Abstract: An redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage device is provided. The RAID comprises M number of storage devices, and the storage blocks of the same J-column in each storage device comprises complete stripe blocks and at least a plurality of partially complete stripe blocks. Inside the same stripe block, the total number of the storage blocks (L) is smaller than the number of the storage device (M), and the quantity of the storage blocks (M) is not multiple of storage blocks (L).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is disclosed to include a three stage scalable switching network that can be built from a common module. Further disclosed are methods for building switching network v(k, n, m) from a common module comprising a (n×k) input switch, a (k?×k?) middle switch, and a (k×n) output switch.

Abstract: A method for detecting channels of a host to which hard disk controllers belong is used to detect the connection relations between several channels of a host and several removable hard disk cases in the hard disk device. Each of the removable hard disk cases has a current sensor for detecting the current variation of the hard disk, transforming the variation into a voltage signal, and transmitting the voltage signal to a enclosure-controller. The enclosure-controller then converts the voltage signal into a flag. The host can read the flag via a serial bus to build the corresponding relation between the channel connected to the hard disk and the enclosure-controller. The effects of easy use and friendly operation can thus be accomplished.

Abstract: A hard disk device capable of detecting channels of a host to which hard disk controllers belong and are used to detect the connection relations between several channels of a host and several removable hard disk cases in the hard disk device. Each of the removable hard disk cases has a current sensor for detecting the current variation of the hard disk, transforming the variation into a voltage signal, and transmitting the voltage signal to a enclosure-controller. The enclosure-controller then converts the voltage signal into a flag. The host can read the flag via a serial bus to build the corresponding relation between the channel connected to the hard disk and the enclosure-controller. The effects of easy use and friendly operation can thus be accomplished.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution/device for controlling external parameters by use of the same data cable and specific software to transfer/receive messages and monitor/control external parameters in a system. Additionally, the invention is compatible with ATA/ATAPI by using the ATA protocol or side-band protocol to make a main system communicate with other device(s) through an ATA/ATAPI device's data cable. Also, the invention uses the system's data cables and a non-standard controlling sequence to transfer and receive messages by the same cable to connect with the external devices for monitoring/controlling external parameters. Hence, the number of data wires needed is reduced. Also, the invention can decrease the manufacture costs and get a better heating dissipation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure connector for hard disk dawning box by designing the connector of the said box for rotational purpose hereof, by means of rotating the connecting seat of the connector outwardly for correspondingly coupling with the hard disk. Since this connection of the hard disk and the connector, no more transfer wires (cables) or the like will be using for communicating and the connector will accompany with the hard disk stored in an allowance space of the box by rotating the connecting of the connector inwardly to the box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a master-slave hot-swapping apparatus and mechanism for use with an ATA bus. A bus controller and a bus separator are employed for isolating the hot-swapping apparatus and the host system, and a power supply switch is used.

Abstract: A power source connector holder for an extractable hard drive box includes a plastic block and sliding slots. A groove is formed on the top surface of the plastic block, and an elastic leaf is disposed in the groove. The elastic leaf has one end fixed to an inner wall of the groove, and has a bump at the other end. The power source connector holder is combined to a connector supporting element with a sliding track and two positioning recesses. The power source connector holder is slidable along the sliding track from a first position of the bump engaged with one positioning recess to a second position engaged with the other positioning recess so as to be adjustable with respect to a position of the power source connector of different hard drives.