Inventors:
Douglas Allan Kuchta - Rochester MN
Scott Raymond LaPree - Rochester MN
Paul Steven Severson - Rochester MN
Paul Jon Thomford - Zumbrota MN
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
H05K 702
H05K 710
Abstract:
An electronic system contains a backplane circuit card assembly for distribution of electrical signals to one or more modules. The card assembly includes a plurality of pluggably connected base cards, which provide redundant function. Preferably, two base cards in a single plane are connected by a single smaller parallel offset jumper card, the cards being coupled by pluggable connectors. The system preferably includes redundant power supply modules and redundant functional modules, which plug into the backplane from both sides. The modules connected to any one of the base cards provide minimum system functionality in the absence of the other card and its modules. Due to the redundant function, it is not only possible to replace any module, but is possible to replace a base card itself, while the system remains operational. The exemplary embodiment is an intelligent redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage server having concurrent maintenance capability.