Abstract: A storage enclosure connected to a server via an external network and includes a network switch, an expander that is connected to the network switch and that is configured to generate enclosure data that supports a format conforming with SCSI Enclosure Services, and a board management controller (BMC) that is connected to the network switch and the expander. The BMC is configured to translate the enclosure data into enclosure translating data that supports a Redfish® format. The expander is configured to, after generating the enclosure data, transmit the enclosure data through the network switch to the BMC via an internal network. The BMC is configured to translate the enclosure data into the enclosure translating data, and to transmit the enclosure translating data to the network switch. The network switch transmits the enclosure translating data to the server through the external network.

Abstract: A method of power management includes steps of: in response to receiving from a server host a sleep command, an expander first outputting a predetermined register value to a processing unit in a normal state, and then switching to a power-saving state and outputting an interrupt signal to the processing unit; the processing unit determining whether both the predetermined register value and the interrupt signal are received; and when it is determined that both the predetermined register value and the interrupt signal have been received, the processing unit controlling a power supply to output standby electricity, making the expander and the processing unit operate based on the standby electricity.

Abstract: A storage enclosure connected to a server via an external network and includes a network switch, an expander that is connected to the network switch and that is configured to generate enclosure data that supports a format conforming with SCSI Enclosure Services, and a board management controller (BMC) that is connected to the network switch and the expander. The BMC is configured to translate the enclosure data into enclosure translating data that supports a Redfish® format. The expander is configured to, after generating the enclosure data, transmit the enclosure data through the network switch to the BMC via an internal network. The BMC is configured to translate the enclosure data into the enclosure translating data, and to transmit the enclosure translating data to the network switch. The network switch transmits the enclosure translating data to the server through the external network.

Abstract: A method of power management includes steps of: in response to receiving from a server host a sleep command, an expander first outputting a predetermined register value to a processing unit in a normal state, and then switching to a power-saving state and outputting an interrupt signal to the processing unit; the processing unit determining whether both the predetermined register value and the interrupt signal are received; and when it is determined that both the predetermined register value and the interrupt signal have been received, the processing unit controlling a power supply to output standby electricity, making the expander and the processing unit operate based on the standby electricity.

Abstract: A control system for a storage apparatus includes two input/output modules (IOMs), and two non-volatile memory (NVM) devices that are electrically connected to the IOMs, respectively, and that each store a firmware code. Each of the IOMs is configured to execute a firmware corresponding to the firmware code stored in the corresponding NVM device, and to enter an active mode or a passive mode after executing the firmware. The IOMs are configured such that when one IOM operating in the passive mode detects abnormal operation of the other IOM operating in the active mode, the one IOM sends, to the other IOM, the firmware code stored in the NVM device electrically connected to the one IOM, in order to update the firmware code in the NVM device electrically connected to the other IOM.

Abstract: A control system for a storage apparatus includes two input/output modules (IOMs), and two non-volatile memory (NVM) devices that are electrically connected to the IOMs, respectively, and that each store a firmware code. Each of the IOMs is configured to execute a firmware corresponding to the firmware code stored in the corresponding NVM device, and to enter an active mode or a passive mode after executing the firmware. The IOMs are configured such that when one IOM operating in the passive mode detects abnormal operation of the other IOM operating in the active mode, the one IOM sends, to the other IOM, the firmware code stored in the NVM device electrically connected to the one IOM, in order to update the firmware code in the NVM device electrically connected to the other IOM.

Abstract: A power supplying method for a computer system is proposed. The computer system includes a first computer node, a first power supply unit corresponding to the first computer node, a second computer node, a second power supply unit corresponding to the second computer node, and a connection module electrically connected to the computer nodes and the power supply units. The power supplying method includes: detecting, by the first computer node, whether the second power supply unit operates abnormally; and upon detecting at least that the second power supply unit operates abnormally, controlling, by the first computer node, the first power supply unit to provide electric power to the second computer node through the connection module.

Abstract: A test and diagnostics circuit, methods and systems are described. An example test and diagnostics circuit includes a controller and a power monitor coupled to the controller. A load switch on the test and diagnostics circuit selectably implements a load from among multiple load values to test a computing and/or data storage system. The test and diagnostics circuit includes circuitry connecting the controller, the power monitor and the load switch to receive a test enable signal from a non-dedicated pin in a non-volatile dual inline memory module (NV-DIMM) slot to implement a test operation on the system.

Abstract: A power supplying method for a computer system is proposed. The computer system includes a first computer node, a first power supply unit corresponding to the first computer node, a second computer node, a second power supply unit corresponding to the second computer node, and a connection module electrically connected to the computer nodes and the power supply units. The power supplying method includes: detecting, by the first computer node, whether the second power supply unit operates abnormally; and upon detecting at least that the second power supply unit operates abnormally, controlling, by the first computer node, the first power supply unit to provide electric power to the second computer node through the connection module.

Abstract: A Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) carrier includes a flat component perpendicularly connected to two flat side components to receive an NGFF module, a bar rotatably connected to the two flat side components, and a number of holds along an interior of the flat component to receive a fastener. The NGFF module is insertable in relation to the flat component when the bar is rotated to a first position and fixed on the flat component when the bar is rotated to a second position.

Abstract: A Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) connector apparatus can include a plurality of upper signal pins and an upper ground (GND) pin that is longer than other upper pins. The NGFF connector apparatus can also include a plurality of lower signal pins and a lower power (PWR) pin that is longer than other lower pins.

Abstract: A Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) carrier includes a flat component perpendicularly connected to two flat side components to receive an NGFF module, a bar rotatably connected to the two flat side components, and a number of holds along an interior of the flat component to receive a fastener. The NGFF module is insertable in relation to the flat component when the bar is rotated to a first position and fixed on the flat component when the bar is rotated to a second position.

Abstract: A Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) connector apparatus can include a plurality of upper signal pins and an upper ground (GND) pin that is longer than other upper pins. The NGFF connector apparatus can also include a plurality of lower signal pins and a lower power (PWR) pin that is longer than other lower pins.

Abstract: A test and diagnostics circuit, methods and systems are described. An example test and diagnostics circuit includes a controller and a power monitor coupled to the controller. A load switch on the test and diagnostics circuit selectably implements a load from among multiple load values to test a computing and/or data storage system. The test and diagnostics circuit includes circuitry connecting the controller, the power monitor and the load switch to receive a test enable signal from a non-dedicated pin in a non-volatile dual inline memory module (NV-DIMM) slot to implement a test operation on the system.