Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus has first and second connectors configured for removably connecting to one another. The first connector circuit has a first differential amplifier, a first differential signal path, a first capacitor section capacitively coupling the first differential amplifier to the first differential signal path, and a first DC biasing circuit for imparting a first DC bias to the first differential signal path opposite the first capacitor section. The second connector circuit has a second differential amplifier, a second differential signal path, a second capacitor section capacitively coupling the second differential amplifier to the second differential signal path, and a second DC biasing circuit for imparting a second DC bias to the second differential signal path opposite the second capacitor section having a different magnitude than the first DC bias when the first and second connector are not connected.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a computer is presented. The temperature of the computer is controlled by one or more on-board fans inside the computer's enclosure. Voltages are controlled at the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) level. A test program is then run under varying temperature and VRM voltages, and the results of the test program are logged. The present invention can be used either at the manufacturer's location or the customer's site, either under local or remote control.

Abstract: A system and method are used for electronically detecting the accumulation of dust within a computer system using a capacitive dust sensor. The dust detection system may be implemented on a smaller computer, such as an individual PC, or in a more expansive system, such as a rack-based server system (“rack system”) having multiple servers and other hardware devices. In one embodiment, each server in a rack system includes a capacitive sensor responsive to the accumulation of dust. The capacitive sensor may include one or more capacitive plates integral with a heatsink. As dust collects on the capacitive plates, the capacitance increases. When a capacitance setpoint is reached, indicating the dust has reached a critical level, an alert is generated. The alerts may be received by a management console for the attention of a system administrator. Each alert may contain the identity of the server generating the alert, so that the system administrator knows which server(s) are to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus has first and second connectors configured for removably connecting to one another. The first connector circuit has a first differential amplifier, a first differential signal path, a first capacitor section capacitively coupling the first differential amplifier to the first differential signal path, and a first DC biasing circuit for imparting a first DC bias to the first differential signal path opposite the first capacitor section. The second connector circuit has a second differential amplifier, a second differential signal path, a second capacitor section capacitively coupling the second differential amplifier to the second differential signal path, and a second DC biasing circuit for imparting a second DC bias to the second differential signal path opposite the second capacitor section having a different magnitude than the first DC bias when the first and second connector are not connected.

Abstract: A system and method are used for electronically detecting the accumulation of dust within a computer system using a capacitive dust sensor. The dust detection system may be implemented on a smaller computer, such as an individual PC, or in a more expansive system, such as a rack-based server system (“rack system”) having multiple servers and other hardware devices. In one embodiment, each server in a rack system includes a capacitive sensor responsive to the accumulation of dust. The capacitive sensor may include one or more capacitive plates integral with a heatsink. As dust collects on the capacitive plates, the capacitance increases. When a capacitance setpoint is reached, indicating the dust has reached a critical level, an alert is generated. The alerts may be received by a management console for the attention of a system administrator. Each alert may contain the identity of the server generating the alert, so that the system administrator knows which server(s) are to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically detecting the accumulation of dust within a computer system using a capacitive dust sensor. The dust detection system may be implemented on a smaller computer, such as an individual PC, or in a more expansive system, such as a rack-based server system (“rack system”) having multiple servers and other hardware devices. In one embodiment, each server in a rack system includes a capacitive sensor responsive to the accumulation of dust. The capacitive sensor may include one or more capacitive plates integral with a heatsink. As dust collects on the capacitive plates, the capacitance increases. When a capacitance setpoint is reached, indicating the dust has reached a critical level, an alert is generated. The alerts may be received by a management console for the attention of a system administrator. Each alert may contain the identity of the server generating the alert, so that the system administrator knows which server(s) are to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: Airflow control and dust removal systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of blade servers is mounted in a chassis. A blower generates airflow through the chassis. Air enters the chassis uniformly across the blade servers and flows in parallel through the servers. An airflow directing mechanism is provided for allowing airflow through a selected one of the blade servers while reducing or closing airflow to the other blade servers, to individually clean and remove dust from the selected blade server. The airflow directing mechanism may include a movable vane actuated by a rotary or linear solenoid to selectively block airflow ports of the servers. The vane may be held in a closed position, assisted by an electromagnet. The airflow directing mechanism may alternatively comprise a rolled shade having a pattern of openings. The position of the rolled shade may be controlled to align openings in the shade with airflow ports in the servers, to control which servers airflow may pass through.