Abstract:
A system includes a device, a sensor connected to the device, and a processing module connected to the sensor. The sensor detects shock and vibration of the device and stores the shock and vibration data. The processing module receives the shock and vibration data from the sensor and predicts useful life of the vibrating device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system and method for monitoring shock and vibration of an electronic device. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Traditional thinking about HDD (Hard Disk Drive) failure has been focused on the temperature history of the HDD. Through the Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T) protocol standard, things such as HDD temperature, Head Flying Height, Spin Up Time etc. are recorded. However, it has been found that temperature history by itself is not enough to predict HDD failure. HDD failure has a strong correlation to mechanical environment (vibration and shock) experienced by the HDD. For example, when an HDD fails and is manually replaced, statistics show that neighboring HDD drives have a higher probability of failing soon after. This indicates that vibration and mechanical shock experienced by drives due to replacement of a neighboring drive is an important factor. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a monitoring system and method for monitoring shock and vibration of an HDD is desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  an block diagram of a monitoring system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a monitoring method for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0008]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a monitoring system  100  includes a HDD  10 , a sensor  30 , a processing module  50  connected to the HDD  10  and the sensor  30 , and a display module  70 . 
         [0009]    The sensor  30  is attached to the HDD  10 , and capable of collecting data of shock and vibration experienced by the HDD  10 . In one embodiment, the sensor  30  is a micro electro mechanical (MEM) accelerometer (such as ADX330 accelerometer or LIS302DL accelerometer, etc). The MEM accelerometer can measure the static acceleration of gravity in tilt sensing applications as well as dynamic acceleration resulting from motion, shock, or vibration. In some embodiments, the accelerometer  30  is attached to a tiny PCB (printed circuit board) (not shown), and the PCB is attached to the HDD  10  by using adhesive attach. 
         [0010]    The processing module  50  includes a parameter setting sub-module  51 , an input sub-module  53 , a comparing sub-module  55 , and an output sub-module  57 . Predetermined parameters can be set using the parameter setting sub-module  51 , such as frequency and magnitude of vibration to be recorded, how often to process comparison results etc. The input sub-module  53  is utilized to receive the shock and vibration data from the sensor  30 . The comparing sub-module  55  is utilized to compare the collected shock and vibration data with the predetermined parameters. The comparing sub-module  55  may process the results according to the type and history of the HDD  10  to produce a likely remaining life prediction of the HDD  10  at regular intervals or upon receiving a user command according to the pre determined parameters. The output sub-module  57  sends the results to the display module  70  for display. 
         [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an operational sequence, according to one embodiment of the system  100 , includes the following blocks. 
         [0012]    In block S 01 , predetermined parameters are set using the parameter setting sub-module  51  of the processing module  50 . In block S 02 , the accelerometer  30  is attached to the HDD  10 . In Block S 03 , if the HDD  10  vibrates during working, and the accelerometer  30  vibrates together with the HDD  10  since it is attached to the HDD  10 . In block S 04 , the accelerometer  30  collects vibration data and sends the vibration data to the processing module  50 . In block S 05 , the input sub-module  53  of the processing module  50  receives the vibration data from the sensor  30 . In block S 05 , the comparing sub-module  55  of the processing module  50  compares the vibration data with the predetermined parameters. In block S 07 , if the vibration data does not deviate from the predetermined parameters, go to block S 04 ; if the vibration data deviates from the predetermined parameters, go to block S 08 . In block S 08 , the output sub-module  57  of the processing module  50  sends the results to the display module  70 . 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the predetermined parameters include a maximum period of time which the HDD  10  will endure vibration. The comparing sub-module  55  of the processing module  50  compares the vibration data with the maximum time. If the HDD  10  vibrates for a period of time exceeding the maximum time, an signal is sent that to warn that the HDD  10  is nearing the end of its useful life. It could also trigger an automatic backup. 
         [0014]    The monitor system  100  can be used on any hard drive used in server or storage chassis to help better predict potential HDD failure. It can also be used on fans to monitor and potentially better predict fan failure as well in the field. 
         [0015]    While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of preferred embodiments thereof, and while the preferred embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. 
         [0016]    It is also to be understood that the above description and the claims drawn to a method may include some indication in reference to certain steps. However, the indication used is only to be viewed for identification purposes and not as a suggestion as to an order for the steps.