Method and system for powering multiple computer platforms in symmetric configuration
Techniques pertaining to powering multiple platforms with a minimum impact on air passage in a predefined environment are disclosed. Instead of connecting each of the platforms in a chassis to a power supply therein, embodiments of the present invention uses what is referred to as cascading powering to power all platforms within minimum cable delivery. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a motherboard is disposed between two power supply units that are used to power the motherboard. The motherboard has power connectors located towards or near the power supply units so that only short cables are needed to power the platform.
1. A method for powering multiple mother boards in an enclosed computing environment, the method comprising:
connecting a first short cable to a first power supply unit and to a mother board to couple the first power supply unit immediately adjacent to a first side of the mother board, wherein the first short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the first power supply unit to the mother board; and
connecting a second short cable to a second power supply unit and to the mother board to couple the second power supply unit immediately adjacent to a second side of the mother board that is opposite to the first side of the mother board, and wherein the second short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the second power supply unit to the mother board.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the mother board includes a first connector to which the first short cable is connected and a second connector to which the second short cable is connected, wherein the first connector included on the mother board is disposed on the first side of the mother board, and the second connector included on the mother board is disposed on the second side of the mother board, and wherein the first connector and the second connector are substantially aligned with one another.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising connecting a backup power supply to the first power supply unit, wherein the backup power supply is configured to distribute power to the mother board when the first power supply unit stops working.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the enclosed computing environment comprises a chassis.
5. An enclosed computing system for powering a mother board, the system comprising:
a mother board having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side;
a first power supply unit that is connected the mother board via a first short cable, wherein the first power supply unit is disposed immediately adjacent to the first side of the motherboard, and wherein the first short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the first power supply unit to the mother board; and
a second power supply unit that is connected to the mother board via a second short cable, wherein the second power supply unit is disposed immediately adjacent to the second side of the motherboard, and wherein the second short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the second power supply unit to the mother board.
6. The system as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a first connector included on the mother board and to which the first short cable is connected; and
a second connector included on the mother board and to which the second short cable is connected,
wherein the first connector is disposed on the first side of the mother board, and the second connector is disposed on the second side of the mother board, and wherein the first connector and the second connector are substantially aligned with one another.
7. The system as recited in claim 5 , further comprising a backup power supply that is connected to first power supply unit, wherein the backup power supply is configured to distribute power to the mother board when the first power supply unit stops working.
8. The system as recited in claim 5 , wherein the enclosed computing system comprises a chassis.
9. A system, comprising:
a mother board having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side;
a first power supply unit that is connected the mother board via a first short cable, wherein the first power supply unit is disposed immediately adjacent to the first side of the motherboard, and wherein the first short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the first power supply unit to the mother board; and
a second power supply unit that is connected to the mother board via a second short cable, wherein the second power supply unit is disposed immediately adjacent to the second side of the motherboard, and wherein the second short cable is configured to transfer power at different voltage levels as well as control signals from the second power supply unit to the mother board.