Data storage system with improved serviceability features

A processing subsystem for a data storage system, the processing subsystem comprising:

• a set of storage processing circuits, each storage processing circuit being configured to individually perform data storage operations on the storage devices while the data storage system is in operation;
• a set of power supplies configured to provide power to the set of storage processing circuits while the data storage system is in operation;
• and
• a support structure configured to support the set of storage processing circuits and the set of power supplies when the processing subsystem connects with an interconnect of the data storage system, each power supply being configured to (i) install into the support structure in a blind mating manner and (ii) de-install from the support structure in a hot-swappable manner while the data storage system is in operation;
• wherein the processing subsystem further includes an output element that provides (i) a first output when the processing subsystem fails to pass a startup self-test, (ii) a second output when the processing subsystem passes the startup self-test fails but fails to complete a booting sequence, (iii) third output when the processing subsystem completes the booting sequence but fails to complete an operating system loading procedure, and (iv) a fourth output when the processing subsystem completes the operating system loading procedure, the output element providing the first, second, third and fourth outputs in serial order when the processing subsystem respectively transitions from a powered-down state to a normal operating state, through the startup self-test, the booting sequence, and the operating loading procedure;
• wherein the output element is a light emitting diode, wherein the first output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a first rate, wherein the second output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a second rate which is faster than the first rate, wherein the third output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a third rate which is faster than the second rate, and wherein the fourth output is a constant lighting of the light emitting diode.

A method for servicing a data storage system, the method comprising:

• receiving a fault signal from the data storage system, the data storage system having an interconnect, storage devices coupled to a first side of the interconnect, and a processing subsystem coupled to a second side of the interconnect that is substantially opposite the first side;
• identifying a component of the data storage system as faulty in response to receiving the fault signal;
• and
• replacing the identified component with a new component, the identified component being replaced in a hot-swapping manner when the identified component is a storage device, the identified component being replaced in a hot-swapping manner when the identified component is a power supply, and the identified component being replaced in a powered-down manner when the identified component is a portion of a storage processing circuit;
• wherein all of the storage devices are located exclusively on a first side of the interconnect, and the processing subsystem is located exclusively on a second side of the interconnect, the first and second sides being substantially opposite each other;
• wherein receiving a fault signal includes receiving a fault signal from a series of flashing lights, the flashing lights provided by a light emitting diode, wherein a first output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a first rate, wherein a second output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a second rate which is faster than the first rate, wherein a third output is flashing of the light emitting diode at a third rate which is faster than the second rate, and wherein a fourth output is a constant lighting of the light emitting diode.