Abstract: A method and apparatus controls fans and power supplies to provide accelerated run-in testing. By modulating fans to increase case temperatures and adjusting power supplies to provide “worst case” voltages, a computer system can be subjected to a run-in tests under taxing conditions. By alternately cooling and heating devices such as CPUs, devices can be subjected to mechanical stresses associated with power-on/power off cycles. A time based test implements the present invention based on time, and a temperature based test implements the present invention based on temperature. The present invention can be used to implement a run-in test in which the computer system is operated at an elevated temperature, thereby achieving results similar to those achieved by performing a run-in test in an environmental chamber at an elevated temperature. Alternatively, the a run-in test can be performed by repeatedly cycling the temperature between relatively high and low values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for detecting if a device is coupled to an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) router and/or for resetting the device. The I2C router comprises a first I2C bus port having a presence line and/or a reset line. The I2C router further comprises a control logic coupled to and/or distributed within the first I2C bus port. The control logic may determine if a device is coupled to the I2C router as a function of a state of the presence line. The control logic may also determine if a reset condition exists. If a reset condition exists, the control logic changes the state of the reset line, thereby causing the device to reset itself.

Abstract: An intercoupling apparatus for server computer systems. The intercoupling apparatus can be used with bladed or rack mountable server computer systems. The intercoupling apparatus comprises a substantially rigid signal coupling element and a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of rack mountable server computer systems to the coupling element. The coupling element comprises coupling paths to couple a communication from a first rack mountable server computer system to a second rack mountable server computer system in a network topology. A wide variety of networking topologies can be implemented, including star and mesh topologies. The intercoupling apparatus can further comprise a networking switch function integral to the substantially rigid coupling element.

Abstract: An inter-integrated circuit port comprising an electrical connector for communicatively coupling to an I2C bus and a controller coupled to the electrical connector. The controller controls data communication flow through the electrical connector, including preventing the electrical connector from unauthorized access to the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient and efficient integrated circuit router error management system and method. In one embodiment an inter-integrated circuit router error management system comprises a high-speed internal bus, an inter-integrated circuit port, a high-speed external port and an error register. The high-speed internal bus communicates information. The inter-integrated circuit port is coupled to the high-speed internal bus and the inter-integrated circuit port provides an interface for communicating information with an inter-integrated circuit bus segment. The high-speed external port is coupled to the high-speed internal bus and the high-speed external port provides an interface to an external high-speed bus. The error register is coupled to the inter-integrated circuit port and the error register captures errors in communication operations.

Abstract: A method of recovering overflowed data at a first I2C source port buffer on an I2C router having a second I2C source port buffer and a destination port I2C bus. The method comprises: requesting resend of said overflowed data to the first I2C source port buffer; receiving the overflowed data at the first I2C source port buffer; capturing the destination port I2C bus and transmitting all data from the first I2C source port buffer to the destination port I2C bus.

Abstract: A computer system includes an enclosure, a forced air cooling system configured to create air flow within the enclosure, a printed circuit board and an air flow blockage member. The printed circuit board is within the enclosure and includes a plurality of connectors including a first connector and a second connector separated by a first space. The air flow blockage member is proximate the first space and is movable between at least a first open position and a second open position distinct from the first open position.

Abstract: An inter-integrated circuit port for providing increased security. An electrical connector for communicative coupling to an inter-integrated circuit bus is provided. A controller coupled to the electrical connector operates to control data communication through the electrical connector based on control information. A mask coupled to the controller provides the control information to the controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for analysis of an inter-integrated circuit router. The inter-integrated circuit router comprises an internal bus comprising a plurality of debug lines, a plurality of bus ports wherein at least one bus port comprises a bus port analysis line, and a control logic comprising a control logic analysis line. The inter-integrated circuit router further comprises a debug connector coupled to said debug lines, said bus port analysis line and said control logic analysis line.

Abstract: An inter-integrated circuit router for supporting independent transmission rates. An internal bus is operable to transmit data at a first transmission rate. An inter-integrated circuit port is coupled to the internal bus, wherein the inter-integrated circuit port comprises a first buffer and is configured for coupling to an external inter-integrated circuit bus operable to transmit data at a second transmission rate. A port is coupled to the internal bus and is configured for coupling to an external bus operable to transmit data at a third transmission rate. The first buffer is operable to buffer data transmitted between the internal bus and the external inter-integrated bus provided the first transmission rate is different than the second transmission rate.

Abstract: A computer system includes an enclosure, a backplane within the enclosure, a replaceable unit releasably connected to the backplane, an air cooling system configured to create an air flow along the replaceable unit and an air flow blocking system. The air flow blocking system includes a first member coupled to the enclosure and a second member coupled to the replaceable unit. The first member and the second member interact to at least partially block air flow along the replaceable unit based upon at least one characteristic of the replaceable unit.

Abstract: An ejector latch indicator light assembly for reducing the interference by a bulkhead of light emitted from an indicator light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an ejector latch. The present embodiment is further comprised of an indicator light integrated with the ejector latch. The indicator light adapted to emit light from the ejector latch such that interference by the bulkhead of the light emitted from the indicator light is reduced.

Abstract: An ejector latch connector assembly for establishing an electrical connection between an ejector latch and a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an ejector latch. The present embodiment is further comprised of a compression-fit connector integrated with the ejector latch. The compression-fit connector adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between the ejector latch and a printed circuit board (PCB) such that inadvertent disconnection of the removably coupleable electrical connection between the ejector latch and the PCB is reduced.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a circuit board support arrangement and associated methods are provided that facilitate hot plug access to circuit components in a server, computer system or other device. A circuit board support arrangement comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board that is attached to a pivot joint. The second circuit board is juxtaposed over and pivotal relative to the first circuit board, and, an electronic coupling is attached between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

Abstract: A server system includes a plurality of printed circuit assemblies. The server system includes a chassis for housing the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A server management card coupled to the plurality of printed circuit assemblies monitors and manages operation of the server system. The server management card receives and stores status information from the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A first LCD panel is mounted on a first side of the chassis and is coupled to the server management card. A second LCD panel is mounted on a second side of the chassis and is coupled to the server management card.

Abstract: A server includes a processor, a memory, and a plurality of interfaces for outputting server status information. A LAN switch includes a first port configured to be coupled to a first LAN, a second port configured to be coupled to a second LAN, and a plurality of interface connection ports. Each interface connection port is configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of interfaces. The LAN switch is configured to selectively connect ports of the switch based on received boot progress information indicating a boot state of the server.

Abstract: A server includes a processor, a memory, and a plurality of interfaces for outputting server status information. A LAN switch includes a first port configured to be coupled to a first LAN, a second port configured to be coupled to a second LAN, and a plurality of interface connection ports. Each interface connection port is configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of interfaces. The LAN switch is configured to selectively connect ports of the switch based on a combination of a first set of connection information received from the first LAN through the first port and a second set of connection information received from the second LAN through the second port.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a circuit board support arrangement and associated methods are provided that facilitate hot plug access to circuit components in a server, computer system or other device. A circuit board support arrangement comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board that is attached to a pivot joint. The second circuit board is juxtaposed over and pivotal relative to the first circuit board, and, an electronic coupling is attached between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

Abstract: A cPCI server system includes a plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A server management card coupled to the plurality of printed circuit assemblies monitors and manages operation of the server system. The server management card receives and stores status information from the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A first LCD panel is mounted on the server system and is coupled to the server management card. The first LCD panel provides a user interface for configuring the server management card and accessing the stored status information from the server management card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to mount a capacitor plate to a substrate, under a component. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a capacitor plate on a substrate. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a capacitor plate. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a capacitor plate on the second side of the assembled substrate, under an electrical contact area of a component on the first side of the assembled substrate.