such test printed circuit board having a selector section adapted to couple any one of the inputs thereof to a test output on the test printed circuit board. The method includes the steps of: (a) prior to a test mode, removing a director or memory and replacing such removed director or memory with the test printed circuit board; (b) operating the system with the test printed circuit board; (c) selectively coupling the inputs of the test printed circuit board to the test output to examine a signal waveform produced at the test port; and (d) repeating steps (a-c).

Method for testing signal integrity in a data storage system

A data storage system wherein a host computer is coupled to a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The interface has a memory with a high address memory section and a low address memory section. A plurality of directors control data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such datapasses through the memory. A pair of high address busses electrically is connected to the high address memory and a pair of low address busses is electrically connected to the low address memory. Each one of the directors is electrically connected to one of the pair of high address busses and one of the pair of low address busses.

Data storage system having a host computer coupled to bank of disk drives through interface comprising plurality of directors, two pairs of buses, and memory sections

A data storage system wherein a host computer is coupled to a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The interface has a memory with a high address memory section and a low address memory section. A plurality of directors control data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. A pair of high address busses electrically is connected to the high address memory and a pair of low address busses is electrically connected to the low address memory. Each one of the directors is electrically connected to one of the pair of high address busses and one of the pair of low address busses. A front-end portion of the directors is electrically connected to the host computer and a rear-end portion of the directors is electrically connected to the bank of disk drives. The bank of disk drives has a plurality of sets of electrically connected disk drives, each one of the sets being connected to a corresponding one of the input/output interfaces of a corresponding one of the rear-end directors through the adapter card connected to such corresponding one of the rear-end directors and, through the printed circuit board, to the adapter card in the another one of the electrical connectors and to the input/output interface of the rear-end director in such other one of the electrical connectors. Each pair of a plurality of bus arbiters is electrically connected to ends of a corresponding one of the busses. One of the arbiters is a master arbiter and the other a slave arbiter. A pair of reference voltage generator is also connected to ends of each bus.

Data storage system having a host computer coupled to bank of disk drives through interface comprising plurality of directors, buses, and a PCB connectors

A cabinet having a compartment disposed in an interior of the cabinet to house an electrical component. The compartment located at the base of the cabinet having Teflon rails and a stop. The compartment for holding a battery pack therein. The battery pack being slidably received into, and removed from the compartment. The battery pack engaging the stop of the cabinet, preventing the battery pack from being removed in a single sliding movement. The battery pack positioned at the base of the cabinet frame to lower its center of gravity, thus increasing the stability of the cabinet. The battery pack held firmly within the compartment during transportation of the cabinet by guide pins and finger screws.

Electrical cabinet

A customer removable storage system peripheral device cover is formed from two symmetrical right and left covers, each having a number of air channel openings spaced to meet finger insertion safety requirements. The covers are fastened together around grooved symmetrical guides hot staked on either side of a drive carrier. Inside the covers, a floating disk adaptor board is included at the rear to electrically connect the drive to the storage system. A ribbon wire cable is placed along the bottom of the interior of the device cover, to connect to an LED panel on the front of the device cover. An ejector pivotally attached to the device cover has locking tabs that grip a shelf of the chassis at the position where the drive is to be inserted, and propel the covered drive inward along rails in the chassis that fit into grooved symmetrical guides to snap the covered drive into its position and connect it to a backplane. Guide pins in the backplane match openings in the floating board disk adaptor's gang connector at the rear of the device cover to insure proper insertion. When a latch in the ejector is released, the front planar surface moves down to engage with a shelf of the chassis within which the covered drive is mounted. A downward pivot of the ejector propels the covered drive out of its position for removal. A simple manufacturing process is used to assemble a drive within the covers of the invention.

Device cover and ejection apparatus and method

A disk array memory system includes a disk subsystem, a disk director module and a cable connected between the disk subsystem and the disk director module. The disk subsystem includes a disk drive backplane having disk drive connectors interconnected by a first data bus section and disk drives mounted in the disk drive connectors and coupled to the first data bus section. The cable constitutes a second data bus section. The system further includes a bus repeater located in the disk subsystem and including a first port electrically connected to the first data bus section and a second port electrically connected to the cable. The bus repeater logically interconnects the first and second data bus sections and regenerates signals transmitted in either direction between the disk director module and the disk drives. The bus repeater may be implemented as a circuit board mounted in the disk drive backplane or as a module located in close proximity to the disk drive backplane and interconnected to the disk drive backplane.

Growing community of inventors

Sutton, MA, United States of America

William R Tuccio