Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer memory system that includes at least one DIMM connector having a DIMM socket for releasably receiving a terminal edge of a DIMM. A metallic or otherwise highly heat-conductive base is secured to the DIMM connector. A pair of heat spreaders is secured to the base on opposing sides of the DIMM socket. Each heat spreader includes a DIMM-engagement portion spaced from the base. The heat spreaders are nondestructively moveable between an open position spaced apart for receiving the DIMM between the heat spreaders and a closed position for thermally engaging opposing faces of the DIMM. The heat spreaders provide a continuous thermally-conductive pathway between the DIMM-engagement portion and the base. Heatsink fins extend laterally from the base to provide cooling.

Abstract: A fan controller causes a fan assembly to flow air through a computer system at a variable airflow rate to cool the computer system. The ambient air temperature to the computer system is detected, and the controller varies the airflow rate as a function of the ambient temperature within an ambient temperature range having an upper limit. The upper limit on the defined ambient temperature range that is used by a fan speed control algorithm may be selectively reduced from a default value in response to electronic input, such from a user or a software object. Correspondingly, the controller limits the air flow rate to a reduced value corresponding to the reduced upper limit. The reduction in stranded power that results from reducing the upper limit on the ambient temperature may be re-allocated, such as to other racks in the data center.

Abstract: A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position.

Abstract: Plating stub resonance in a circuit board may be mitigated by increasing surface roughness of the plating stub conductor. Roughening the plating stub increases its resistance due to the skin effect at higher frequencies, which decreases the quality factor of the transmission line and consequently increases the damping factor, to reduce any resonance that would occur in the plating stub as formed prior to roughening. The surface roughness can be increased in a variety of ways, including chemical processes, by selectively applying a laser beam, or by applying an etch-resistance material in selected locations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus providing airflow through a chassis including an upstream column of memory modules and a downstream column of memory modules. The airflow is divided into first and second separate airflow streams extending from an upstream end of the upstream column to a downstream end of the downstream column. The first airflow stream is guided into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the upstream column and to avoid contact with any memory module in the downstream column. The second airflow stream is guided to avoid contact with any memory module in the upstream column and into contact with a single memory module operably-installed in the downstream column. The improved cooling enables the extended use of a single memory module per channel, even though the thermal load on such a memory module is greater.

Abstract: A reduced insertion force mezzanine connector is used to couple first and second circuit boards. In one embodiment a connector frame has a first end disposed against the first circuit board and defining a first wall, and an opposing second end disposed against the second circuit board and defining a second wall generally parallel with the first wall. A plurality of wafers are disposed. Each wafer has a first edge in sliding contact with the first wall and an opposing second edge in sliding contact with the second wall. A plurality of electrically conducting pathways extend along each wafer from the first edge to the second edge. A wafer guide structure defines a plurality of wafer-support aisles on the first and second walls for receiving the edges of the wafers to constrain the wafers with a fixed spacing and generally parallel alignment.

Abstract: System, computer readable medium, and method for filtering the display of file objects for computer systems.

Abstract: A device for processing data recorded on a tape medium includes a first control part that controls a read head to read specific data recorded in a first area among data recorded in a first format on the tape medium. Data in the first format is recorded at a first recording density. The device further includes a second control part that controls a write head to write the specific data in a second area different from the first area of the tape medium and to write the specific data in a second format in a third area different from the second area of the tape medium. Data in the second format is recorded at a second recording density different from the first recording density. Moreover, the device may include a recording part for recording specific information that specifies a read position of other data among data recorded in the first format on the tape medium.

Abstract: An upper power limit and an average power limit that is less than the upper power limit are selected for each server of a computer system having a plurality of servers. The instantaneous power consumption and the average power consumption of each server is determined and the instantaneous power consumption of each server is prevented from exceeding the respective upper power limit. A first subset of the servers for which the average power consumption is less than the average power limit are identified. The instantaneous power consumption of each server is allowed to exceed the respective average power limit. A second subset of the servers for which the average power consumption is not less than the average power limit is identified, and the instantaneous power consumption of each server in the second subset is prevented from exceeding the respective average power limit.

Abstract: A computer system and method for measuring air density in a computer chassis. The computer chassis includes a fan, an ambient air temperature sensor, and a heat-generating device with a heat sink, a heat sink temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller controls the fan speed and applies a known amount of thermal energy to the heat sink, then determines the air density from the difference in temperature between the ambient air and the heat sink. The controller may then use the air density determination to adjust the air flow rate through the computer chassis to provide a proper air flow rate for cooling.

Abstract: Thermal diagnostic systems and methods are provided for improved detection of airflow anomalies in a computer system. In particular, processor load is selectively increased to amplify the effects caused by any airflow anomaly that may be present in the computer system. Workload migration may be used to shift processor load from another node to a target node. Artificial load may also be generated on the target node. The processor load increased to a level sufficient that an airflow anomaly would cause a detectable temperature difference at the selected node. The processor load may be increased by an amount computed to generate this detectable temperature difference. Alternatively, the processor load may be increased by a predetermined amount of between 40% and 100% of full processor utilization. While at the increased processor load, actual temperature sensed by temperature sensors may be compared to temperatures predicted from the model to detect the presence or absence of an airflow anomaly.

Abstract: A latch apparatus and method to facilitate leveraged insertion of a component into a component bay to an interfaced position, securing of the component in the component bay when the component interfaces with a host computer, leveraged dislodgement of the component from its interfaced position for removal of the component from the component bay, and proper positioning of the latch apparatus upon insertion of the component housing to ensure proper engagement of the latch apparatus with the component bay for leveraged insertion and removal. One latch apparatus comprises a frame adapted to be secured to a proximal end of a component housing, a handle pivotally secured to the frame, and an extendable arm slidably secured to a distal end of the handle and biased toward an extended position, wherein the distal end of the extendable arm has a distally extending latch key for engaging a slot in the component bay.

Abstract: Failure analysis method and apparatus using failure rate data in coordination with the power on hours to more efficiently resolve computer system failures without occupying system memory or processor bandwidth. In response to a system failure, a baseboard management controller (BMC) notes the time of failure and the elapsed operating time of system components. In response to a failure of the computer system, the BMC accesses industry standard failure rate data correlating the elapsed operating time with the probability of failure for each component. By cross-referencing the time of failure with the failure rate data, the BMC automatically determines the probability of failure of each component at the time of failure of the computer system. The BMC generates a component replacement list identifying the component that currently has the highest probability of failure.

Abstract: In a data processing system having elements grouped into a plurality of power domains, each one of which has at least one processing element and at least two power supplies, power domains are interconnnected by sensing and switching circuitry which senses the conditions of power supply and demand in and among the domains and switches from one domain to power supplies in another domain in the event of failure in the first domain.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a vapor chamber having an outwardly protruding boss. A frame surrounds a perimeter of the vapor chamber. A plurality of heat sink fins extend from the frame. A cross-member spans the frame across the vapor chamber wall and defines an opening through which the boss protrudes at least slightly beyond the cross-member. The heat sink may be secured to a socket on a circuit board, with the boss engaging a processor positioned in the socket. In response to securing the heat sink, the boss compresses flush with the cross-member and the cross-member engages the processor to seat the processor in the socket. The opening in the cross-member reinforces the boss against outward deformation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a hot key corresponding to a particular function in a computer system is disclosed. The computer system has a graphical user interface (GUI) and a context in which the particular function is provided. The method and system include integrating a hot key configuring function into the GUI such that a user can access the hot key configuring function from the context. The method and system further allow a user to utilize the hot key configuring function in the context to map the hot key to the particular function.

Abstract: A system and method automatically scale the resolution of video output of a selected workstation blade so that an administrator can view the video output by the selected workstation blade in the same format as it is displayed at the user terminal associated with the selected workstation blade. The video is automatically switched from a multi-screen display to a single-screen display for both the user and the administrator so that the administrator may see the video output regardless of differences between the displays the user and the administrator each have.

Abstract: A variable group power limit is enforced to limit the net power consumption of a group of devices in a computer system, and a variable device power limit enforced on each device is independently adjustable to satisfy the current group power limit. The device power limits are dynamically selected according to a power management method that selectively reduces the device power limits of lower-utilization devices and increases the device power limits of higher-utilization devices.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an air baffle assembly for controlling airflow through a cable opening in a rack. The rack is configured for removably supporting a plurality of modular electronic components. The cable opening on the rack receives a plurality of cables connected to the modular electronic components. The air baffle assembly includes a track secured to the rack adjacent to the cable opening and an air baffle movably supported on the track over the cable opening. The track includes a rail guideway. The air baffle includes at least a flexible first rail movably received by the first rail guideway. The first rail flares laterally along a range of engagement of the first rail with the first rail guideway, to bias the air baffle in one longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Memory systems and methods of forming memory modules. In one embodiment, a computer memory system includes a substantially tubular frame with an elongate card edge extending along the frame. A flexible circuit comprising a flexible substrate, a plurality of memory chips affixed to the flexible substrate, and a plurality of electrical terminals interconnected with the memory chips, is secured along a perimeter of the tubular frame with the electrical terminals arranged along the card edge.