Multi-use adapters, solid state storage modules and high capacity storage systems

摘要

The present invention relates to multi-use adapters, specifically for adding functionality to a computing system via a Thunderbolt™ connector or other high speed connector. In addition, the present invention relates to RAID storage modules built upon the multi-use adapters of the present invention. Further, RAID storage systems consisting of multiple RAID storage modules are provided. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

主权项

1. A multi-use adapter module comprising:
a core module having at least one thunderbolt connector on a first end and a first multi-link, multi-function connector on a second end thereof; and a first port adapter module comprising a second multi-link, multi-function connector on a first end thereof and a first plurality of ports on a second end thereof for connecting a first plurality of peripheral devices thereto, and a first controller disposed between the second multi-link, multi-function connector and the first plurality of ports, wherein the first controller is uniquely adapted for the first plurality of ports and the first plurality of peripheral devices; and a second port adapter module comprising a third multi-link, multi-function connector on a first end thereof and a second plurality of ports on a second end thereof for connecting a second plurality of peripheral devices thereto, wherein the second plurality of ports and the second plurality of peripheral devices are distinct from the first plurality of ports and the first plurality of peripheral devices, and a second controller disposed between the second multi-link, multi-function connector and the plurality of ports, wherein the second controller is uniquely adapted for the second plurality of ports and the second plurality of peripheral devices; wherein the first multi-link, multi-function connector on the second end of the core module is connected to the second multi-link, multi-function connector on the first end of the first port adapter module in a first configuration, and further wherein the first multi-link, multi-function connector on the second end of the core module is connected to the third multi-link, multi-function connector on the first end of the second port adapter module in a second configuration.