Dual-purpose backplane design for multiple types of hard disks

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to a backplane that accommodates multiple types of hard disks.

[0003] Computer systems use buses for executing data transfers between a host computer system and subsystems or peripheral devices. Alternatively, buses can be used for executing data transfers among the subsystems or devices. A backplane is often used to route the buses. At given locations on the back plane, electrical bus connectors are mounted atop the bus paths. Components can be mated with the connectors, such that data can be communicated via the bus to the connected components. For example, small computer systems interface (“SCSI”) subsystems can be designed around such a hardwired backplane to route the buses to the subsystems or devices. Similarly, a backplane disposed in an external storage system allows hard disks inside the subsystem to be used by the computer system.

[0004] For illustrative purposes two common types of hard disks, are examined including SCSI disks and Fiber Channel-Arbitrated Loop (“FC-AL”) disks, however, this embodiment comprises using any two kinds of hard disks. Both disk types serve to store and transfer data; however, FC-AL disks have higher data transfer rates and use a serial, rather than a parallel, interface, which requires less components and results in a simpler circuit layout for designers.

[0005] Smaller chassis designs for either a computer or an external storage system requires more efficient use of space. However, making systems adaptable for future customization and upgrade is also desirable. Traditional backplanes are designed for use with only one type of hard disk. For example, a computer system using an SCSI system, incorporating an FC-AL disk into the system would require also procuring an additional external storage enclosure.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus for accommodating multiple types of hard disks, such as SCSI and FC-AL, in a computer or external storage system, in a manner that maximizes use of space, adapts for different combinations of disks, and simplifies manufacture.

[0007] Accordingly, one embodiment disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for accommodating two types of hard disks, for example, SCSI disks and FC-AL disks, using a single, dual-purpose backplane. The dual-purpose backplane includes a plurality of drive bays each including a first connector for receiving a complementary connector of an SCSI disk and a second connector for receiving a complementary connector of an FC-AL disk. In a computer system, one or the other of the first and second connectors is mounted upside down to avoid overlapping and structural interference with connection of other hard disks to the backplane. In an external storage system, hard disks are inserted sideways, and thus one connector type is mounted on the backplane in an orientation rotated 180 degrees from the other connector type.

[0008] A technical advantage achieved with the embodiment described herein is that two types of hard disks can be accommodated on the same backplane, thus saving space and adding versatility.

[0009] Another advantage achieved with the embodiment described herein is that it uses the same type of disk carrier for both types of disks.

[0010] Yet another advantage achieved with the embodiment described herein is that a consumer could use different numbers and combinations of SCSI and FC-AL disks on the same backplane.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the interior of a chassis of a computer system having a backplane according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an external storage system attached to the computer system.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the connection of two types of hard disks to the backplane of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the backplane of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a computer, designated generally by a reference numeral 10, which may be, for example, a server, a desktop, or a tower computer. The computer 10 includes a chassis 12 in which a motherboard 14 is mounted. A processor 16, a memory device of modules or hard disks 18, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices (not shown) are mounted on the motherboard 14. Standard buses (not shown) and a backplane 34 are also provided on the motherboard 14 and connect the processor 16 to the memory modules 18 and to the input/output devices. A power supply 22 is connected to the motherboard 14, and a pair of cable assemblies (not shown) connect the motherboard to a hard disk drive unit 26 and a floppy disk drive unit 28, respectively. It is understood that other components, electrical traces, electrical circuits and related devices (not shown) are provided in the chassis 12. Because these are all conventional components, they will not be described in any further detail.

[0016] FIG. 2 depicts an external storage system 11 attached by a cable 13 to the computer 10 of FIG. 1. The external storage system 11 holds a predetermined number of hard disks 18, inserted sideways in a direction shown by arrow A. A backplane (not shown) is disposed inside the external storage system 11 for operatively connecting the hard disks 18 to the computer 10. One hard disk type is mounted on the backplane in an orientation rotated 180 degrees from the other hard disk type, for reasons to be described.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates connection of two conventional hard disks disposed in disk carriers, in this case, a SCSI disk 18aand an FC-AL disk 18b,to the backplane 34. The backplane is made of any conventional material, and has a plurality of bays 34a-34f,each of which includes an SCSI female connector 36 and an FC-AL female connector 38. The SCSI female connectors 36 are conventional, and wired to couple with an SCSI disk male connector 30 to make an electrical connection therebetween. The FC-AL female connectors 38 are also conventional and wired to couple with an FC-AL male connector 32 to make an electrical connection therebetween. For purposes of illustration, the FC-AL female connectors 38 are shown mounted to the backplane 34 in an upside down orientation relative to the SCSI female connectors 36, thus requiring the FC-AL disk 18bto be mounted to the backplane in an upside down orientation. It will be recognized that the SCSI female connectors 36 could be mounted upside down instead. In any event, one of the connector and disk types must be mounted upside down to avoid structural interference with the connection by the other type female connector and to avoid the disk overlapping into the next bay.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the backplane 34, showing the SCSI female connectors 36 and FC-AL female connectors 38. As noted, two connectors comprise a bay, represented by bay 34a.When attached, the SCSI hard disk will occupy a space 35. Likewise, as shown in bay 34f,the FC-AL hard disk will occupy a space 37 when attached. These spaces would overlap, demonstrating that only one hard disk can occupy a bay at any given time.

[0019] As can be seen, the principal advantage of this embodiment is that two types of hard disks can be accommodated on the same backplane, thus saving space and adding to the versatility of the computer.

[0020] This disclosure shows and describes illustrative embodiments, however, the disclosure contemplates a wide range of modifications, changes and substitutions. Such variations may employ only some features of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the underlying embodiment. Accordingly, any appropriate construction of the appended claims will reflect the broad scope of the underlying embodiment.