TWI468922B - Electronic apparatus and management method thereof and rack server system - Google Patents

Description

Electronic device and its management method and cabinet servo system

The present invention relates to a monitoring mechanism of an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device capable of monitoring a storage unit in real time and a management method thereof.

In the field of computers, computer servers have high computing power and can provide a variety of functions for multiple users to use at the same time. Therefore, the selection criteria of the computer server in the hardware device are different from those of a general personal computer. The hardware device of the computer server must be able to withstand a large amount of load and have a high service life, so as to avoid data loss of the computer server due to hardware damage during the calculation work. Since the disk drive dedicated to computer servers is very expensive and has limited storage space, the disk drives of existing computer servers mostly use a hard disk array composed of a plurality of physical disks.

In general, the firmware of the Storage Card on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) side only supports the provision of storage device information, but for downstream devices such as independent disk storage. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) controllers, expanders (Expenders), and Just a Bunch Of Disks (JBOD) systems, such as temperature and voltage, etc., are not provided. Or belong to non-industry standardized commands, resulting in an immediate monitoring of external integrated environmental control Vulnerabilities.

The invention provides an electronic device and a management method thereof, which can obtain information about a storage unit from a storage interface.

The invention provides an electronic device comprising a storage unit, a storage interface and a substrate management controller. The baseboard management controller includes a first port for transmitting a management interface packet. The storage interface is coupled to the storage unit, and the storage interface includes a second port and a hard disk controller. The second port is coupled to the first port to receive the management interface packet. The hard disk controller is coupled to the second port, and the conversion management interface packet is an internal control command conforming to the storage interface, so that the system environment information is read according to the internal control command, and the system environment information is encapsulated into the reply packet, The second port transmits a return packet to the first port of the baseboard management controller. The reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic device further includes a fan coupled to the substrate management controller. The baseboard management controller transmits a control signal to the fan to control the speed of the fan.

In an embodiment of the invention, the hard disk controller includes a firmware that is driven by the firmware to drive the hard disk controller.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic device further includes a chip set, and the storage interface is inserted into the chip set.

In an embodiment of the invention, the system environment information includes power status, hard disk status, error status, sensor information, disk array information, and field replace unit (FRU) information of the storage unit. At least one or a combination thereof. In addition, the first connection port and the second port are both an internal integrated circuit (I ² C), and the first port and the second port are coupled through the internal integrated circuit bus, and are managed. Both the interface packet and the reply packet are encapsulated in the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).

The invention provides a cabinet servo system, which comprises a cabinet management server, a storage unit and a storage interface. The rack management server includes a baseboard management controller, and the baseboard management controller includes a first port to transmit the management interface packet by the first port. The storage interface is coupled to the storage unit, and the storage interface includes a second port and a hard disk controller. The second port is coupled to the first port to receive the management interface packet. The hard disk controller is coupled to the second port, and the conversion management interface packet is an internal control command conforming to the storage interface, so that the system environment information is read according to the internal control command, and the system environment information is encapsulated into the reply packet, The second port transmits a return packet to the first port of the baseboard management controller. The reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.

The present invention provides a management method suitable for an electronic device. In the method, the first port of the baseboard management controller transmits a management interface packet to the second port of the storage interface, wherein the storage interface includes a hard disk controller, and the storage interface is coupled to the storage device; The device management interface packet is an internal control command conforming to the storage interface, so as to read system environment information according to internal control commands; and the hard disk controller will system ring The environment information is encapsulated into a reply packet, and the first packet is sent back to the baseboard management controller through the second port, wherein the reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the management method may further transmit a control signal to the fan through the baseboard management controller to control the rotation speed of the fan, wherein the fan is coupled to the baseboard management controller.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the foregoing management method, after receiving the reply packet, the substrate management controller determines whether the system temperature in the system environment information is greater than or equal to a preset temperature. When the system temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the baseboard management controller transmits a control signal to the fan.

Based on the above, the substrate management controller obtains related information of the storage unit from the storage interface, and can immediately know the state of the storage unit, thereby enabling a corresponding processing mechanism.

The above described features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.

In order to clarify the content of the present invention, the following specific examples are given as examples in which the present invention can be implemented.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100 includes a baseboard management controller (BMC) 110 , a storage interface 120 , and a storage unit 130 . The substrate management controller 110 includes a first port 111, and the storage interface 120 includes a second port 121 and a hard disk controller 123. Store The interface 120 is coupled to the storage unit 130. The substrate management controller 110 is connected to the second port 121 of the storage interface 120 through the first port 111.

The substrate management controller 110 does not depend on the processor of the electronic device 100, a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or an operating system, and the substrate management controller 110 is a slave that runs alone in the electronic device 100. The system, which is typically a separate board mounted on the motherboard. After the baseboard management controller 110 begins execution, the monitoring process begins. Then, the substrate management controller 110 starts to transfer the management interface packet to the storage interface 120 to obtain the system environment information of the storage interface 120. Then, the substrate management controller 110 determines whether there is an error in the received system environment information, and then performs corresponding processing.

The hard disk controller 123 is configured to manage the physical storage unit 130 such that a central processing unit (not shown) can communicate with the storage unit 130. The hard disk controller 123 includes a firmware to drive the hard disk controller 123 by firmware. When the storage interface 120 is booted, the firmware of the hard disk controller 123 is first initialized first. Then, when the storage interface 120 receives the management interface packet, the hard disk controller 123 converts the management interface packet into an internal control command conforming to the storage interface 120, thereby reading the system environment information according to the internal control command, and The environment information is encapsulated into a reply packet, and the second packet is sent back to the first port 111 of the baseboard management controller 110 through the second port 121, wherein the reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.

The storage unit 130 is, for example, a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) or a simple disk binding (Just). A Bunch Of Disks (JBOD) system and other logical disk arrays. Multiple hard disks can be combined to form a logical disk array. Alternatively, the storage unit 130 is a non-volatile storage device such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

In addition, in other embodiments, the storage interface 120 may also be coupled to the plurality of storage units 130. The substrate management controller 110 can transmit the management interface packet for different storage units 130.

2 is a flow chart of a management method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 simultaneously, in step S205, the first connection port of the substrate management controller 110 transmits the management interface packet to the second port 121 of the storage interface 120. Here, the format of the management interface packet and the reply packet is an Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) packet.

After the storage interface 120 receives the management interface packet, in step S210, the hard disk controller 123 converts the management interface packet into an internal control command conforming to the storage interface 120, thereby reading the system environment information according to the internal control command. For example, a storage space is configured in the storage interface 120 to store system environment information read from the storage unit 130 or to detect system environment information obtained by the storage unit 130.

The system environment information includes at least one of a power state of the storage unit 130, a hard disk state, an error state, sensor information, disk array information, and field replaceable unit (FRU) information. The power state includes a power state and a voltage state, for example, the power of the storage unit is turned on or off, and the voltage value is News. The hard disk information is, for example, a usable space of the hard disk, a used space, and the like. The sensor information is, for example, the system temperature, the value read by the sensor, and the like. The disk array information is, for example, the type of disk array. In the case of a RAID system, the RAID system includes a plurality of different levels. The FRU information is, for example, a hardware type, a manufacturer identification code, a slot number to be used, and a hardware specification.

Then, in step S215, the hard disk controller 123 encapsulates the system environment information into the reply packet, and transmits the packet back to the first port 111 of the substrate management controller 110 through the second port 121, wherein the reply packet conforms to the management interface packet. The format.

In addition, the storage interface 130 can be inserted into the chip set, and an example will be described below. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is described with reference to the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the related description will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in the embodiment, the electronic device 100 further includes a chip set 330 and an expander unit 320 . Also, the chipset 330 includes a Peripheral Component Interconnection Express (PCIE) 331. The storage interface 120 also includes a PCIE port 305. The storage interface 120 is inserted into the PCIE port 331 of the chip set 330 through the PCIE port 305.

Wafer set 330 is, for example, a south bridge wafer or a circuit that integrates the functions of a south bridge wafer and a north bridge wafer. In general, the chip set 330 is coupled to a central processing unit (not shown). In addition, the chip set 330 can also be coupled to the substrate management controller 110.

In addition, the storage interface 120 further includes a field replaceable unit 301. And Sensor Data Record (SDR) 303. The field replaceable unit 301 is, for example, a detailed list for storing the replaceable devices obtained from the storage unit 130, such as a supplier identification code, a manufacturer, and the like. The sensor data record 303 records the attribute data provided by the individual sensors inside the storage unit 130. For example, the storage unit 130 may have a system temperature sensor, a fan speed sensor or a current sensor.

In the current technology, another example is given. It is assumed that the first port 111 and the second port 121 are both Inter-Integrated Circuits (I ² C), and the first port 111 and the second port 121 are coupled through the internal integrated circuit bus. The management interface packet and the reply packet are both IPMI packets.

In the hardware configuration, a set of I ² C埠 of the substrate management controller 110 is used as the first port 111, and a set of I ² C埠 of the storage interface 120 is used as the second port 121, and the I ² C confluence is transmitted. The row connects the first port 111 and the second port 121.

The processing signal mechanism of the firmware of both the hard disk controller 123 and the baseboard management controller 110 is as follows. The IPMI packet transmitted by the baseboard management controller 110 is transmitted to the storage interface 120 through the I ² C bus. After the storage interface 120 is received, a processing mechanism must be generated. That is, the hard disk controller 123 parses the data content of the IPMI packet, and disassembles the received packet layer to the header, data content, and verification code of the IPMI packet. And so on, to understand the information contained in the IPMI packet, and then convert into an internal control command conforming to the format supported by the storage interface 120, so that the hard disk controller 123 can utilize the storage interface 120 to have a command mode such as a small computer system interface (Small). Computer System Interface (SCSI) or Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) commands to drive the storage unit 130 or the expansion unit 320 to retrieve system environment information such as voltage values and hard disk remaining of the storage unit 130 or the expansion unit 320. Space, hard drive configuration information, and more. Then, the storage interface 120 encapsulates the obtained system environment information into an IPMI packet, and sends it back to the substrate management controller 110 through the I ² C bus.

Then, the substrate management controller 110 allows the user to know the status of the storage unit 130 through a user interface such as a web interface. Accordingly, the reaction mechanism can be automated by the substrate management controller 110 for system environment information. For example, when the system temperature of the storage unit 130 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, that is, when the system temperature is too high, the substrate management controller 110 may automatically increase the rotational speed of the fan 310 to cool the storage unit 130. That is to say, the substrate management controller 110 directly sends a control signal to the fan 310 to control the rotation speed of the fan 310.

In addition, the above method can also be implemented in a cabinet servo system. Let me give another example.

4 is a block diagram of a cabinet servo system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the cabinet servo system 400 includes a cabinet management server 410, a storage interface 420, a storage unit 430, a server 440, a switch 450, and a fan 460. The cabinet management server 410, the storage interface 420, the storage unit 430, the server 440, and the fan 460 are all coupled to the switch 450 for communication through the switch 450. In the present embodiment, only one server 440 is listed. In other embodiments, the cabinet servo system 400 Two or more servers 440 may be included, which are not limited herein.

The rack management server 410 includes a baseboard management controller 411 that includes a first port 401 for transmitting a management interface packet by the first port 401. Additionally, the rack management server 410 also includes a wafer set 413. The chip set 413 is connected to the connection interface 403 (for example, PCIE埠) of the substrate management controller 411 through a connection interface 407 such as a PCIE port.

The storage interface 420 is coupled to the storage unit 430. And the storage interface 420 includes a second port 421 and a hard disk controller 423. The second port 421 is coupled to the first port 401 for receiving the management interface packet. The hard disk controller 423 is coupled to the second port 421 for converting the management interface packet to the internal control command of the storage interface 420, thereby reading the system environment information according to the internal control command, and encapsulating the system environment information to The packet is replied, and the first packet 401 is transferred back to the substrate management controller 411 through the second port 421. The reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.

In this embodiment, the first port 401 and the second port 421 are both I ² C, that is, the first port 401 and the second port 421 are coupled through the I ² C bus, and the management interface is Both the packet and the reply packet are IPMI packets. The receiving process of the IPMI packet in this embodiment is similar to that described in FIG. 3 above, and is omitted here. In addition, in the embodiment, the substrate management controller 411 is in the trench with the fan 460 through the switch 450. For example, the substrate management controller 411 transmits the control signal to the fan 460 through the switch.

In summary, the BMC is coupled through e.g. e.g. I ² C port with the reservoir port of the first interface to the second port of the I ² C ports, according to the direct transmission destination storage interface BMC Read system environment information of the storage unit. Accordingly, the system environment information obtained by the hard disk controller is more accurate because the obtained system environment information is detected by the sensor disposed inside the storage unit, rather than being disposed outside the storage unit. Sensor to detect. In addition, the obtained system environment information may be further recorded in the substrate management controller for the user to view later. In addition, the IPMI format packet can be used to communicate between the baseboard management controller and the storage interface, which not only has security and verification mechanisms, but also enhances the future consistency and scalability of the module.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention, and any one of ordinary skill in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧Electronic devices

110,411‧‧‧Baseboard management controller

111, 401‧‧‧ first connection埠

120, 420‧‧‧ storage interface

121, 421‧‧‧Second connection埠

123, 423‧‧‧ Hard disk controller

130, 430‧‧‧ storage unit

301‧‧‧Field replaceable unit

303‧‧‧ Sensor data record

305, 331‧‧‧PCIE埠

310‧‧‧fan

320‧‧‧Extension unit

330, 413‧‧‧ chipsets

403, 407‧‧‧ connection interface

410‧‧‧Cabinet Management Server

440‧‧‧Server

450‧‧‧Switch

460‧‧‧fan

S205~S215‧‧‧ steps of the management method of an embodiment of the present invention

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flow chart of a management method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram of a cabinet servo system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

S205~S215‧‧‧ steps of the management method of an embodiment of the present invention

Claims (9)

An electronic device includes: a storage unit; a substrate management controller, comprising: a first port, transmitting a management interface packet; and a storage interface coupled to the storage unit, the storage interface comprising: a second The connection port is coupled to the first port to receive the management interface packet; and a hard disk controller coupled to the second port to convert the management interface packet to an internal control command conforming to the storage interface, The system environment information is read according to the internal control command, and the system environment information is encapsulated into a reply packet, and the reply packet is transmitted to the first port of the baseboard management controller through the second port. The reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet, and the system environment information includes at least one of a power state, a hard disk state, an error state, sensor information, a disk array information, and a field replaceable unit information of the storage unit. Or a combination thereof. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a fan coupled to the substrate management controller; wherein the substrate management controller transmits a control signal to the fan to control the rotation speed of the fan. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the hard disk controller comprises a firmware, and the hard disk controller is driven by the firmware. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a a chip set, wherein the storage interface is interposed in the chip set. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first port and the second port are internal integrated circuits, and the first port and the second port are connected through the internal integrated circuit bus. The management interface packet and the reply packet are both smart platform management interface packets. A management method for an electronic device, the method comprising: transmitting a management interface packet to a second port of a storage interface through a first port of a baseboard management controller, wherein the storage interface comprises a hard disk a controller, and the storage interface is coupled to a storage device; the management interface packet is converted by the hard disk controller into an internal control command corresponding to the storage interface, so that a system environment information is read according to the internal control command, The system environment information includes at least one or a combination of a power state, a hard disk state, an error state, sensor information, a disk array information, and field replaceable unit information of a storage unit; and the hard disk controller The system environment information is encapsulated into a reply packet, and the reply packet is transmitted to the first port of the baseboard management controller through the second port, wherein the reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet. The management method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting a control signal to a fan through the baseboard management controller to control the rotation speed of the fan, wherein the fan is coupled to the baseboard management controller. The management method of claim 7, further comprising: after receiving the reply packet, the baseboard management controller determines whether a system temperature in the system environment information is greater than or equal to a preset temperature; When the system temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the baseboard management controller transmits the control signal to the fan. A cabinet servo system, comprising: a cabinet management server, comprising: a baseboard management controller, comprising: a first port, transmitting a management interface packet through the first port; a storage unit; and a storage interface, The storage interface includes: a second port coupled to the first port, receiving the management interface packet; and a hard disk controller coupled to the second port, converting The management interface packet is an internal control command corresponding to the storage interface, and the system environment information is read according to the internal control command, and the system environment information is encapsulated into a reply packet, and the second interface is transmitted through the second interface. The packet is replied to the first port of the baseboard management controller, wherein the reply packet conforms to the format of the management interface packet.