LCD panel for a server system

Details LCD panel for a server system LCD panel for a server system

2001-08-07

2004-04-20

Martin, David (Department: 2841)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S679090, C361S689000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06724635

ABSTRACT:

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to server systems. More particularly, the invention relates to an LCD panel for a server system for providing configuration information and obtaining cPCI server status information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Console communications are used in server systems to send and receive status, control and configuration information. Console communications are typically transmitted and received via a single LAN interface (i.e., a LAN that combines console and payload communications), or via a cable to an RS-232 port on a server.
When there is no console LAN, each server typically includes an RS-232 port for console communications. If a large number of servers are to be controlled, then a complex, hard-to-manage wiring bundle to each individual server's RS-232 port must be implemented. In addition, a full-featured CRT console is typically needed to connect to the RS-232 port. Using an RS-232 port for console communications is sufficient for a standalone server, but when the server is integrated with many others in a common chassis, a separate cable for each server is difficult to maintain and configure. If any consolidation is to be done, it is typically implemented by a separate device outside of the chassis. Consequently, most customers route all of the cables a short distance to a special switch, such as those made by Raritan and Lantronics. Though this simplifies the cable bundle by giving a single port of access to the congregation of servers, it adds cost to the system in terms of money and space. When the server is racked or put in a data center, floor space is at a premium and the use of a full-featured CRT is undesirable.
One vendor, Ziatech (www.ziatech.com), has provided a server system with an LCD panel for limited communications with the server system. However, the Ziatech LCD panel does not contain a lockout key for multi-user arbitration, nor does the panel include an alpha-numeric pad, and is limited in its functionality.
It would be desirable for a server system to eliminate the need for external devices for console communications, and provide an LCD panel for local console communications that provides functionality beyond that provided by prior art systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One form of the present invention provides a server system including a plurality of printed circuit assemblies. The server system includes a chassis for housing the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A server management card coupled to the plurality of printed circuit assemblies monitors and manages operation of the server system. The server management card receives and stores status information from the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. A first LCD panel is mounted on a first side of the chassis and is coupled to the server management card. A second LCD panel is mounted on a second side of the chassis and is coupled to the server management card.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4964017 (1990-10-01), Jindrick et al.
patent: 4964018 (1990-10-01), Mallory et al.
patent: 5398161 (1995-03-01), Roy
patent: 5544006 (1996-08-01), Radloff et al.
patent: 5809262 (1998-09-01), Potter
patent: 6046912 (2000-04-01), Leman
patent: 6058011 (2000-05-01), Hardt et al.
patent: 6112271 (2000-08-01), Lanus et al.
patent: 6129591 (2000-10-01), Czeschka
patent: 6138247 (2000-10-01), McKay et al.
patent: 6157534 (2000-12-01), Gallagher et al.
patent: 6161197 (2000-12-01), Lanus et al.
patent: 6162073 (2000-12-01), Haq et al.
patent: 6166902 (2000-12-01), Liu et al.
patent: 6185093 (2001-02-01), Moss
patent: 6185110 (2001-02-01), Liu
patent: 6195262 (2001-02-01), Bodette et al.
patent: 6198633 (2001-03-01), Lehman et al.
patent: 6209051 (2001-03-01), Hill et al.
patent: 6237048 (2001-05-01), Allen et al.
patent: 6496595 (2002-12-01), Puchek et al.
PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group (PCIMG); “CompactPCI Specification Short Form”; Sep. 2, 1997; pp. 1-7.
Ziatech; www.ziatech.com (homepage); Ziatech, an Intel company, Leaders in CompactPCI Innovation; 2001.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

LCD panel for a server system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with LCD panel for a server system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and LCD panel for a server system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3248806