US20070230110A1 - High density array system with active storage media support structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The storage media support structure is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of provisional U.S. Ser. No. 60/788,487, entitled HIGH DENSITY ARRAY SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE STORAGE BLADES, filed Mar. 31, 2005 which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to a storage unit that is useful in storing data to any one of a plurality of storage elements associated with a frame that can be moved at least partially out of the storage unit without power and communication interruption to the storage elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Presently, data storage units, such as mass data storage libraries and RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks/Drives) systems, each employing multiple storage elements, are primarily used to archive data, i.e., store data that is not immediately needed by the host computer, and provide archived data to the host computer when the data is needed. To elaborate, a typical data storage unit receives data from a host computer and causes the data to be stored or recorded on a recording medium typically located in one or more of the storage elements, such as a disk drive for example. When the host computer requires some of the data that was previously stored in the storage elements, a request for the data is sent from the host computer to the data storage unit to fulfill real-time data retrieval needs. In response, the data storage unit retrieves the data from the storage elements, and transmits the retrieved data to the host computer system.
• From time to time, there may be reason to remove one or more storage elements from a data storage unit, such as for repair, maintenance or upgrades. This generally results in removing panels associated with a data storage unit cover in order to access the storage elements inside the data storage unit. Typically, the process of removing one or more storage elements from a data storage unit further requires turning off the power to the data storage unit.
• In an effort to improve accessing powered storage elements operable with a data storage unit both methods and apparatus are disclosed herein. It is to innovations related to this subject matter that the claimed invention is generally directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to a storage unit that is useful in storing data to any one of a plurality of storage elements supported by a drawer-like structure that can be moved at least partially out of the storage unit without power and communication interruption to the storage elements.
• Embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage unit comprising: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade adapted for accommodating a plurality of storage elements; the media blade adapted to provide at least a communication pathway and power between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade adapted for being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the power and communication.
• Another embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, the storage unit capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first media blade wherein the first media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first media blade along a guided pathway adapted for the first media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
• Yet another embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage system comprising at least one storage unit, the storage unit comprising: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space; a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a data storage arrangement constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 1B shows a commercial embodiment of a High Density Array (HDA) unit consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 1C is a side view of the HDA unit illustrating one embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to a storage media blade when the storage media blade is moved between a retracted and extended position.
• FIG. 1D is a side view of the HDA unit illustrating an alternative embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to a storage media blade when the storage media blade is moved between a retracted and extended position.
• FIG. 1E is a side view of the HDA unit illustrating yet another alternative embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to a storage media blade when the storage media blade is moved between a retracted and extended position.
• FIG. 2A is one commercial configuration of a storage media blade populated with ten disc drives consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 2B shows a back view of the storage media blade populated with nine disc drives consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 2C shows the back side of a bezel module consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 shows the storage media blade ofFIG. 2A without disc drives consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 shows an embodiment consistent with the present invention of a retaining mechanism of the illustrative commercial HDA embodiment in more detail.
• FIG. 5 shows an embodiment consistent with the present invention of a top view of a blade plate board of the illustrative commercial HDA embodiment in more detail.
• FIG. 6 shows an embodiment consistent with the present invention of an illustration of a blade board schematic layout of the blade plate board ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is an illustrative embodiment of one optional configuration of an HDA unit schematic layout consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8A is an illustration of an interconnected multi-HDA system schematic layout consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8B is an illustration of a master HDA and add-on storage media unit layout consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8C is an illustration of a looped connected multi-HDA system schematic layout consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 shows the commercial embodiment of an HDA unit with the back surface presented consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 shows the commercial embodiment of an HDA unit with the back surface presented without the removable panel and a server module partially removed consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a top view of the HDA unit without the cover and removable panel consistent with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring to the drawings in general, and more specifically toFIG. 1A, shown therein is a block diagram of a data storage arrangement constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In what follows, similar or identical structure is identified using identical callouts.
• The data storage arrangement illustrated inFIG. 1A can comprise a client/server101 incommunication103 with a High Density Array (DA)data storage system100. The client/server101 can be a host computer or some other consumer/producer of data; other embodiments can also include another storage library or a streaming output device, such as a video server, to name several examples. Theclient101 is an entity, or entities, that is capable of ‘taking in’ data, for example a client/server101 is a consumer when receiving data and anHDA100 is a consumer when receiving data. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, in addition to ‘taking in’ data, a consumer of data is also generally capable of manipulating and/or transmitting data. Theclient101 can be a personal computer, a main frame computer, a server, or any computer system operatively linked to the HDA100, to name a few examples. Thecommunication path103, at a minimum, needs only to facilitate communication between the client/server101 and theHDA100. The means for communication can be accomplished by a dedicated pathway (such as a SCSI [Small Computer Systems Interface] cabled connection), fiber-channel or, in an alternative embodiment, a pathway over a network (such as a LAN, WAN, or other communication architecture), for example. Furthermore, the communication path can be in the form of (not to be limited by) a wire line pathway, wireless, fiber channel or a combination thereof.
• Embodiments of the present invention can be commercially practiced in a Spectra Logic HDA manufactured by Spectra Logic of Boulder Colo.FIG. 1B shows a commercial embodiment of oneHDA unit100 with a firststorage media blade102, comprising tendisc drives105, in an extended position and five additionalstorage media blades104, each capable of comprising tendisc drives105, or less, in a fully retracted position. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a storage media blade is yet one embodiment of a storage media support structure wherein the storage media support structure can function more or less like the storage media blade. Amedia blade104 can be optimized for load balancing, power balancing, capacity balancing, etc. Power and communication can be provided to thestorage media blades102 and104 without interruption regardless of whether thestorage media blades102 and104 are in a retracted position, extended position, or a position there between (much like a drawer). In other words, thestorage media blade104 can be in a power state independent of the location of theblade104. Eachblade102 and104 can be configured to store data with back-up capabilities such as in a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disc [drives]) configuration, for example RAID level-5 or RAID level-6, or without redundancy. In an alternative embodiment, back-up configurations can be accomplished by writing redundant data acrossdifferent blades102 and104 or across multiple HDA units that are interconnected. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, there are numerous RAID configurations which are optimized to an end user's desire to balance storage speed performance with redundancy of data. TheHDA unit100 is substantially encased on four sides (top, bottom, left side and right side) by acover106 and aremovable panel110 which define an interior space of theHDA unit100. Avent108 is provided in thecover106 for cooling purposes which, as known by a skilled artisan, is not limited by quantity, size or location.
• FIG. 1C is a side view of theHDA unit100 illustrating one embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to astorage media blade102 when thestorage media blade102 is moved between a retracted and extended position. As revealed through the cutaway134 in thecover106, power and communication are provided to thestorage media blade102 from theHDA unit100 via a flex cable (not shown) supported by a flex chain linkage130 (or other equivalent flexible cable carier), such as an IGUS chain from IGUS Corporation of Koln, Germany, that connects to theHDA unit100 at aback plane connector136 and thestorage media blade102 at ablade connector132. Alternatives to a flex cable can include a flexible ribbon cable or flexible individual or semi-individual group of wires (such as one or more ipass cables provided by Molex Corporation of San Jose, Calif.) just to name several examples that can accomplish the same functionality without deviating from the present invention. Theflex cable linkage130 tracks the movement of thestorage media blade102 providing uninterrupted power and communication from a retracted position to an extended position without binding or tangling, as shown by the pivoting links to form abend140 in thelinkage130. In one embodiment, ablade latch mechanism133, such as a Richco R1001 card inserter/extractor, of Richco Inc., of Morton Groove, Ill., can be provided to limit the extension of thestorage media blade102 thus retaining a portion of theblade102 in theHDA unit100 for stability and support when in the extended position (for an operator to access the disc drives105, or an alternative data storage device, associated with the blade102). Theblade latch mechanism133 can be manipulated to unlatch thestorage media blade102 allowing removal of theblade102 from theHDA unit100.
• FIG. 1D is a side view of theHDA unit100 illustrating an alternative embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to astorage media blade102 when thestorage media blade102 is moved between a retracted and extended position. As revealed through the cutaway134 in thecover106, power and communication are provided to thestorage media blade102 via a conductive wheel152 (or optionally a brush system) that is in contact with aconductive path154 connected to aback plane connector136, for example. As thestorage media blade102 is moved between a retracted position and a fully extended position, theconductive wheel152 can continuously provide power and communication to theblade102 while in contact with theconductive path154. Optionally, theconductive wheel152 andconductive path154 can provide only power with data transmitted wirelessly. Theblade latch mechanism133, as previously described, can serve the purpose of retaining thestorage media blade102 partially in theHDA unit100 unless made to disengage theblade102 from theunit100.
• FIG. 1E is a side view of theHDA unit100 illustrating yet another embodiment of a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to astorage media blade102 when thestorage media blade102 is moved between a retracted and extended position. As revealed through the cutaway134 in thecover106, power and communication are provided to thestorage media blade102 via aflex cable164 that connects to theHDA unit100 at aback plane connector136 and thestorage media blade102 at ablade connector132. In this embodiment, theflex cable164 maintains tension via a spring-loadedspindle166, in order to prevent binding or tangling. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,FIGS. 1B,1C and1D are illustrative of the many optional ways to provide uninterrupted power and communication to astorage media blade102 when moved between a retracted and extended position.
• With reference toFIG. 2A, shown therein is one commercial configuration of astorage media blade200 populated with ten 3.5 inch form factor disc drives206, such as a Barracuda class disc drive manufactured by Seagate Corporation of Scotts Valley, Calif. In an alternative embodiment, thestorage media blade200 can accommodate different form factor drives, such as 2.5 inch disc drive and 3.5 inch disc drive for example. Optionally, thestorage blade200 may be limited to accommodating a specific form factor disc drive or alternate kind of medium, such as flash memory cards, or a combination therein, for example. In yet another alternative embodiment, thestorage blade200 may comprise disc drives with different storage capacities (wherein, in one embodiment, the lowest capacity drive may be the determining capacity of all other drives on the blade200) and storage speeds. In addition to the disc drives206, one embodiment of thestorage media blade200 can comprises abezel module202 with ahandle208 at afront end210, ablade plate214 which supports a blade plate board (not shown) for providing power to the disc drives206 and amid-plane frame216 shown interposed between thedrives206 which can cooperate with retainingmechanisms204 wherein aretaining mechanism204 can further comprise alatch210. As illustrated, adisc drive206ais partially ejected from theblade plate214. In this embodiment, the disc drives206 are oppositely disposed relative themid-plane frame216 providing the added advantage of oppositely rotating discs (not shown) comprised by the disc drives206 reducing the vibration of thestorage media blade200 when fully populated. Additional vibration control means can be provided, such as dampeners and wedge shaped locking mechanisms associated with theblade200, just to name a couple of examples.
• FIG. 2B shows a back view of thestorage media blade200 wherein thestorage media blade200 is populated with nine disc drives206. Thestorage media blade200 receives and transmits data over a blade SAS (Serial Attached SCSI)connector224 receives power over ablade power connector222. As a skilled artisan will appreciate, a variety of connector types and configurations can be used to accomplish the same functionality. Arear blade plate218 provides support for aconnector shroud220 which not only protects theconnectors222 and224 but provides a mounting location for an uninterruptible power and communication system, such asflex cable linkage130.
• FIG. 2C shows theback side256 of thebezel module202. Thebezel module202, in one embodiment of the present invention, is adapted for easy replacement should a failure occur. Herein, thebezel module202 can accommodate two fans (not shown) in twobezel fan housings252 and254 that can pull air throughvents250 in the face of thebezel module202 for cooling the disc drives206. Power is provided to thebezel module202 via aconnector254. In one embodiment, a locking feature (not shown) can optionally be used with thebezel module202 for rapid access.
• FIG. 2D is an alternative embodiment of a storage media support structure. As illustratively shown, the storagemedia support structure260 is adapted to support a plurality ofdisc drives206 arranged vertically facing thebezel module202. The storagemedia support structure260 comprisessupport retaining mechanisms204 for holding the disc drives206 in place. As illustratively shown, adisc drive206bcan be removed from the storagemedia support structure260 by a release mechanism associated with thesupport retaining mechanism204. In one embodiment the disc drives206 can be in operation while thedisc dive206bis removed and optionally be replaced by another disc drive, called a “hot-swapping”. As previously discussed, the storagemedia support structure260 can support one ormore disc drives206 and be moved in and out of a storage system, such as theHDA unit100, without interruption of power and communication. In an alternative embodiment, the storagemedia support structure260 can comprise side walls (not shown) to form an embodiment of a storage media drawer.
• FIG. 2E is another alternative embodiment of a storage media support structure. As illustratively shown, the storagemedia support structure270 is adapted to support a plurality ofdisc drives206 arranged horizontally along theblade plate214 to form a storage media plate. In this embodiment, the storagemedia support structure270 can be pulled out by ahandle208 located at thefront210 of thestructure270. The storagemedia support structure270 can be stacked with other like support structures as well as having other like storage media support structures to the left and/or right of thestructure270.
• FIG. 2F is yet another alternative embodiment of a storage media support structure. As illustratively shown, the storagemedia support structure270 is adapted to support a plurality ofdisc drives206 arranged in as in thestorage blade200 in a row of three to form a double media blade. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that multiple rows can exist in thestorage blade280. It will further be appreciated by one skilled in the art that alternative media blades, or storage media support structures, can be used while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 shows thestorage media blade200 ofFIG. 2A without disc drives206. The HDAstorage media blade200 generally comprises aframe302 that can accommodate abezel module202, ablade plate214 and amid-plane frame216 capable of supporting retainingmechanisms204 in accommodatingretaining mechanism locations308. Theblade plate214 comprisesconnector openings306 for SAS (Serial Attached SCSI)connectors304 integrated with a blade plate board (not shown) attached to the underside of theblade plate214. Disc drives206 are adapted to plug into theSAS connectors304 in a male/female relationship for linking to power and communication. Theblade plate214 can, optionally, comprise base plate indication lights322, such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) or terminations of light pipes, connected to the bezel indication lights320 located on the face of thebezel module202. The indication lights320 and322 indicate activity and functionality of anyparticular disc drive206. The base plate indication lights322 can provide drive206 location, for use by an operator for example, to the coincidingbezel indication light320 when theblade200 is in at least an extended position. As is appreciated by one skilled in the art, theblade200 is not limited toSAS connectors304 rather a variety of alternate connector configurations can be substituted without deviating from the functionality of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 shows aretaining mechanism204 of the illustrative commercial HDA embodiment in more detail. Theretaining mechanism204 is generally comprised of alatch204 pivotally attached to a discdrive retaining plate402. The retainingplate402 is attached to thedrive206 by fourscrews404 aligned with mounting holes (not shown) in thedisc drive206. The retainingplate402 can be configured with additional mountingholes406 to accommodate alternative form factor drives, such as 2.5 inch, or 1 inch mini drives for example. Thelatch204 is adapted to cooperate with a retainingstructure312 shown in theframe200 ofFIG. 3. The retainingplate402 is adapted to slideably engage accommodating retainingflanges310 located at themid-plane frame216 ofFIG. 3 whereby the disc drive is aligned to connect with aconnector304. A spring ejection mechanism, not shown, can also be used. As is appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are a number of alternative retaining and ejecting configurations that accomplish the same functionality.
• FIG. 5 shows a top view of theblade plate board502 of the illustrative commercial HDA embodiment in more detail. Theblade plate board502 is a substrate adapted to support power and communication pathways in addition to connector structures, such asSAS connectors304, connected to the pathways. Theblade plate board502 is substantially fixedly attached to the underside of theblade plate214 via screws in this example. The board provides for tenSAS connectors304, abezel module connector504, an in-band connector506, for providing communication between a drive206 (such as SAS communication) and a server (not shown) for example, and an out-of-band connector508, for providing power and control components such as thebezel module504, for example.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of a blade boardschematic layout600 of theblade plate board502 ofFIG. 5 capable of being used with thestorage media blade200 ofFIG. 2A. As illustrated, power and communication are received from theHDA unit100 from theHDA connector end602 of theboard layout600. In general, theboard502 provides a pathway between an initiator, such as a server, and a target, such as adisc drive608 wherein communication may pass through one or more port expanders, or other routers, to complete a target path between the initiator and target. In this configuration, the board comprises twoport expanders606 and607, such as an SAS X12A expander chip, or alternatively a X36 expander chip (just to name two examples) from LSI Logic of Milpitas, Calif., each capable of routing communication between a server, for example, and any of the tendrives608 communicatively linked with thestorage media blade200. In this configuration, thestorage media blade200 only requires oneprimary port expander606 with twelve ports to fully operate; however the back-upport expander607 serves in a redundant port expander should theprimary port expander606 fail. In this configuration, aport expander606 is a routing device which dedicates ten ports to the tendisc drives608 and two ports communicate with two other devices, such as two servers or a server and another board or port expander, for example. One skilled in the art will appreciate that routing data can be accomplished with a variety of routing devices which are not limited to a port expander. Multipleblade plate boards502 can be interconnected via additional port expanders, such asport expanders606 and608, onother boards502 which can serve a purpose to provide communication for multiple devices, such as multiple servers or other clients, for example. Theboard layout600 is also shown to comprise two redundant 3.3V/1.2Vpower supply controllers604 for theport expanders606 and607. Two redundant 5V/12Vpower supply controllers610 are, at least, dedicated to the disc drives608.
• Also shown inFIG. 6 is a schematic for thebezel module layout614 of thebezel module202 ofFIG. 2A. Thebezel module layout614 shows two fans612 (which optionally can serve as redundant units), areset button616 for resetting power to just thestorage media blade200 and not theentire HDA unit100, and status LEDs. The status LEDs can include, for example, a system status LED, individual drive status LED, Ethernet status/Ethernet ports system management LEDs, or any other activity indicating device. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, there are a number of optional board layouts the can complete the primary function of theboard502 which is to transmit power to components associated with theboard502 and direct communication between at least adrive608 and a server, for example.
• FIG. 7 is an illustration of one optional configuration of an HDA unitschematic layout700 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, theHDA layout700 generally comprises aserver unit layout730, a 36-port SAS Expander port layout708 (or optionally redundant 36-port expanders), a powersupply system layout706 with redundancy, abackplane board layout732, a userinterface board layout702 and six bladeplate board layouts600 as shown in detail inFIG. 6. With reference to theserver unit layout730, shown therein are redundant server boot drives716 (but as one skilled in the art would recognize, alternative storage devices could be used in place of a boot drive716), redundantSAS PCI cards720 each comprising eight ports and location for accommodating fouradditional PCI cards718,user interface722,dynamic memory712 and dual CPU (Central Processing Units)714. The sixblades600 anduser interface board702 connect to thebackplane board732 through which power is transmitted and communication can be exchanged. Thebackplane board732, in this configuration, is capable of providing power and control to four (or more or less) coolingfans704. TheHDA unit100 can show a low level operational status and basic functionality for an operator via theuser interface board702 which can comprise a power switch, a reset switch, and identification button for various elements within theHDA unit100, USB connectors for flash key drives, keyboard and mouse connections from the front of theunit100, wireless devices, etc., in addition to status lights for general system status, Ethernet status, etc. Optional configurations can include additional port expanders and more complex server/motherboard system(s) without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
• FIG. 8A is an illustration of an interconnected multi-HDA systemschematic layout800. As shown, threeHDA units822,824 and826 are interconnected throughrespective routers803,805,807, such as dual 36-port SAS expanders, andservers802,804 and806. Thethird HDA unit826 can be connected to anetwork client816 over a pathway such as ISCSI, Ethernet, Fiber channel, etc. Theserver boxes802,804 and806 can, optionally, be interconnected further serving as a failsafe in the event a server box fails. AllHDA units822,824 and826 can function independently saving data on each of the associatedstorage media blades810,812,814. As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, there are a variety of ways to interconnect themultiple HDA units822,824 and826 with the general interconnected functionality as shown without deviating from the present invention. It should also be clear that the threeHDA units822,824 and826 are illustrative and that a multi-HDA system can comprise an unlimited number of HDA units.
• FIG. 8B is an illustration of a master HDA and add-on storagemedia unit layout850. In this configuration, two add-onstorage media units832 and834 are interconnected throughrouters841 and843, respectively, whereby theserver806 operates as a master unit for all of thestorage media blades814,840 and842. TheHDA unit826 can also interface with aclient816. As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, there are a variety of ways to interconnect amaster HDA unit826 with multiple add-onunits832 and834 while preserving the general interconnected functionality as shown without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
• FIG. 8C is an illustration of a looped connected multi-HDA systemschematic layout875. As shown, theclient816 can be in communication with the threeHDA units822,824 and826 over a network. In one embodiment, a server, such asserver806, can be the primary, or active, server and theother servers802 and804, passive servers. As shown afirst IIDA unit826 is connected to asecond HDA unit824 via afirst port expander878 associated with thefirst HDA unit826 and asecond port expander881 associated with thesecond HDA unit824. Thesecond HDA unit824 is connected to athird HDA unit822 via athird port expander880 associated with thesecond HDA unit824 and afourth port expander883 associated with thethird HDA unit822. Optionally, thethird HDA unit822 can be connected to thefirst HDA unit826 viafifth port expander882 associated with thethird HDA unit822 and asixth port expander879 associated with thefirst HDA unit826. In the event a server fails, such as thesecond server804 associated withsecond HDA unit824, a different server, such as thefirst server806 associated withfirst HDA unit826, can function as the active server effectively bypassing the failedsecond server804. In one embodiment of the present invention, a server unit, such asserver804, can be configured to be hot-swappable, that is removable without interruption to the system. The IIDA units, such as thesecond HDA unit824, can be adapted to accommodate thesecond server804, or any number of different modular units such as another server or RAID controller for example, in a universal module space (described in detail inFIG. 11) whereby theserver804 can be removed without interruption to thesystem875. For example, the bypassing functionality effectively bypassing a failed server unit can be identically used to bypass a server with a mother board if removed from the system, such as thesystem875, when in operation without interruption to the system.
• With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, shown therein is an embodiment ofHDA unit100 with theback surface912 presented. TheHDA unit100 comprises aremovable server unit900 that can comprise two modular boot drives908. Also shown are threeremovable power supplies904,904 and906 and modular port expanders9. Ventilation holes910 are shown distributed on much of theback side912 as shown forgeneral HDA100 cooling.FIG. 10 shows theHDA unit100 with theremovable panel110 taken off exposing aninterior portion1002 adapted to accommodate the removable server unit900 (which is shown partially in the HDA unit100). In this illustration four of the coolingfans704 are shown for providing cooling to thestorage media blades200.
• FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a top view of theHDA unit100 without thecover106 andremovable panel110. Shown therein are sixstorage media blades200, a first and secondport expander unit1102 and1104, respectively, and auniversal module space1100. Theuniversal module space1100 is adapted to functionally accommodate a variety of modular units, for example, a server, such as theserver unit900 ofFIG. 9, a RAID controller, a JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disc [drives]), a channel bridge (such as a SAS to fiber channel bridge), etc. In one embodiment, a modular unit, such as theserver unit900, can comprise a sled apparatus (not shown) adapted to cooperate with features in theuniversal module space1100 for efficient insertion and removal from theunit100. Means to electrically and communicatively link theHDA unit100 with a module can include a universal set of electrical contacts, or alternatively, specific sets of contacts disposed in theHDA unit100 dedicated for specific modular units. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, there are a variety of ways to link a module with theHDA unit100 when installed in theuniversal module space1100. An external server can interact with theHDA unit100 via theport expander units1102 and1104, or equivalent routing system(s).
• Generally speaking, in one aspect of the present invention, a storage unit can comprise: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements; the media blade adapted to provide at least a communication pathway and power between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the power and communication. The storage unit can further comprise a latch mechanism to prevent the media blade from totally being removed from the unit interior space. The storage unit can further be adapted to be received by an accommodating opening in the frame. Additionally, the storage unit can be adapted to accommodate six media blades.
• The media blade can be partially moved between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Additionally, the storage blade can be retained by a locking mechanism and supported by the storage unit when in the extended position.
• The storage unit can optionally comprise storage elements selected from one of the group consisting of: a disc drive, flash memory (or other kind of solid state storage memory), compact disc, magneto-optical drive, floppy disc drive and holographic drive.
• The power and communication can be provided to the media blade by a power and communication linking device selected from one of the group consisting of: a ribbon cable, at least one independent conductive wire, a flexible cable, at least one group of conductive wires. Additionally, the power and communication linking device can comprise a tangling prevention device. Furthermore, the tangling prevention device can be a flex chain linkage. Optionally, the tangling prevention device can be a spring loaded spindle. The power can be provided by a brush and conductive lead system and the communication can be transmitted wirelessly. The storage media blade of the storage unit can comprise a base for supporting a base board through which the communication and power can be transmitted, a bezel module, a mid-plane frame, blade power connector and blade communication connector. The blade base can accommodate a plurality of storage element power and communication connectors for the storage elements. The storage element power and communication connectors can be Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface connectors. The bezel module can be removably attached to the storage media blade and comprises a handle, at least one indication light associated with each of the storage elements, at least one fan speed controllable and a blade reset button. The blade power and blade communication connectors connect to the power and communication linking device. The storage elements can be disposed on either side of the mid-plane frame. The storage elements can be disc drives wherein the disc drive can optionally be at least two different storage density capacities, different disc rotation speeds, or different disc drive form factors. In the embodiment wherein the storage elements are disc drives magnetic discs comprised by the disc drives can rotate in opposite directions when mounted on opposite sides of the mid-plane frame. The storage elements can optionally be mounted to a mid-plane retaining plate that cooperates with the mid-plane to hold the storage elements substantially in place when electrically connected to the base board. The retaining plate can accommodate alternate form factor storage elements. The storage media blade can further comprise a latch mechanism to removably and substantially lock the storage element to the blade. The base board of the blade further can comprise storage element activity indicators for each storage element corresponding to the at least one indication light associated with each of the storage elements on the bezel board. The storage element activity indicators can be Light Emitting Diodes located in proximity to each storage element. As a skilled artisan would recognize, other light indicating devices/emitters or light sources and reflecting devices, etc. can be used to accomplish the same result as a Light Emitting Diode without departing from the present invention.
• The storage unit can further be adapted to cooperate with a second storage unit to comprise a storage system capable interacting with a host. All of the storage units can be substantially identical, or optionally the second storage unit can be just a bunch of storage elements or drives (JBOD) such as, for example, capable of being field adaptable to be able to switch from a JBOD to full operating mode. Both storage units can each further comprise a universal module space located in the interior space adapted to accommodate a server module, i.e. a first modular server unit for the original storage unit and a second modular server unit for the second storage unit. The first modular server unit can function as a master server unit taking over server operations for both the original storage unit and the second storage unit. Optionally, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit. In one embodiment, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit when the first server unit fails wherein functionality of the system remains uninterrupted. In an alternative embodiment, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit when the first server unit is removed in a hot-swap operation wherein functionality of the system remains uninterrupted. The storage system can comprise a third storage unit wherein the storage units can be interconnected through a loop system wherein the storage unit from claim1 is connected to the second storage unit and the second storage unit is connected to the third storage unit. The storage units can all interconnected via router devices. Optionally, the original storage unit can be connected to both the second storage unit and the third storage unit; the second storage unit can be connected to both the original storage unit and the third storage unit.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, the storage unit can be capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first storage media blade wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
• The storage unit method can optionally be further defined so that the first position is when at least all of the storage elements are within the interior space. The second position can be when all of the storage elements are out side of the interior space. The method can further comprising storing the first data redundantly using a RAID level format, such as RAID level-5 for example. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of storage elements can be removed from the first storage media blade when in the second position without substantially interrupting storing of the first data. The removed storage element can be replaced with a different form factor storage element, a different storage capacity storage element, or a different data handling rate.
• The method can further comprise exchanging a modular unit in a universal space that is substantially within the interior space without interruption to the storing of the first data. The modular unit can be of the group consisting of: a JBOD, a server unit, RAID controller, a storage array and a routing unit.
• The storage unit method can further comprise receiving a second data package from the host; storing the second data package on a second storage media blade wherein the second storage media blade comprises a second plurality of data storage elements; moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data. This can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format on the second storage media blade. Alternatively, this can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage media blades.
• In yet another aspect of the present invention, a storage system can comprise a first and second storage unit, the storage system capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first storage media blade associated with the first storage unit wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
• The method can further comprise receiving a second data package from the host; storing the second data package on a second storage media blade associated with the second storage unit wherein the second storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing. This can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage units. Optionally, this can further comprise the first storage unit controls the storage of the first data on the first unit and the first storage unit controls the storage of the second data on the second unit. Optionally this can further comprise the second storage unit assumes control of the storage of the first and second data if the first storage unit fails to control the storage of the first and second data.
• In yet another aspect of the present invention, a storage system comprising at least one storage unit, the storage unit can comprise: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space; a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions.
• In yet another aspect of the present invention a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, a means for storage unit operation can comprise: means for receiving a first data package from a host; means for storing the first data package on a first storage media blade wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
• Optionally, the means plus function embodiments can further include, means for storing the first data redundantly using a RAID level format. Means for further receiving a second data package from the host; means for storing the second data package on a second storage media blade wherein the second storage media blade comprises a second plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data.
• The means plus function can further comprise means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format on the second storage media blade or optionally means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage media blades.
• The means plus function can further comprise means for exchanging a modular unit in a universal space that is substantially within the interior space without interruption to the storing of the first data.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a storage system comprising a first and second storage unit, a means for the storage system to operate can comprise: a means for receiving a first data package from a host; a means for storing the first data package on a first storage media blade associated with the first storage unit wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; a means for moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
• The means plus function can further comprise means for receiving a second data package from the host; means for storing the second data package on a second storage media blade associated with the second storage unit wherein the second storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing. Additionally, this can further comprise a means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage units.
• It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, alternate board layouts and features specific to market needs can be used with an HDA, such as theHDA system800, for example, while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Another example can include various means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to a storage media blade, such as thestorage media blade200, when moved between a retracted and extended position while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to disc drive systems, such as thedisc drive blade200, and related technology, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the an that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other systems and storage media, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed.

Claims (20)

1. A data storage unit having a source of electronic communication and a source of electronic power, the data storage unit comprising:

a frame defining a storage unit interior space;

at least one storage media support structure accommodating a plurality of storage elements;

the plurality of storage elements receiving at least electronic communication and electronic power from said electronic communication source and said electronic power source via said storage media support structure;

the storage media support structure adapted for being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the communication and power.

2. The storage unit ofclaim 1 further comprising a latch mechanism to prevent the storage media support structure from totally being removed from the unit interior space.

3. The storage unit ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one support media structure is adapted to be received by an accommodating opening in the frame.

4. The storage unit ofclaim 3 wherein the storage unit is adapted to accommodate a plurality of storage media support structures.

5. The storage unit ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one support media structure is partially moved between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space, the at least one support media structure remains supported by data storage unit while the media blade is partially moved.

6. The storage unit ofclaim 5 wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to be supported by the storage unit when fully in the extended position.

7. The storage unit ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one storage media support structure comprises a base for supporting a base board, the communication and the power can be transmitted via the base board.

8. The storage unit ofclaim 7 wherein the base can accommodate a plurality of storage element power and communication connectors for the storage elements.

9. The storage unit ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one storage media support structure is selected from the group consisting of: a storage media blade, a storage media drawer, a storage media plate, a double storage media blade.

10. The storage unit ofclaim 1 wherein the power and the communication are provided to the at least one storage media support structure by a power and communication linking device selected from one of the group consisting of: a ribbon cable, at least one independent conductive wire, a flex cable, at least one group of conductive wires.

11. The storage system ofclaim 10 wherein the power and the communication linking device comprises a tangling prevention device.

12. A method of operating a data storage unit wherein the data storage unit comprises a frame that defines an interior space, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a first data package from a host;

storing the first data package on at least one of a plurality of data storage elements that are supported by a first storage media support structure;

moving the first storage media support structure along a guided pathway adapted for the first storage media support structure from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.

13. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the first position is when at least all of the storage elements are within the interior space.

14. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the second position is when all of the storage elements are out side of the interior space.

15. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising storing the first data redundantly using a redundant data storing technique.

16. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising receiving a second data package from the host;

storing the second data package on a second storage media support structure wherein the second storage media support structure comprises a second plurality of data storage elements;

moving the second storage media support structure along a guided pathway from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data.

17. The method ofclaim 16 further comprising storing the second data redundantly using a redundant data storing technique across the first and second storage media support structures.

18. The method ofclaim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of data storage elements is removed from the first storage media support structure when in the second position without substantially interrupting storing of the first data.

19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein the removed storage element is replaced with a storage element selected from the group consisting of: a different form factor storage element, a different storage capacity storage element, a storage element having a different data handling rate.

20. A storage system comprising:

a frame defining a storage system interior space;

at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure provides a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage system;

the storage media support structure moving while being supported by the storage between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space;

a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions.

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