Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Storage enclosure with daisy-chained sideband signal routing and distributed logic devices

Abstract:

A storage enclosure includes a plurality of hard drive sub-boards, each configured to include a plurality of hard drives. A local logic device manages each hard drive sub-board. A master logic device manages the local logic devices. The master logic device receives management commands from a host computer system coupled to the storage enclosure, and routes those commands to specific local logic devices. The local logic devices then relay the commands to specifically targeted hard drives. Thus, each hard drive within the storage enclosure can be independently controlled, allowing a single hard drive to be powered down without powering down other hard drives in the enclosure.