US 4,754,397 A · Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers

Abstract

A fault tolerant computing facility is disclosed. The facility includes a housing array for containing a plurality of hardware element modules such as disk drives, a plurality of modularized power supplies and plural power distribution modules, each being connected to a separate source of primary facility power. Each module is self aligning and blind-mateable with the housing and may be installed and removed without tools, without disturbing the electrical cabling within the cabinet, and automatically by a maintenance robot. The logical identity of each module is established by programming at a control panel and by corresponding physical location of installation of each module within the housing array.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A fault tolerant computing facility comprising at least one housing array including:

a plurality of modules, each containing a hardware element of said computing facility,
a plurality of modularized hardware element power supplies, there being a separate power supply module electrically associated with each said hardware element module,
at least two separate power distribution modules, one power distribution module for distributing primary power from a first primary source connection to primary modules and power supply modules associated with primary modules, and a second primary source connection to back up mirror modules and power supply modules associated with back up mirror modules,
interconnect means in said array enabling said hardware element modules and said power supply modules to become automatically disconnected and reconnected when said modules are removed and inserted therein.

1 more element

A fault tolerant multiple disk data storage subsystem comprising a cabinet including:

a plurality of disk drive modules, each containing a rotating disk data storage device,
a plurality of modularized disk drive power supplies, there being a separate power supply module electrically associated with each said disk drive module,
at least two separate power distribution modules, one power distribution module for distributing primary power from a first primary source connection to primary drive modules and power supply modules associated with primary drive modules, and a second primary source connection to back up mirror drive modules and power supply modules associated with back up mirror drive modules,
interconnected means in said cabinet enabling said disk drive modules and said power supply modules to become automatically disconnected and reconnected when said modules are removed and inserted therein.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers

Life of this patent

Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27