Patent Publication Number: US-7222043-B2

Title: Electronic device environmental effect prediction

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application contains subject matter that is related to the subject matter of the following application, which is assigned to the same assignee as this application. The below-listed application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
         “EMULATION OF OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” by Malone, et al., co-filed herewith.       

   BACKGROUND 
   Electronic device power levels have increased dramatically in recent years. Also, enclosures that contain the electronic components, for example, computer cases and rack-mount frames, have been reduced in size to allow for a smaller footprint of the device. As more electronic devices are placed in a rack-mount frame, close proximity among the electronic devices undesirably reduces effectiveness of cooling for thermal energy generated by the electronic devices. 
   In particular, the close proximity among the electronic devices increases concentration of the thermal energy into a small area. Furthermore, multiple rack-mount frames are often placed in a computer closet or data center with a specialized cooling system. This trend has created significant thermal issues for individual rack-mount frames as well as the computer closet. As more electronic devices are added to a computer closet, the thermal energy generated by the electronic devices may be too much for the cooling system to effectively dissipate. 
   SUMMARY 
   The invention in one implementation encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus comprises one or more control components that regulate one or more thermal test components to adjust one or more emulated operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices. The thermal test components are coupled with one or more rack-mount frames. The thermal test components create the emulated operational characteristics for the one or more electronic devices to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. The one or more control components obtain one or more measurements of one or more of the one or more emulated operational characteristics and the one or more emulated environmental effects. The one or more control components make a prediction of one or more of one or more actual operational characteristics and one or more actual environmental effects of the one or more electronic devices through employment of one or more of the one or more measurements. 
   Another implementation of the invention encompasses an apparatus. The apparatus comprises one or more control components that regulate one or more thermal test components that emulate one or more operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. The one or more control components make a prediction of one or more actual environmental effects of the one or more electronic devices through employment of one or more of the one or more emulated environmental effects. 
   Yet another implementation of the invention encompasses a method. One or more thermal test components that emulate one or more operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices are regulated to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. A prediction of one or more actual environmental effects of the one or more electronic devices is made through employment of the one or more emulated environmental effects. 
   A further implementation of the invention comprises an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for emulating one or more operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. The apparatus comprises means for measuring one or more of the one or more emulated environmental effects. 
   A still further implementation of the invention encompasses an article. The article comprises one or more computer-readable signal-bearing media. The article includes means in the one or more media for regulating one or more thermal test components that emulate one or more operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. The article includes means in the one or more media for making a prediction of one or more actual environmental effects of the one or more electronic devices through employment of the one or more emulated environmental effects. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Features of exemplary implementations of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective representation of one exemplary implementation of an apparatus that comprises one or more frames, one or more control components, one or more thermal test components, zero or more electronic devices, zero or more environmental control components, and zero or more communication links. 
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded, perspective representation of one implementation of the thermal test component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partial, perspective representation of another implementation of the thermal test component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a partial, perspective representation of yet another implementation of the thermal test component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  that further illustrates first and second end frame portions and intermediate frame portions of the thermal test component. 
       FIG. 5  is a partial, perspective representation of another implementation of the thermal test component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  that further illustrates first and second frame portions of the thermal test component. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to the BACKGROUND section above, it is desirable to validate the electronic devices in a rack or environment before the electronic devices are placed into service. Determining if the thermal energy generated by the electronic devices is too much for the cooling system to effectively dissipate typically requires the use of expensive, functional electronic equipment. For example, a fully loaded rack-mount server may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchase cost alone, with additional costs for service and configuration. It is desirable to use less expensive components to reduce costs of validating electronic devices in a test environment. 
   Turning to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  in one example comprises one or more frames  102 , one or more control components  104 , one or more thermal test components  106 , zero or more electronic devices  108 , zero or more environmental control components  110 , and zero or more communication links  112 . The frame  102  in one example comprises a rack-mount cabinet. In a further example, the frame  102  conforms to an “EIA RS-310” standard (Electronic Industries Alliance, Arlington, Va., http://www.eia.org). For example, the frame  102  comprises shelves and/or attachment points with a height interval that is an integral multiple of “U,” for example, “1U,” “2U,” . . . “NU.” The frame  102  in one example alters one or more emulated environmental effects, as described herein. 
   The control component  104  in one example comprises a computer and/or computer terminal. In a further example, the control component  104  comprises an instance of a recordable data storage medium  114 , as described herein. The control component  104  in one example is located within and/or external to the frame  102 . In a further example, the control component  104  is coupled with the frame  102 . In another example, the control component  104  is located remotely from the frame  102 . 
   The control components  104  employ the thermal test components  106  to generate one or more emulated environmental effects for one or more electronic devices (not shown), as described herein. In a further example, the control components  104  regulate the thermal test components  106  to adjust the emulated operational characteristics for the electronic devices. Exemplary operational characteristics comprise temperature characteristics, thermal energy dissipation characteristics, airflow characteristics, noise characteristics, and fan speed characteristics. Exemplary electronic devices comprise network servers, storage devices, and network switches. 
   The control component  104  in one example obtains one or more measurements of one or more operational characteristics of the electronic device  108 . Exemplary measurements comprise measurements of temperature, noise, and airflow. For example, the control component  104  obtains a measurement of an internal temperature and/or airflow of the electronic device  108 . The control component  104  in another example obtains one or more measurements of the emulated environmental effects for the electronic devices. The emulated environmental effects created by the thermal test component  106  are comparable to actual environmental effects that would be created by the electronic devices during operation, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Exemplary environmental effects comprise one or more thermal effects, one or more airflow effects, and one or more vibrational effects. 
   In a further example, the control components  104  measure the emulated environmental effects to make a prediction of correct operation of the electronic devices in one or more test environments (not shown) through employment of the measurements. Exemplary test environments comprise a rack-mount frame, a cubicle, an office, and a computer room. The control components  104  in one example emulate the test environments through employment of the environmental control components  110 . In another example, the control components  104  regulate the thermal test components  106  based on the measurements. 
   The thermal test components  106  emulate the operational characteristics of the electronic devices, as described herein. The thermal test component  106  replaces an electronic device in a rack-mount frame to reduce costs of validating the electronic device in the test environment. For example, the thermal test component  106  generates thermal energy and airflow comparable to the electronic device in the test environment without an expensive purchase and/or configuration cost of the electronic device. 
   The electronic device  108  in one example comprises a network server, storage device, and/or network switch. The control component  104  in one example employs the electronic devices  108  and the thermal test components  106  to obtain the measurements of the operational characteristics of the electronic device  108  in the test environment. Where a plurality of electronic devices  108  are located in a rack-mount frame, the actual environmental effects of the electronic devices  108  compound each other and may reduce cooling efficiencies of the electronic device  108 . For example, surface areas of the electronic device  108  exposed to ambient air may be reduced, airflow through the electronic device  108  may be blocked, and thermal energy dissipated by the electronic devices  108  may be too much for the environment to adequately cool. In one example, the control component  104  obtains a measurement of the operational characteristics of the electronic device  108  where the electronic device  108  is located in a rack-mount frame with the thermal test components  106 . The thermal test components  106  emulate additional electronic devices in the rack-mount frame to reduce costs of validating the electronic device  108  in the rack-mount frame. 
   The environmental control components  110  alter the environmental effects on the test environment. The environmental control components  110  in one example are located within and/or external to the frame  102 . In a further example, the environmental control components  110  are coupled with the frame  102 . In another example, the environmental control components  110  are located remotely from the frame  102 . In one example, the environmental control components  110  comprise one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system components. For example, the environmental control components  110  emulate cooling provided by a rack-mount frame. In another example, the environmental control component  110  comprises a portion of an altitude chamber. For example, the environmental control component  110  lowers air pressure in the test environment to emulate a high-altitude environment. The control components  104  in one example employ the environmental control components  110  to regulate air temperature, air pressure, airflow, and/or vibrational effects. For example, the control components  104  employ the environmental control components  110  to emulate the one or more test environments. 
   The communication link  112  in one example comprises a communication cable and/or wireless interface. The control components  104  in one example communicate with each other through employment of the communication link  112 . In another example, the control component  104  communicates with the thermal test components  106  and/or the environmental control components  110  through employment of the communication link  112 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 2 , the thermal test component  106  in one example comprises a frame  202 , one or more control components  204 , one or more thermal components  206 , zero or more fans  208 , and zero or more speakers  209 . The frame  202  in one example comprises a metal case, for example, made from aluminum and/or steel. In one example, the frame  202  comprises a horizontal orientation, for example, a desktop or rack-mount case. In another example, the frame  202  comprises a vertical orientation, for example, a tower or pedestal case. 
   The frame  202  in one example comprises one or more apertures  210  and/or one or more baffles  212  that serve to promote an adjustability of quantity and/or direction of airflow through the frame  202 . The frame  202  in one example conforms to an “EIA RS-310” standard (Electronic Industries Alliance, Arlington, Va., http://www.eia.org). For example, the frame  202  comprises a height interval that is an integral multiple of “U,” for example, “1U,” “2U,” . . . “NU.” 
   The control component  204  in one example is coupled with one or more user interfaces  214  and/or one or more sensor components  216  of the thermal test component  106 . In one example, the control component  204  comprises an instance of a recordable data storage medium  114 , as described herein. The control component  104  in one example is coupled with the control component  204 , for example, the control component  104  and the control component  204  comprise a same control component. The control component  204  in one example employs the frame  202 , the thermal components  206 , the fans  208 , the apertures  210 , the baffles  212 , and/or the sensor components  216  to emulate one or more operational characteristics of the one or more electronic devices. The control component  204  in one example regulates thermal energy and/or airflow to emulate the operational characteristics of the electronic devices, as described herein. 
   The control component  204  in one example obtains one or more measurements of one or more of the operational characteristics of the electronic device through employment of the sensor components  216 . For example, the control component  204  employs the measurements to regulate the airflow through the frame  202 , the thermal energy generated by the thermal component  206 , and/or temperature in the frame  202 . In one example, the control component  204  adjusts airflow through the frame  202  by causing the fans  208  to rotate at a given speed. For example, the control component  204  adjusts the speed of the fans  208  through pulse width modulation or voltage control, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. A higher speed of the fans  208  will promote an increase in airflow through the frame  202  and increase noise levels, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In another example, the control component  204  adjusts one or more of the apertures  210  and the baffles  212  to adjust the airflow through the frame  202 , as described herein. The control component  204  in one example emulates one or more operational deficiencies of the electronic device through employment of the frame  202 , the thermal components  206 , the fans  208 , the apertures  210 , and/or the baffles  212 . In one example, the control component  204  emulates an operational deficiency of one or more of the fans  208 , for example, a clogging of blades of the fan with dust. In another example, the control component  204  emulates one or more blockages of one or more of the apertures  210 . 
   The user interface  214  in one example comprises one or more display screens, one or more keypads, one or more input knobs, and/or one or more computer terminals. In a further example, the user interface  214  is located remotely from the frame  202 . For example, the user interface  214  comprises an external computer terminal that is electronically coupled with the control component  204  via the communication link  112 . In a further example, the user interface  214  is coupled with the control component  104  via the communication link  112 . For example, a user controls the thermal test component  106  via the control component  104 . 
   The user interface  214  in one example presents one or more of the operational characteristics of the electronic device to one or more users, for example, on the display screen. In a further example, the user interface  214  receives one or more parameters from the user for the operational characteristics, for example, through the keypad, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the user employs the user interface  214  to set the thermal energy dissipation of the thermal components  206  and the airflow of the fans  208  to known values for an electronic device. In another example, the user sets the thermal energy dissipation and airflow to theoretical and/or approximate values for an electronic device. In yet another example, the user sets the thermal energy dissipation and airflow to emulate one or more failures of the electronic device. 
   The thermal component  206  in one example comprises a heating element, for example, a finned strip heater controlled by a solid state relay or silicon-controlled rectifier. The thermal component  206  serves to generate thermal energy in the frame  202 . In one example, the thermal component  206  is coupled with the frame  202 . The thermal energy is dissipated into the airflow and carried out of the frame  202 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The control component  204  signals the thermal component  206  to generate a given quantity of thermal energy, for example, fifty watts, to emulate thermal energy dissipation of the electronic device. 
   The fans  208  in one example are coupled with the frame  202 . The fans  208  serve to promote airflow through the frame  202 . For example, one or more fans  208  take air into the frame  202  and/or exhaust air from the frame  202 . The fans  208  in one example comprise 40 millimeter fans, 80 millimeter fans, and/or 120 millimeter fans. The fans  208  comprise rotational speed, size, and design attributes that determine the airflow generated by the fans  208 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art. 
   The speakers  209  in one example are coupled with the frame  202 . The speakers  209  in one example emulate one or more noise characteristics of the electronic device. For example, the speakers  209  generate one or more sounds and/or acoustic vibrations associated with operation of the electronic device. In one example, the speaker  209  emulates sounds associated with a disk drive being accessed and/or diagnostic beeps. 
   One or more of the apertures  210  in one example are partially or completely blocked to adjust the airflow through the frame  202 . In one example, the control component  204  causes a cover (not shown), for example, a plastic bezel or air filter, to partially or completely block the aperture  210 . In another example, the user adjusts the cover to partially or completely cover the aperture  210 . In yet another example, the user employs a piece of tape, for example, duct tape, to cover the aperture  210 . One or more apertures  210  may be covered to provide different paths for airflow through the frame  202 . For example, the apertures  210  may be covered such that the frame  202  takes in air from a corner of the frame  202  and exhausts air out a side of the frame  202 . 
   The baffles  212  in one example are repositioned to adjust the airflow through the frame  202 . In one example, the control component  204  causes the baffle  212  to redirect a portion of the airflow through the frame  202 . In another example, the user repositions the baffle  212  to redirect the portion of the airflow through the frame  202 . One or more baffles  212  may be added or removed from the frame  202  to promote an adjustability of the airflow through the frame  202 . One or more covers of the apertures  210  and one or more baffles  212  in one example are combined. For example, a cover comprises one or more baffles to both limit and direct airflow through the cover. In one example, the user adjusts airflow through the frame  202  to emulate airflow of an electronic device. 
   Turning to  FIG. 3 , the thermal test component  106  in one example further comprises one or more interface ports  302 . The interface port  302  in one example provide an interface for receiving external power, for example, alternating current. In another example, the interface port  302  provides an interface for the communication link  112  to the control component  104 , the environmental control component  110 , and/or the user interface  214 . 
   Turning to  FIGS. 4-5 , the frame  202  in one example comprises a plurality of frame portions that are coupled to promote an adjustability of one or more dimensions of the frame  202 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the frame  202  in one example comprises a first end frame portion  402  and a second end frame portion  404  that are coupled by one or more intermediate frame portions  406 . The intermediate frame portions  406  may be added or removed to adjust a length of the frame  202 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in another example the frame  202  comprises a first frame portion  502  and a second frame portion  504  that comprise a sliding interface to promote an adjustability of one or more dimensions of the frame  202 . 
   An illustrative description of exemplary operation of the thermal test component  106  is presented, for explanatory purposes. An electronic device (not shown), for example, a network switch, generates given amounts of thermal energy, airflow, and noise during operation. The generated thermal energy requires airflow to sufficiently cool the electronic devices, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The frame  202  and the thermal components  206  serve to emulate the operational characteristics of the electronic device. Exemplary operational characteristics comprise thermal energy dissipation of the thermal components  206 , speed of the fans  208 , rate of airflow through the frame  202 , fault conditions of the fans  208 , noise volume, and temperatures of air entering and exiting the frame  202 . For example, the thermal components generate the given amount of thermal energy and the fans  208  create airflow through the frame  202  that is determined by one or more of the fans  208 , the apertures  210 , and the baffles  212 . 
   The control component  204  and/or the user configure one or more of the frame  202 , the thermal components  206 , the fans  208 , the apertures  210 , and the baffles  212  to emulate the operational characteristics of the electronic device. In one example, the user inputs values for the operational characteristics of the network switch. For example, the user employs the user interface  214  to input values such as one hundred watts for thermal energy generation, forty cubic feet per minute for airflow, four thousand revolutions per minute for fan speed, one hundred degrees Fahrenheit for surface temperature, and/or thirty degrees Celsius for ambient temperature, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In another example, the user selects an electronic device from a list of pre-determined electronic devices. For example, the user employs the user interface  214  to select a network server from a list of network equipment and the control component  204  configures the thermal components  206 , the fans  208 , the apertures  210 , and the baffles  212  to emulate the operational characteristics of the network server, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
   An illustrative description of exemplary operation of the apparatus  100  is presented, for explanatory purposes. The control component  104  in one example emulates a test environment through employment of the environmental control components  110 . For example, the environmental control components  110  provide cooling to a room to emulate a computer closet. The control component  104  signals the thermal test components  106  to emulate one or more electronic devices, for example, network switches. The thermal test components  106  generate one or more emulated operational characteristics for the network switches. For example, the thermal test component  106  generates thermal energy, airflow, and/or noise that is comparable to the network switch. 
   The thermal test component  106  creates one or more emulated environmental effects on the test environment through employment of the thermal energy and airflow. The emulated environmental effects created by the thermal test component  106  are comparable to actual environmental effects that would be created by the network switch, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one example, the thermal test component  106  employs the airflow to dissipate the thermal energy into the test environment and cause an increase in temperature of the computer closet. In a further example, the thermal test component  106  causes one or more vibrational effects in the test environment, for example, noise associated with the fans  208 . In one example, the frame  102  alters the emulated environmental effects. For example, vents, doors, and/or cable management arms of the frame  102  reduce an efficiency of cooling by impeding airflow through the frame  102  and/or the frame  202 . 
   In one example, the control component  104  measures the emulated environmental effects to make a prediction of the actual environmental effects of the network switch. For example, the control component  104  obtains one or more measurements of the emulated environmental effects and/or operational characteristics, where the emulated environmental effects are comparable to the actual environmental effects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The control component  104  in one example makes a prediction of correct operation of the electronic device in the test environment through employment of one or more of the measurements. In a further example, the control component  104  makes a prediction of correct operation of the electronic device in the test environment against one or more pre-determined standards. For example, the control component  104  validates the electronic device in the test environment through employment of the measurements. The control component  104  in one example regulates the thermal test components  106  through employment of the measurements. 
   The control component  104  in one example emulates one or more operational failures of the environmental control components  110 . In one example where the environmental control component  110  comprises a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system component, the control component  104  emulates a failure of air cooling capabilities of the environmental control component  110 . In another example, the control component  104  emulates one or more blocked ventilation ducts of the environmental control component  110 . For example, the control component  104  determines a length of time before failure of the electronic components  108  due to the failure of the air cooling capabilities of the environmental control component  110 . 
   In another example, an electronic device  108 , for example, a network server, and a plurality of thermal test components  106  are placed in a frame  102 . The control component  104  is remotely located, for example, in another frame  102 . The control component  104  signals the plurality of thermal test components  106  to emulate a plurality of network devices, for example, a plurality of the network servers. The plurality of thermal test components  106  generate emulated environmental effects for the plurality of network servers and the electronic device  108  generates actual environmental effects. The control component  104  employs the plurality of thermal test components and the electronic device  108  to validate the network server in a rack with the plurality of the network servers in the test environment. 
   The apparatus  100  in one example comprises a plurality of components such as one or more of electronic components, hardware components, and computer software components. A number of such components can be combined or divided in the apparatus  100 . An exemplary component of the apparatus  100  employs and/or comprises a set and/or series of computer instructions written in or implemented with any of a number of programming languages, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The apparatus  100  in one example comprises any (e.g., horizontal, oblique, or vertical) orientation, with the description and figures herein illustrating one exemplary orientation of the apparatus  100 , for explanatory purposes. 
   In another example, an electronic device  108 , for example, a network server, and a plurality of thermal test components  106  are placed in a frame  102 . The control component  104  is remotely located, for example, in another frame  102 . The control component  104  signals the plurality of thermal test components  106  to emulate a plurality of network devices, for example, a plurality of the network servers. The plurality of thermal test components  106  generate emulated environmental effects for the plurality of network servers and the electronic device  108  generates actual environmental effects. The control component  104  employs the plurality of thermal test components and the electronic device  108  to validate the network server in a rack with the plurality of the network servers in the test environment. 
   The steps or operations described herein are just exemplary. There may be many variations to these steps or operations without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified. 
   Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.