Multiple module computer system and method

• US 7,146,446 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2005
• Issued: 12/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Acqis LLC (Acqis Technology, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Acqis Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Chu, William W. Y.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rinehart, Mark H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAN, RAYMOND NGAN
• Application Number:
  US11/113,401
• Publication Number:
  US 20050195575A1
• Time in Patent Office: 592 Days
• Field of Search: 710305-315, 710300-304, 710 62- 64, 710 72- 73, 709/214, 709/217, 709/219, 709/226, 709/227
• US Class Current: 710/301
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/08 Clock generators with changeable or programmable clock frequency
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/12 Synchronisation of different clock signals provided by a plurality of clock generators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/102 where the programme performs an interfacing function, e.g. device driver G06F13/105 takes precedence; scheduling within device drivers G06F9/52; contention policies within device drivers G06F9/4881
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/20 for access to input/output bus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4027 using bus bridges G06F13/4022 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4068 Electrical coupling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/409 Mechanical coupling back panels H05K7/1438
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/42 Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4221 being an input/output bus, e.g. ISA bus, EISA bus, PCI bus, SCSI bus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4282 on a serial bus, e.g. I2C bus, SPI bus on daisy chain buses G06F13/4247
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

A computer system for multi-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a first coupling site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to a connector. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit. Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a power supply, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

the coupling sites,

a serial communication controller powered by the power supply,

more than two computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling site through the connector and the slot, comprising

a second enclosure,

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a graphics controller;

and a mass storage device coupled to one of the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other and operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of any one of the other computer modules; and

wherein the mass storage device is powered by the console.

2. The computer system of claim 1 wherein each computer module further comprises a communication controller coupled to the serial communication controller in the console adapted to transfer data between any two of the computer modules and to an external network.

3. The computer system of claim 1 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

4. The computer system of claim 1 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

5. The computer system of claim 1 comprising four or more computer modules.

10. The computer system of claim 1 comprising four or more computer modules.

6. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a power supply, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being an enclosure housing

the coupling sites,

an Ethernet controller coupled to an external network and powered by the power supply,

more than two computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling site through the connector and the slot, comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a network controller coupled to the Ethernet controller through the connector of the coupling site;

and a mass storage device coupled to one of the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of any one of the other computer modules; and

wherein the mass storage device is powered by the console.

7. The computer system of claim 6 wherein the Ethernet controller in the console adapted to transfer data between any two of the computer modules and to an external network.

8. The computer system of claim 6 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

9. The computer system of claim 6 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

11. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising an Ethernet hub controller, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

the Ethernet hub controller,

each coupling site,

a plurality of computer modules, each coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption, and

an Ethernet controller coupled to the Ethernet hub controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules; and

a mass storage device coupled to one of the computer modules;

and wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of another of the computer modules; and

wherein the mass storage device is powered by the console.

12. The computer system of claim 11 wherein the Ethernet hub controller in the console adapted to transfer data between the computer modules and an external network.

13. The computer system of claim 11 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

14. The computer system of claim 11 wherein the computer module'"'"'s primary input circuitry couples to input devices through the console only.

15. The computer system of claim 11 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

16. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a video switch, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot;

the console being a first enclosure housing

each coupling site,

an Ethernet controller coupled to an external network,

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot, and comprising

a power supply,

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a graphics controller coupled to the video switch; and

a mass storage device coupled to one of the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other.

17. The computer system of claim 16 wherein the Ethernet controller in the console adapted to transfer data between the computer modules and an external network.

18. The computer system of claim 16 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

19. The computer system of claim 16 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

20. The computer system of claim 16 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

21. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a video, switch, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot;

the console being a first enclosure housing

the video switch,

each coupling site,

an Ethernet hub controller coupled to an external network, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot, and comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit; and

a graphics controller coupled to the video switch;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of another of the computer modules; and

wherein the video output of the graphics controller couples to a display only through the console.

22. The computer system of claim 21 wherein the Ethernet hub controller in the console adapted to transfer data between the computer modules and an external network.

23. The computer system of claim 21 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

24. The computer system of claim 21 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

25. The computer system of claim 21 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

26. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising an Ethernet hub controller, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

the Ethernet hub controller,

each coupling site, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot, and comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

a graphics controller,

a mass storage device, and

an Ethernet controller coupled to the Ethernet hub controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates independent of each other, and wherein one of the computer modules can replace another one of the computer modules in operation; and

wherein the video output of the graphics controller couples to a display only through the console.

27. The computer system of claim 26 wherein each computer module is coupled to a keyboard or a mouse only through the console.

28. The computer system of claim 26 wherein the SCSI hard disk drive is removable while the computer module is in operation.

29. The computer system of claim 26 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

30. The computer system of claim 26 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

31. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising an Ethernet controller coupled to an external network, a keyboard/mouse multi-port switch, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being an enclosure housing

the Ethernet controller,

each coupling site, and

more than two computer modules, each coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

an enclosure

a power supply,

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a network controller coupled to the Ethernet controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of any one of the multitude of computer modules; and

wherein the computer module couples to a console keyboard based on a command from a user sent to the keyboard/mouse multi-port switch.

32. The computer system of claim 31 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

33. The computer system of claim 31 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

34. The computer system of claim 31 comprising four or more computer modules.

35. The computer system of claim 31 wherein the command from the user is in the form of either a key on the keyboard or an icon on the screen that the mouse can click on.

36. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a keyboard/mouse multi-port switch, a power supply, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being an enclosure housing

each coupling site,

a serial communication controller coupled to an external network and power by the console, and

a plurality of computer modules, each coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

a keyboard input, and

a communication controller coupled to the serial communication controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein the keyboard input couples to a keyboard based on a command from a user sent to the keyboard/mouse multi-port switch.

37. The computer system of claim 36 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

38. The computer system of claim 36 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

39. The computer system of claim 36 wherein the computer module further comprises of an enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

40. The computer system of claim 36 wherein the command from the user is in the form of either a key on the keyboard or an icon on the screen that the mouse can click on.

41. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a keyboard/mouse multi-port switch, a video switch coupled to a display, a first coupling site, a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector, the console being a first enclosure that is capable of housing

each coupling site,

a serial communication hub controller coupled to an external network, and

a plurality of computer modules inserted into said console;

each computer module coupled to one of the connectors of the console and comprising,

a processing unit,

a communication controller coupled to the serial communication hub controller through the connector of the coupling site to support communication with the other modules,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a graphics controller coupled to the video switch;

wherein each of the computer modules provide independent processing in the computer system; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of another of the plurality of computer modules.

42. The computer system of claim 41 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

43. The computer system of claim 41 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

44. The computer system of claim 41 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

45. The computer system of claim 41 wherein the console further comprises a hard disk drive coupled to the computer module.

46. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a power supply, a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site, and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

each coupling site,

an Ethernet controller powered by the power supply and coupled to an external network,

a plurality of computer modules, each coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption, and

a network controller coupled to the Ethernet controller through the connector of the coupling site to support communication with the external network;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules can replace another one of the computer modules in operation.

47. The computer system of claim 46 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

48. The computer system of claim 46 wherein primary input circuitry of the computer module couples to input devices through the console only.

49. The computer system of claim 46 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

50. The computer system of claim 46 wherein the console further comprises a video switch.

51. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising an Ethernet hub controller, a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

the Ethernet hub controller,

the coupling sites, and

more than two computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling site through the connector and the slot, comprising

a processing unit,

a graphics controller,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

an Ethernet controller coupled to the Ethernet hub controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of any one of the multitude of computer modules.

52. The computer system of claim 51 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

53. The computer system of claim 51 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

54. The computer system of claim 51 comprising four or more computer modules.

55. The computer system of claim 51 wherein the console further comprises a video switch.

56. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a video switch, a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

the coupling sites,

an Ethernet hub controller, and

a plurality of computer modules, each coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a graphics controller coupled to the video switch,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

an Ethernet controller coupled to the Ethernet hub controller for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other.

57. The computer system of claim 56 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

58. The computer system of claim 56 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

59. The computer system of claim 56 wherein the computer module further comprises of an enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

60. The computer system of claim 56 wherein the console further comprises a hard disk drive coupled to the computer module.

61. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising an Ethernet controller coupled to an external network, a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

a video switch,

each coupling site, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot;

each computer module comprising

a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI),

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit, and

a graphics controller coupled to the video switch;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein the video output of the graphics controller couples to a display only through the console.

62. The computer system of claim 61 wherein primary input circuitry of the computer module couples to input devices through the console only.

63. The computer system of claim 61 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

64. The computer system of claim 61 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

65. The computer system of claim 61 wherein the console further comprises of a hard disk drive coupled to the computer module.

66. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

each coupling site,

a serial communication hub controller, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot and each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

a SCSI hard disk drive, and

a communication controller coupled to the serial communication hub controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates independent of each other.

67. The computer system of claim 66 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

68. The computer system of claim 66 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

69. The computer system of claim 66 wherein the computer module further comprises a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

70. The computer system of claim 66 wherein the console further comprises a hard disk drive coupled to the computer module.

71. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a universal serial bus (USB), a first coupling site, and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot;

the console being a first enclosure housing

each coupling site,

a serial communication controller coupled to an external network, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot and each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

a communication controller coupled to the serial communication controller to support communication with the external network, and

a cooling plate thermally coupled to the processing unit;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein one of the computer modules can replace another one of the computer modules in operation.

72. The computer system of claim 71 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

73. The computer system of claim 71 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

74. The computer system of claim 71 wherein the computer module further comprises of a second enclosure with grooves running down the sides, for engaging with rails running down the computer bay of the console upon insertion.

75. The computer system of claim 71 wherein the console further comprises a hard disk drive coupled to the computer module.

76. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a video switch, a first coupling site and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being a first enclosure housing

each coupling site,

an Ethernet hub controller, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot and each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

a cooling plate thermally coupled to the processing unit, and

an Ethernet controller coupled to the Ethernet hub controller through the connector of the coupling site for communication between the computer modules;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other.

77. The computer system of claim 76 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

78. The computer system of claim 76 wherein the computer module further comprises circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption.

79. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising a power supply, a first coupling site, and a second coupling site, each coupling site comprising a connector and a slot, the console being an enclosure housing

each coupling site,

an Ethernet controller powered by the power supply and coupled to an external network, and

a plurality of computer modules;

each computer module coupled to one of the coupling sites through the connector and the slot and each computer module comprising

a processing unit,

a main memory coupled to the processing unit,

primary input circuitry,

circuitry that can vary the clock frequency of the processing unit for varying its power consumption, and

a network controller coupled to the Ethernet controller through the connector of the coupling site to support communication with the external network;

wherein each of the computer modules operates fully independent of each other; and

wherein the primary input circuitry couples to input devices through the console only; and

wherein one of the computer modules is configured to provide protection against failure of another of the plurality of computer modules.

80. The computer system of claim 79 wherein each computer module further comprises a grounding plate for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI).