System and Method for Utilizing Smart Data Connectors with Built In Safely Remove Hardware Functionality

An information handling system comprising:

• a processor to receive a request to safely remove a hardware component coupled to the information handling system, to execute a safely remove process for the hardware component, and to send a latch release signal in response to the safely remove hardware process being completed;
• and
• a receptacle module in communication with the processor, the receptacle module including:
• a receptacle circuit board;
• a receptacle mounted on the receptacle circuit board, the receptacle having a first notch;
• a latch in physical communication with the receptacle circuit board, the latch including a hook, wherein the latch is biased in a first position with the hook being located in first notch of the receptacle, the latch to rotate from the first position to a second position in response to a plug being inserted into the receptacle, and to snap back to the first position in response to the plug being fully inserted into the receptacle;
• and
• a component in physical communication with the latch, the component to receive the latch release signal from the processor, and to continually exert a first force on the latch to move the latch to the second position while the latch release signal is received.

A plug for a hardware component, the plug comprising:

• a tip including a notch and data communication pins, the notch to receive a hook of a latch in response to the tip to be inserted within a receptacle of an information handling system;
• a button in communication with the data communication pins, the button to provide a request to safely remove the hardware component from an information handling system in response to the button being pressed;
• and
• a light emitting diode in communication with the button and with the data communication pins, the light emitting diode to illuminate a first color in response to the button being pressed, and to illuminate a second color in response to a signal indicating that the hardware component can be safely removed from the information handling system.