Abstract: A method and system for performing software versioning between multiple controllers in a fault tolerant system. The fault tolerant system includes a storage system and multiple redundant controllers that provide access to the storage system. The storage system has stored thereon a preferred version of software to be used by the controllers. This software may be updated. The controllers each contain non-volatile memory. On boot, a controller compares the software version in its non-volatile memory to the preferred version in the storage system. If they are different (e.g., the software on the storage system was updated or the controller was updated with a non-preferred software version), then the controller copies the storage system version into its non-volatile memory and then re-boots. One controller is typically left operational while the other is re-booted for redundancy.

Abstract: A method and system for performing software versioning between multiple controllers in a fault tolerant system. The fault tolerant system includes a storage system and multiple redundant controllers that provide access to the storage system. The storage system has stored thereon a preferred version of software to be used by the controllers. This software may be updated. The controllers each contain non-volatile memory. On boot, a controller compares the software version in its non-volatile memory to the preferred version in the storage system. If they are different (e.g., the software on the storage system was updated or the controller was updated with a non-preferred software version), then the controller copies the storage system version into its non-volatile memory and then re-boots. One controller is typically left operational while the other is re-booted for redundancy.

Abstract: An electrical connector in a computer system includes a body and two or more electrical contacts. The body has a guide member elongated between a first end and a second end along a first axis and has a connector block at the first end. The connector has a very low profile (preferably, less than about 10 mm), and the bottom of the body is surface-mountable on a circuit board. The connector block retains the contacts, which are spaced from one another in the direction of the first axis. The upper portions of contacts nearer the first end of the body extend higher above the circuit board on which the connector is mounted than contacts nearer the second end. In other words, the upper portions of the contacts together present a surface that is generally inclined or angled with respect to the bottom surface of the connector and the surface of the circuit board on which it is mountable.

Abstract: An electrical connector system has two connectors, one of which is included in a module mateable with the other connector in a pluggable manner. The other connector includes an elongated guide rail and a connector block in which are retained two or more electrical contacts. Signal connections can be made in a predetermined sequence when the module is plugged into the other connector because the contact pads of the module are of different lengths. For example, sequencing the connection of power and ground signals with respect to data signals provides hot-pluggability. Also, a grounding contact on the module is engaged by a spring clip on the other connector to provide an additional or alternative grounding path.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a body and two or more electrical contacts. The body has a guide member that is elongated between a first end and a second end along a first axis and has a connector block at the first end. The connector has a very low profile (preferably, less than about 10 mm high), and the bottom of the body is surface-mountable on a circuit board. The height of the connector can be defined by a vertical axis perpendicular to the first axis. The connector block retains the contacts, which are spaced from one another in the direction of the first axis. The body also has a camming element that, in response to a force of a mating connector being moved along the first axis, brings the contacts of the connector and mating connector together in a generally vertical direction. The camming element may have two oppositely inclined ramp sections.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a body and two or more electrical contacts. The body has a guide member elongated between a first end and a second end along a first axis and has a connector block at the first end. The connector has a very low profile (preferably, less than about 10 mm), and the bottom of the body is surface-mountable on a circuit board. The connector block retains the contacts, which are spaced from one another in the direction of the first axis. The upper portions of contacts nearer the first end of the body extend higher above the circuit board on which the connector is mounted than contacts nearer the second end. In other words, the upper portions of the contacts together present a surface that is generally inclined or angled with respect to the bottom surface of the connector and the surface of the circuit board on which it is mountable.