Abstract:
A method for connecting to an SATA storage component includes a chassis having an interior and an exterior, and a wall portion provided with an opening. An SATA compatible connector, provided with a first restraining flange and a second restraining flange spaced from the first restraining flange, is inserted into the opening in the wall portion, wherein an interior surface of the first restraining flange faces a first surface of the wall portion and an interior surface of the second restraining flange faces a second surface of the wall portion. An SATA storage component is then inserted into the chassis such that it connects with the SATA compatible connector, whereby the first and second flange allows the SATA compatible connector to float in a limited fashion within the opening.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to storage component connectors in a multi-storage component environment and more particularly to serial ATA storage component connectors in a multi-storage component environment. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Banks, hospitals, government institutions, public institutions and similar entities often employ multi-storage component systems to manage their data. Due to the importance of the data, it can not be lost under any circumstances, for example, due to a hard disk drive failure.  FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art system  10  for managing data in a multi-storage component environment. A RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks) controller  30  manages data sent to and from multiple storage units (not shown) via a host connection  40 , connected to a PC or host server  20 . The host connection  40  can be of several different types including SCSI (small computer system interface), fibre channel, ethernet and firewire (IEEE standard 1394). The RAID controller  30 , available from CMD Technology Inc. of Irvine, Calif., distributes data mathematically over several storage components in a striping arrangement. If one storage component fails to function properly, the RAID controller  30  prevents the loss of data stored on the failed storage component. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a more detailed view of prior art system  10  for managing data in a multi-storage component environment, excluding the host server  20 . A backplane  50  (also referred to as a midplane) is used to connect storage components  60  to RAID controller  30 , host connection  40  and power supplies  50 . Typically, the host connection  40  is a SCSI or fibre channel type since they allow multiple storage components to be connected to a host server  20 , up to  125  storage components for fibre channel and up to  14  storage components in the case of SCSI. 
   While the SCSI and fibre channel standards support multi-storage system environments, the associated SCSI and fibre channel storage components are four to six times more expensive than the traditional IDE (integrated device electronics) storage components that are used in most PC&#39;s. The IDE standard only supports the connection of two IDE storage components, however, and is therefore not ideal for use in a multi-storage component environment. 
   Serial ATA (advanced technology attachment) is the next generation standard replacement for IDE. Serial ATA storage components are similar in cost to IDE storage components. Due to its low cost, it is desirable to use SATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment. However, serial ATA is a relatively new standard, and therefore serial ATA storage components can not simply be modified to work in a multi-storage component environment. One issue that needs to be considered is defining a mechanical attachment which enables a serial ATA storage component to be mounted and connected in a multi-storage environment. Also, the serial ATA standard requires tight impedance control for on board signal routes and as a result serial ATA storage components can not simply be plugged into a circuit board substrate due to potential distortion. 
   Some other reasons why serial ATA is being implemented include that it has a low pin count, supports lower operating voltages, higher data transfer rate as compared to IDE and the cables are much thinner/flexible. 
   Another problem of prior art system  10 , unrelated to serial ATA, is that the use of a backplane  50  is not ideal. It tends to be bulky and as a result takes up considerable space. Additionally, since component location is fixed due to the use of plug-in boards, system design is constrained. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a method to use serial ATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment that defines an appropriate mechanical attachment without the use of plug-in boards. Additionally, it would be desirable to eliminate the backplane. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a method and apparatus for directly connecting serial ATA storage components. The present invention defines a custom interface for a serial ATA storage component to plug into and a double restraining flange (or “float”) on one end of a serial ATA connector that allow the use of serial ATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment. The custom interface and the double restraining flange can be used interchangeably. Advantageously, either approach eliminates the use of a backplane by using serial ATA cables. 
   A method for connecting to an SATA storage component, in accordance with the present invention, includes a chassis having an interior and an exterior, and a wall portion provided with an opening. An SATA compatible connector, provided with a first restraining flange and a second restraining flange spaced from the first restraining flange, is inserted into the opening in the wall portion, wherein an interior surface of the first restraining flange faces a first surface of the wall portion and an interior surface of the second restraining flange faces a second surface of the wall portion. An SATA storage component is then inserted into the chassis such that it connects with the SATA compatible connector, whereby the first and second flange allows the SATA compatible connector to “float” in a limited fashion within the opening. 
   A method for connecting an SATA storage component, in accordance with the present invention, includes a chassis having an interior and an exterior, and a wall portion provided with an opening receptive to a plug coupled to an SATA cable. The plug is inserted into the opening and the SATA storage component is connected to the plug on the interior side of the chassis. 
   In another aspect of the present invention, a system for connecting SATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment includes a chassis with multiple bays each receptive to at least one SATA storage component. A wall portion is provided with an opening receptive to a connection means which is one of a plurality of connection means wherein a first side of the connection means is adapted to couple with an SATA storage component. Also, a plurality of SATA cables are coupled to a second side of the plurality of connection means. 
   An advantage of the present invention is that it allows serial ATA storage components to be used in a multi-storage component environment which results in an immediate cost savings since traditional SCSI and fibre channel storage components are four to six times more expensive. Additionally, since standard serial ATA cables are employed instead of a circuit board substrate, impedance control is maintained. Also, the backplane is eliminated and as a result, system design can be more compact and flexible. 
   These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following descriptions and studying the various figures of the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art system for managing data in a multi-storage component environment. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of a prior art system for managing data in a multi-storage component environment, excluding a host server. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a multi-storage component environment utilizing serial ATA storage components in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed view of a RAID controller in accordance with if the present invention. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an elevation view of a modified serial ATA cable in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a plan view of a modified serial ATA cable taken along line  5   b — 5   b  of FIG.  5 A. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an elevation view of a connector of a modified serial ATA cable as seen along line  6 A— 6 A of FIG.  5 B. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-section of an example SATA cable taken at point  6 B in the direction of line  6 A— 6 A as shown in FIG.  5 B. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a connector as encircled by broken line  7  as shown in FIG.  5 B. 
       FIG. 8  shows the connector in isometric form. 
       FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of an opening in a wall portion, at one end of a bay (not shown) in a chassis (not shown) receptive to a modified connector of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a plan view of an opening in a chassis receptive to a plug in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates an isometric view of a plug in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a plan view of a plug taken along line  10 B— 10 B as shown in FIG.  10 A. 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates an elevation view of a plug taken along line  10 C— 10 C as shown in FIG.  10 A. 
       FIG. 10D  illustrates a side elevation view of a plug taken in the direction of line  10 D as shown in FIG.  10 A. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a working view of a plug residing in an opening of a chassis in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  were described with reference to the prior art.  FIG. 3  illustrates a multi-storage component environment  70  utilizing serial ATA storage components  80  in accordance with the present invention. In the context of the present invention, it should be understood that the phrase “serial ATA” and the term “SATA” both describe the serial ATA standard and can be used interchangeably. SATA storage components  80  may be placed into bays  90  of chassis  100 . Preferably at the end of each bay  90 , there is an opening  110  that is receptive to a specialized connector of an SATA cable  120 . The other end of the SATA cables  120  plug into RAID controller  130 . A power supply  140  is also preferably connected to the SATA storage components  80  via power cables  150 . RAID controller  130 , as described in more detail subsequently, regulates the flow of data to and from the SATA storage components  80  to a host computer via host connection  160 . Host connection  160  can be of varying standards such as SCSI, fibre channel and ethernet. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed view of a RAID controller  130  in accordance with the present invention. Data is communicated to the RAID controller  130  via host connection  160 . Data is received at input buffer  170  and is distributed to SATA storage components  80  via a data distribution component  180 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, input buffer  170  can be a standard, high impedance input buffer and distribution component  180  can be achieved by a multiplexer, an electronic switch or similar device. 
     FIG. 5A  illustrates an elevation view of a modified serial ATA cable  190  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a plan view of a modified serial ATA cable  190  taken along line  5   b — 5   b  of FIG.  5 A. Modifying a connector  200  (as explained below) of SATA cable  190  is one preferred embodiment of the present invention for connecting SATA storage components in a multi-storage component. The connector  200  is modified by providing a first restraining flange  210  and second restraining flange  220  adapted to fit into opening  110  of chassis  100  such that the interior sides of first and second restraining flanges  210 ,  220  rest adjacent to the interior and exterior sides of opening  110 . The opening  110  is sized to be larger than the body of the connector  200 , but smaller than the flanges  210  and  220 . As a result, the flanges  210  and  220  cause the connector  200  to be loosely held within the opening  110  such that it tends to “float” within the somewhat larger opening  110 , yet restrained by the flanges  210  and  220 . Typically the restraining flanges are made out of the same material as the, connector  200  of the SATA cable  190  and can typically be a PVC material. The modified connector  200  can be made by a variety of techniques, included injection molding. An advantage of the small amount of “float” provided by the described amount of “float” provided by the described design is that SATA storage components can be more easily engaged with the connectors. If the connectors were rigidly attached, there would have to be a nearly perfect alignment between a modified SATA connector and a mating SATA connector on the SATA storage component. The “float” allows the modified SATA connector to adjust to the position of the mating connector, thereby self-aligning the two connectors. 
     FIG. 6A  illustrates an elevation view of a connector end  200  of a modified serial ATA cable as seen along line  6 A— 6 A of FIG.  5 B. The exterior of restraining flange  220  is shown. Female connector end  230  is adapted to engage a mating connector of a SATA storage component  80 . The material for the contacts  232  are preferably in accordance with table 1, which is from the serial ATA specification, version 1, incorporated herein by reference. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE 1 
             
             
                 
             
             
               PARAMETER 
               RECOMMENDATION 
               COMMENTS 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               MATERIAL 
               Copper alloys, for example, 
               Material temper and thick- 
             
             
                 
               brass for plug contacts and 
               ness should be selected 
             
             
                 
               phosphor bronze for 
               based on normal force and 
             
             
                 
               receptacle contact, 
               elastic deflection range 
             
             
                 
               the spring. 
               consideration. 
             
             
               MATING 
               For 50 durability cycles: 
               Exposed underplate or base 
             
             
               SIDE 
               −1.27 μm minimum Ni with 
               material is not allowed in 
             
             
               PLATING 
               either 0.38 μm minimum 
               the mating area. 
             
             
                 
               Au or 0.38 μm minimum 
             
             
                 
               80/20 Pd/Ni with 0.051 
             
             
                 
               μm minimum Au flash. 
             
             
                 
               For 500 durability cycles: 
             
             
                 
               −1.27 μm minimum Ni with 
             
             
                 
               either 0.76 μm minimum 
             
             
                 
               Au or 0.76 μm minimum 
             
             
                 
               80/20 Pd/Ni with 0.051 
             
             
                 
               μm minimum Au flash. 
             
             
               SOLDER 
               Either Sn/Pb plating or 
               Exposed base material 
             
             
               SIDE 
               Pd/Ni with Au flash: 
               is allowed in small areas 
             
             
               PLATING 
               −1.27 μm minimum Ni 
               where the contact is excised 
             
             
                 
               with 3.18 μm minimum 
               from its carrier 
             
             
                 
               Sn/Pb. Or −1.27 μm 
               strip or bandolier. 
             
             
                 
               minimum Ni with 0.76 μm 
             
             
                 
               minimum 80/20 Pd/Ni with 
             
             
                 
               0.51 μm minimum Au 
             
             
                 
               flash. 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
     FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-section of an example SATA cable taken at point  6 B in the direction of line  6 A— 6 A as shown in  FIG. 5B , preferably in accordance with table 2, both of which are also from the serial ATA specification, version 1. Shielded wire pairs  196  can be constructed out of 26 AWG solid tinned copper or the like (American Wire Gauge—a system commonly used for describing the size of copper wire. It is based on the circular mil system in which 1 mil equals 0.0254 mm or  25 . 4  microns.) The shielded wire pairs  196  are preferably surrounded by a white foam polyolefin  198 . Additionally, parallel pairs  202  are constructed out of 28 AWG solid tinned copper or the like. Each set of shielded wire pairs  196 , white foam polyolefin  198  and parallel pairs  202  are preferably all surrounded by an aluminized polyester foil layer  204 . Both sets of shielded wire pairs  196 , white foam polyolefin  198 , parallel pairs  202  and aluminized polyester foil layer  204  are preferably surrounded by a heat-sealed longitudinal wrap  206 . Jacket  208  surrounds the heat sealed longitudinal wrap  206  is preferably significantly thicker than the wrap  206 . Jacket  208  can be made from PVC or the like. Region  181 , defined by the dashed lines, can be devoid of material or filled in, though neither state impacts the function of the SATA cable  192 . Dimension  182  is in preferably about 0.0465 inches, dimension  183  is preferably about 0.150 inches, dimension  184  is preferably about 0.0865 inches, dimension  185  is preferably about 0.305 inches and dimension  186  is preferably about 0.115 inches. 
   
     
       
             
             
           
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE 2 
             
             
                 
             
             
               ELECTRICAL 
               PHYSICAL 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               Impedance: 
               100 +/− 5 ohms 
               (2) shielded pairs - 26 AWG 
             
             
                 
               (differential) 
               solid tinned copper 
             
             
               Capacitance: 
               42 pf/M nominal 
               0.0435 inches nominal 
             
             
                 
                 
               diameter foam polyolefin, 
             
             
                 
                 
               white 
             
             
               Propagation delay: 
               425 ns/M nominal 
               Parallel pair with (2) drains - 
             
             
                 
                 
               28 AWG solid tinned copper 
             
             
               Skew (within pair): 
               TBD (TDT method, 
               0.001 inches aluminized 
             
             
                 
               drains grounded) 
               polyester, foil in, 0.035 
             
             
                 
               (differential 50%- 
               inches minimum overlap 
             
             
                 
               50%, Tektronix 
             
             
                 
               11801, SD-24/ 
             
             
                 
               SD-26 sampling 
             
             
                 
               heads) 
             
             
               Attenuation 
               TBD db/M @ 4.5 
               Blue typical longitudinal 
             
             
               (nominal): 
               GHz 
               wrap, heat sealed 
             
             
                 
                 
               Jacket - 0.02 inches nominal 
             
             
                 
                 
               wall PVC, red 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
     FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a connector as encircled by broken line  7  as shown in FIG.  5 B.  FIG. 8  shows the connector  190  in isometric form. Restraining flange  210  and second restraining flange  220  are separated by a distance “D” which defines a space  231 . The distance D is somewhat greater than the thickness of the wall of the bay  90  in which opening  110  is provided. The wall of the bay  90  is preferably about 1.2 mm and can be made out of sheet metal or the like. The distance D provides for the “float”, as was previously described. By being somewhat greater than the thickness of the wall of the bay  90 , SATA storage components can be more easily engaged with the connectors. If the connectors were rigidly attached, there would have to be a nearly perfect alignment between a modified SATA connector and a mating SATA connector on the SATA storage component. The “float” allows the modified SATA connector to adjust to the position of the mating connector, thereby self-aligning the two connectors. Flanges  210  and  240  are preferably about 0.85 to 1.45 mm thick as shown by distance D2. In a preferred embodiment, D2 is about 1.35 mm. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 6A , connector tab  234 , adjacent to connector end  236 , ensures a snug fit of the connector/SATA cable  190  with a mating SATA connector on the SATA storage component. Connector tab  234  is slightly thinner than connector end  236 . A mating connector on an SATA storage component is formed in a manner such that the opening, on the mating connector, matches the shape of connector end  236  and as a result, a tight connection is established. Additionally, connector end  234  is slightly thinner than connector section  238 . This results in a step  242  at the boundary of connector section  238  and connector end  234 . A mating connector on an SATA storage component is also formed in a manner that the opening matches the shape of the connector end  234  in combination with the connector tab  232 . The step  242  functions as a stop-guide because once the step  242  is flush with a mating connector on an SATA storage component, the SATA cable  190  is fully in contact with an SATA storage component. 
     FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of an opening  110  in a wall portion  111 , at one end of a bay  90  (not shown) in a chassis  100  (not shown) receptive to a plug (not shown) of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  illustrates a plan view of an opening  110  in a chassis receptive to a plug, also in accordance with the present invention. Opening  110  illustrates a second method for connecting SATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment. A plug, as will be shown subsequently, fits into opening  110  and is held in place by snapping into slots  113 . SATA storage components then connect to one side of the plug and an unmodified SATA cable and a power cable connect to the other side of the plug. In a preferred embodiment, the SATA cable is permanently attached to the plug. Dimensions  230  are in units of millimeters. The height of the slots  113  is preferably about 0.6 to 1.0 mm, as shown by distance D3. In a preferred embodiment, the slots  113  are about 0.8 ml. 
     FIG. 10A  illustrates an isometric view of a connector  240  in accordance with the present invention. Interior end  250  connects to an SATA storage component  80  (not shown). Exterior end  260  connects to an SATA cable  190  and power cable  150 . SATA contacts  232 A correspond to SATA cable  190  and power contacts  232 B correspond to power cable.  FIG. 10B  illustrates a plan view of a plug  240  taken along line  10 B— 10 B as shown in FIG.  10 A. Similar to  FIG. 10A , there is an interior end  250 , SATA cable  120  and power cable  150 . Snaps  252  are spaced in a manner such that they line up with slots  113 , defined in opening  110  of wall portion  111 . When connector  240  is pushed into opening  110 , connector  240  can be guided in until wall portion  111  rests at point  254 , on interior sides of snaps  252 . Snaps  252  preferably protrude slightly higher than the height of slots  113 . This ensures that connector  240  is held in place while residing in opening  110 . Push pin  257  is also used to hold connector  240  firmly in place. Push pin  257  has two detents (not shown as they are hidden inside the connector body) that limit the connector to a locked and unlocked position. Once in a locked position, the connector  240  can not be removed from the opening  110  without re-engaging push pin  257 . The depicted dimensions are in millimeters. 
     FIG. 10C  illustrates an elevation view of a plug  240  taken along line  10 C— 10 C as shown in FIG.  10 A.  FIG. 10D  illustrates a side elevation view of a plug  240  taken in the direction of line  10 D as shown in FIG.  10 A. As can be seen, snaps  252  are located on both top and bottom sides of connector  240  corresponding to slots  113  of wall portion  111 . Guides  255 , located on opposite sides of interior end  250 , preferably guide the connector  240  into a correct alignment with an SATA storage component. Guides  255  are preferably slightly thinner than distance D1, and preferably have a polygonal ending. A mating connector on a corresponding SATA storage component is shaped so that it corresponds to the shape of guides  255 , thus ensuring a proper alignment of the connector  240  and an SATA storage component. Again, the depicted dimensions are in millimeters. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a working view of a plug  240  residing in an opening  110  in a wall portion in accordance with the present invention. Plug  240  is connected into opening  110  in the direction indicated by arrow  260 . Once in the proper position, snaps  252  hold plug  240  in place. Once in place, wall portion  111  rests on an interior side of snaps  252 . When an SATA storage component is connected to interior end  250  of connector  240 , guides  255  ensure proper alignment, as was previously summarized. 
   In one aspect of the present invention, a system for connecting SATA storage components in a multi-storage component environment includes a chassis with multiple bays each receptive to holding at least one SATA storage component. A wall portion is provided with an opening at one end of each bay receptive to a connection means which is one of a plurality of connection means wherein a first side of the connection means is adapted to couple with an SATA storage component. Also, a plurality of SATA cables are coupled to a second side of the plurality of connection means. The connection means preferably takes the form of a modified SATA cable wherein one end has a first and second restraining flange or float on the circumference of the end of the cable. The SATA cable can then preferably be placed into an opening of a wall of a chassis such that interior sides of the first and second restraining float face an exterior side and an interior side of the wall. In another embodiment, the connection means may preferably be a plug that snaps into place when placed into an opening of a wall portion. 
   An advantage of the present invention is that it allows serial ATA storage components to be used in a multi-storage component environment which results in an immediate cost savings since traditional SCSI and fibre channel storage components are four to six times more expensive. Additionally, since standard serial ATA cables are employed instead of a circuit board substrate, impedance control is maintained. Also, the backplane is eliminated and as a result, system design can be more compact and flexible. 
   While this invention has been described in terms certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications, permutations and equivalents thereof are within the inventive scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims include all such modifications, permutations and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.