Abstract: A modular test system includes a modular controller subsystem coupled to a modular tested subsystem by a modular intermediary subsystem. The modular intermediary subsystem transmits communications between the modular controller subsystem and the modular tested subsystem during testing operations performed by the modular controller subsystem, and performs at least one testing function that is not available in the modular controller subsystem during the testing operations performed by the modular controller subsystem.

Abstract: An improved redundant computing apparatus includes a chassis assembly configured to (i) mount to a standard electronic equipment rack and (ii) consume substantially 1U of space in a particular direction (e.g., vertical height) within the standard electronic equipment rack. The chassis assembly includes a housing and a midplane disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes a set of power supply/blower assemblies configured to connect to the midplane of the chassis assembly through a front of the housing in a field replaceable manner, and a set of computing devices configured to connect to the midplane of the chassis assembly through a back of the housing in a field replaceable manner. By way of example, the set of computing devices is adapted to move data into and out of a set of disk drives on behalf of a set of external host computers.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for reading revision information from an adapter board that interfaces a disk drive using request and grant signals. An adapter board is in electrical communication with a disk drive and with a control board. The adapter board has a controller with memory for storing data, with a request input terminal for receiving a request signal from the control board requesting access to a disk drive, with a grant output terminal for transmitting a grant signal to the control board granting access to the disk drive, and with a power down input terminal for receiving a power down signal to turn off power to the disk drive. The controller enters a read mode of operation in response to receiving a power down signal on the power down input terminal to enable the data stored in the memory to be read.

Abstract: Described is an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) disk drive module for use in a data storage system having an enclosure with slots constructed to receive Fibre Channel disk drive modules. The ATA disk drive module comprises an ATA disk drive, an adapter board connected to the ATA disk drive, and a carrier assembly including spaced apart carrier sleds mounted to the ATA disk drive and to the adapter board. The spaced apart carrier sleds have mechanical dimensions that enable the carrier assembly to slide into an enclosure slot constructed to receive a Fibre Channel disk drive module. The adapter board provides an electrical interface and a mechanical interface between the ATA disk drive and a midplane of the enclosure when the carrier assembly is inserted in the enclosure slot and the ATA disk drive module is plugged into the midplane.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for reading revision information from an adapter board that interfaces a disk drive using request and grant signals. An adapter board is in electrical communication with a disk drive and with a control board. The adapter board has a controller with memory for storing data, with a request input terminal for receiving a request signal from the control board requesting access to a disk drive, with a grant output terminal for transmitting a grant signal to the control board granting access to the disk drive, and with a power down input terminal for receiving a power down signal to turn off power to the disk drive. The controller enters a read mode of operation in response to receiving a power down signal on the power down input terminal to enable the data stored in the memory to be read.

Abstract: Described is an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) disk drive module for use in a data storage system having an enclosure with slots constructed to receive Fibre Channel disk drive modules. The ATA disk drive module comprises an ATA disk drive, an adapter board connected to the ATA disk drive, and a carrier assembly including spaced apart carrier sleds mounted to the ATA disk drive and to the adapter board. The spaced apart carrier sleds have mechanical dimensions that enable the carrier assembly to slide into an enclosure slot constructed to receive a Fibre Channel disk drive module. The adapter board provides an electrical interface and a mechanical interface between the ATA disk drive and a midplane of the enclosure when the carrier assembly is inserted in the enclosure slot and the ATA disk drive module is plugged into the midplane.