Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080228462 | Generating synthetic workloads to measure power utilization in a computer system - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a synthetic workload to test power utilization in a computer system. During operation, the system monitors power utilization of a reference computer system while the reference computer system executes a workload-of interest, wherein the monitoring process produces a power profile. Next, the system determines characteristics of the workload-of-interest from the power profile. Finally, the system uses the determined characteristics to construct the synthetic workload, wherein the synthetic workload has similar power utilization to the workload-of-interest. | 09-18-2008 |
20080229759 | Method and apparatus for cooling integrated circuit chips using recycled power - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that cools integrated circuit (IC) chips within a computer system. During operation, the system converts heat generated by a heat-generating-device within the computer system into thermoelectric power. The system then supplies the thermoelectric power to an IC chip as a cooling power to reduce the operating temperature of the IC chip, thereby recycling wasted energy within the computer system. | 09-25-2008 |
20080252309 | Method and apparatus for generating an EMI fingerprint for a computer system - A system that generates an electromagnetic interference (EMI) fingerprint for a computer system is presented. During operation, the system executes a load script on the computer system, wherein the load script includes a specified sequence of operations. Next, the system receives EMI signals generated by the computer system while executing the load script. The system then generates the EMI fingerprint from the received EMI signals. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252441 | Method and apparatus for performing a real-time root-cause analysis by analyzing degrading telemetry signals - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs a real-time root-cause-analysis for a degradation event associated with a component under test. During operation, the system monitors a telemetry signal collected from the component, and while doing so, attempts to detect an anomaly in the telemetry signal. If an anomaly is detected in the telemetry signal, the system performs a failure analysis on the telemetry signal in real-time while the telemetry signal is degrading. Next, the system identifies a failure mechanism for the component based on the failure analysis. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252481 | Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the resolution of telemetry signals - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that dynamically adjusts data resolution during proactive-fault-monitoring in a computer system. During operation, the system temporarily stores high-resolution data for a telemetry signal from the computer system in a buffer. The system then generates low-resolution data for the telemetry signal from the high-resolution data. Next, the system monitors the low-resolution data, and while doing so, determines if an anomaly exists in the low-resolution data. If an anomaly exists in the low-resolution data, the system records the high-resolution data from the buffer on a storage device. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255710 | In-situ thermal margining of computer systems for enhanced reliability testing - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that dynamically controls a temperature profile within a computer system by generating computer system activity. The system starts by receiving a desired temperature profile. The system then generates a load profile based on the desired temperature profile, wherein the load profile specifies operations to be performed by the computer system. The system next executes the load profile on the computer system to generate computer system activity, wherein the computer system activity causes the desired temperature profile in the computer system. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255785 | Length-of-the-curve stress metric for improved characterization of computer system reliability - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes the reliability of a computer system. The system first collects samples of a performance parameter from the computer system. Next, the system computes the length of a line between the samples, wherein the line includes a component which is proportionate to a difference between values of the samples and a component which is proportionate to a time interval between the samples. The system then adds the computed length to a cumulative length variable which can be used to characterize the reliability of the computer system. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255807 | Method and apparatus for monitoring the health of a computer system - A system that monitors the health of a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives a first-difference function for the variance of a time series for a monitored telemetry variable within the computer system. The system then determines whether the first-difference function indicates that the computer system is at the onset of degradation. If so, the system performs a remedial action. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255819 | High-accuracy virtual sensors for computer systems - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that estimates the value of a virtual sensor. The system first samples values for performance metrics using external sensors that are coupled to a system and internal sensors that are built into the system. Next, the system generates an inferential sensing model for the system from the sampled values. Then, during operation, the system samples values of performance metrics using the internal sensors and uses the inferential sensing model and the sampled values from the internal sensors to estimate the values of performance metrics for removed external sensors (i.e., virtual sensors). | 10-16-2008 |
20080256398 | Using EMI signals to facilitate proactive fault monitoring in computer systems - A system that monitors electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals to facilitate proactive fault monitoring in a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives EMI signals from one or more antennas located in close proximity to the computer system. The system then analyzes the received signals to proactively detect anomalies during operation of the computer system. | 10-16-2008 |
20080257046 | Built-in swept-sine testing for a computer system to assure vibrational integrity - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that performs vibration testing in a computer system. The system starts by generating a vibration at a predetermined frequency in a computer system. The system then determines if the computer system has a resonance at the predetermined frequency. If so, the system adjusts an operating parameter of at least one computer system component to prevent the computer system component from vibrating at or near a resonance frequency. | 10-23-2008 |
20090009960 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MITIGATING DUST-FOULING PROBLEMS - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for preventing dust-fouling in a computer system. During operation of the computer system, the system monitors the computer system and determines if the computer system is becoming dust-fouled. If so, the system reverses fans in the computer system to circulate air through the computer system in the opposite direction to dislodge and disperse dust from the computer system. | 01-08-2009 |
20090013789 | Acoustic sensor for proactive fault monitoring in computer systems - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for detecting vibrations from a component. The system operates by coupling vibrations from a component to a membrane using a flexible connecting line. The membrane converts the vibrations into acoustic waves that are transmitted through a medium. Finally, a microphone detects the acoustic waves in the medium and converts the acoustic waves into electrical signals. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015241 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING AND CONTROLLING FAN SPEED - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines fan speeds for a set of fans in a computer system. During operation, the system receives time-series data collected by a vibration transducer associated with the computer system, wherein the vibration transducer is configured to record mechanical vibrations from the set of fans. Next, the system performs a spectral analysis on the time-series data to obtain frequency peaks associated with fan speeds for individual fans in the set of fans. The system then identifies fan speeds for the individual fans in the set of fans from the frequency peaks. | 01-15-2009 |
20090067080 | SELECTIVELY MITIGATING MULTIPLE VIBRATION SOURCES IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that mitigates the effects of multiple vibration sources on a set of hard disk drives (HDDs) within a computer system. During operation, the system identifies a target HDD in the set of HDDs, wherein the performance of the target HDD is affected by mechanical vibrations. The system also identifies one or more primary vibration sources from the multiple vibration sources that affect the performance of the target HDD. Next, for each of the primary vibration sources, the system measures a first time-domain signal associated with the operation of the primary vibration source using a first vibration transducer associated with the primary vibration source. The system also measures a second time-domain signal associated with the target HDD using a second vibration transducer associated with the target HDD. Next, for each of the primary vibration sources, the system then computes a cross-power-spectral-density (CPSD) between the first and the second time-domain signals. The system then selectively mitigates the primary vibration sources based on the CPSDs between the primary vibration sources and the target HDD. | 03-12-2009 |
20090099821 | MODEL-DIVERSITY TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVED PROACTIVE FAULT MONITORING - A computer system to predict a value of a signal from a sensor schedule loads across a set of processor cores is described. During operation, the computer system generates N models to predict the value of the signal based on a set of quantized telemetry signals, where a given model produces a value of the signal using a subset of the set of quantized telemetry signals, and where the subset is selected from the set of quantized telemetry signals based on an objective criterion. Next, the computer system predicts the value of the signal by aggregating the values produced by the N models. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099830 | Detecting counterfeit electronic components using EMI telemetric fingerprints - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that non-intrusively detects counterfeit components in a target computer system. During operation, the system collects target electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals generated by the target computer system using one or more antennas positioned in close proximity to the target computer system. The system then generates a target EMI fingerprint for the target computer system from the target EMI signals. Next, the system compares the target EMI fingerprint against a reference EMI fingerprint to determine whether the target computer system contains a counterfeit component. | 04-16-2009 |
20090100437 | TEMPERATURE-AWARE AND ENERGY-AWARE SCHEDULING IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A computer system to schedule loads across a set of processor cores is described. During operation, the computer system receives a process to be executed. Next, the computer system obtains one or more thermodynamic process characteristics associated with the process and one or more thermodynamic processor-core characteristics associated with operation of the set of processor cores. Then, the computer system schedules the process to be executed by at least one of the processor cores based on the one or more thermodynamic process characteristics and the one or more thermodynamic processor-core characteristics. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105885 | CHARACTERIZING VIBRATIONAL HEALTH IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS WITH VARIABLE COMPONENT CONFIGURATIONS - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that efficiently conducts vibrational characterizations for a computer system having variable component configurations. During operation, the system receives a given component configuration associated with the computer system. Next, the system looks up the given component configuration in a resonant spectra library, which contains structural resonant frequencies for a number of possible component configurations for the computer system. If the given component configuration is found in the resonant spectra library, the system retrieves a set of structural resonant frequencies associated with the given component configuration. The system subsequently controls one or more vibration sources within the computer system to avoid the set of structural resonant frequencies. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106521 | MULTIVALUE STATISTICAL COMPRESSION OF TELEMETRIC TIME SERIES DATA IN A BOUNDED STORAGE FOOTPRINT - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that stores telemetry data from a computer system. The system includes a first buffer, a second buffer, and a third buffer. During operation, the system periodically obtains the telemetry data from the computer system and stores the telemetry data in the first buffer, second buffer, and third buffer. The system also compresses the telemetry data in the first and second buffers. To compress the data, the system creates a first set of summary statistics from the telemetry data in the first buffer and the second buffer and stores the first set of summary statistics in the first buffer, which becomes a historical data buffer. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106592 | TECHNIQUE FOR RESOLVING "NO-TROUBLE-FOUND" (NTF) EVENTS IN ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS - A system that diagnoses a failure in a computer system is described. During operation, the system tests the computer system using a sequence of tests, where a given test includes a given load associated with a pre-determined failure mechanism for a given failure condition. During the given test, the system obtains results, which include telemetry signals that are monitored within the computer system. If the results indicate the given failure condition, the system ceases the testing and indicates that the computer system has the given failure condition. Otherwise, the system continues the sequence of tests until the sequence is completed, at which point, if no fault has been detected, the system indicates that a no-trouble-found (NTF) condition exists. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106600 | OPTIMAL STRESS EXERCISER FOR COMPUTER SERVERS - A system that select tests to exercise a given computer system is described. During operation, the system tests the given computer system using a set of tests, where a given test includes a given load and a given cycling time selected from a range of cycling times. Moreover, for the given test, the system monitors a stress metric in the given computer system. Additionally, the system selects at least one of the tests from the set of tests to exercise the given computer system based on the monitored stress metric. | 04-23-2009 |
20090125467 | Proactive detection of metal whiskers in computer systems - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that proactively monitors and detects metal whisker growth in a target area within a computer system. During operation, the system collects target electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals using one or more antennas positioned in the vicinity of the target area. Next, the system analyzes the target EMI signals to proactively detect the onset of metal whisker growth in the target area. | 05-14-2009 |
20090150324 | Accurately inferring physical variable values associated with operation of a computer system - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that monitors a physical variable associated with an electronic component within a computer system. During operation, the system receives telemetry signals of the physical variable which are collected by one or more physical sensors associated with the electronic component. The system also collects electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals generated by the electronic component. Next, the system builds an inferential model for the physical variable by correlating the EMI signals with the telemetry signals. The system then uses the inferential model to infer values for the physical variable from the EMI signals. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171612 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER COMPONENTS ARE NOT PRESENT IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A system that determines whether components are not present in a computer system is presented. During operation the system receives telemetry signals from sensors within the computer system. Next, the system dynamically generates a temperature map for the computer system based on the telemetry signals. The system then analyzes the temperature map to determine whether components are not present in the computer system. | 07-02-2009 |
20090195922 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVELY CANCELING VIBRATIONS IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system actively cancels vibrations in a computer system. During operation, the system monitors vibrations in the computer system. Next, the system analyzes the vibrations to identify one or more harmonics in the vibrations. The system then actively cancels one or more of the identified harmonics. | 08-06-2009 |
20090204839 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF A POWER SUPPLY IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A system that controls the temperature of a power supply in a computer system is presented. A state of the computer system is monitored. Next a signal is generated in response to the state of the computer system. The signal is then used to control the temperature of the power supply. | 08-13-2009 |
20090206842 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A COOLING DEVICE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM IS RESPONSIVE TO CONTROL SIGNALS - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines whether a cooling device in a computer system is responsive to control signals. During operation of the computer system, a control signal is sent to the cooling device. Next, a response of the computer system to the control signal is measured, wherein the response includes a temperature profile. The frequency content of the control signal is then compared to the frequency content of the temperature profile to determine whether the cooling device is responsive to the control signal. | 08-20-2009 |
20090234484 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE ANOMALIES IN A CLUSTER OF COMPONENTS - A system that detects multiple anomalies in a cluster of components is presented. During operation, the system monitors derivatives obtained from one or more inferential variables which are received from sensors in the cluster of components. The system then determines whether one or more components within the cluster have experienced an anomalous event based on the monitored derivatives. If so, the system performs one or more remedial actions. | 09-17-2009 |
20090259347 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls temperature variations in a computer system. During operation, a telemetry variable of the computer system is monitored. Next, a future temperature of the computer system is predicted based on the telemetry variable. A signal is then generated in response to the future temperature. Then, the signal is sent to a cooling device in the computer system to control temperature variations of the computer system. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259871 | SYNCHRONIZING SIGNALS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that synchronizes signals related to the operation of a computer system. During operation, a set of correlation coefficients between a first signal and a second signal is generated, wherein each correlation coefficient is associated with a different phase shift between the first signal and the second signal. Then, a synchronizing phase shift associated with the highest correlation coefficient in the set of correlation coefficients is determined in order to synchronize the first signal and the second signal. | 10-15-2009 |
20090271046 | ESTIMATING A POWER UTILIZATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that estimates a power utilization of a computer system. During operation, a set of performance parameters of the computer system is monitored, wherein the computer system includes a processor. Then the power utilization of the computer system is estimated based on the set of performance parameters and a power-utilization model, wherein the power-utilization model was trained by measuring a power utilization of the computer system while the processor is operating at a first frequency and measuring a power utilization of the computer system while the processor is operating at a second frequency. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271141 | WORKLOAD SCHEDULING IN MULTI-CORE PROCESSORS - A computer system that schedules loads across a set of processor cores is described. During operation, the computer system receives thermal measurements from sensors associated with the set of processor cores, and removes noise from the thermal measurements. Then, the computer system analyzes thermal properties of the set of processor cores based on the thermal measurements. Next, the computer system receives a process to be executed, and schedules the process to be executed by at least one of the processor cores based on the analysis. This scheduling is performed in a manner that reduces spatial and temporal thermal variations in the integrated circuit. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271145 | DETERMINING A CENTER OF ROTATION FOR A COMPONENT IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines a center of rotation for a component in a computer system. During operation, the system measures a first acceleration of a first location on the component and a second acceleration of a second location on the component, wherein the first location and the second location are separated by a predetermined distance. Then, the system determines the center of rotation using the first acceleration, the second acceleration, and the predetermined distance. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271643 | REAL-TIME INFERENCE OF POWER EFFICIENCY METRICS FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that measures a power efficiency of a computer system. During operation, the system collects telemetry data from a set of sensors within the computer system. Next, the system determines a power consumption of the computer system from the telemetry data and determines a number of input/output operations per second (IOPS) for the computer system from the telemetry data. Finally, the system computes an IOPS per watt metric from the power consumption and the number of IOPS. | 10-29-2009 |
20090272176 | ESTIMATING RELATIVE HUMIDITY INSIDE A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that estimates the relative humidity inside a computer system. During operation, a set of performance parameters of the computer system and an external relative humidity outside of the computer system are monitored. Then, the relative humidity inside the computer system is estimated based on the set of performance parameters, the external relative humidity, and a relative humidity model, wherein training of the relative humidity model includes measuring an external training relative humidity outside of the computer system and a training relative humidity inside the computer system while monitoring the set of performance parameters of the computer system. | 11-05-2009 |
20090282230 | GENERATING A LOAD PROFILE FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a load for a computer system in accordance with a predetermined load profile. During operation, the load for the computer system is generated by modulating the load using pulse-width modulation, wherein the load is periodically cycled between at least two different test load levels so that a moving window average of the modulated load follows the predetermined load profile. | 11-12-2009 |
20090292490 | DETERMINING A TOTAL LENGTH FOR CONDUCTIVE WHISKERS IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines a total whisker length for conductive whiskers on a circuit in a computer system. During operation, a target electromagnetic signal radiating from the computer system is monitored. Then, the target electromagnetic signal is analyzed to determine the total whisker length for conductive whiskers on the circuit in the computer system. | 11-26-2009 |
20090300244 | MONITORING A CONNECTION IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that monitors a connection in a computer system between a connector and a component coupled to the connector. During operation, a first motion parameter of the connector, and a second motion parameter of the component are measured. Then, the connection is monitored by comparing information related to the first motion parameter and information related to the second motion parameter. | 12-03-2009 |
20090303632 | SCHEDULING SPIN-UP OPERATIONS FOR A SET OF HARD DISK DRIVES - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for scheduling spin-up operations for a set of hard disk drives (HDDs) in a computer system. During operation, the system determines an available power of the computer system. Next, one or more HDDs are selected from the set of HDDs to be spun-up based on the available power and the power required to spin up each HDD. Then, spin-up operations are scheduled for the selected HDDs. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306920 | COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ELECTROMAGNETIC-INTERFERENCE DETECTORS - Embodiments of a system that determines a condition associated with an integrated circuit disposed on a circuit board are described. During operation, the system receives electromagnetic-interference (EMI) signals from one or more antennas while the integrated circuit is operating, where the one or more antennas are disposed on the circuit board. Then, the system analyzes the received EMI signals to determine the condition. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308081 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIP COOLING USING MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS AND RECYCLED POWER - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that cools an integrated circuit (IC) chip within a computer system. During operation, the system converts heat generated by a heat-generating device within the computer system during operation of the computer system into thermoelectric power. Next, the system supplies the thermoelectric power to drive a fluid pump. Finally, the system uses the fluid pump to conduct heat away from the IC chip. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313623 | MANAGING THE PERFORMANCE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that manages a performance of a computer system. During operation, a current expert policy in a set of expert policies is executed, wherein the expert policy manages one or more aspects of the performance of the computer system. Next, a set of performance parameters of the computer system is monitored during execution of the current expert policy. Then, a next expert policy in the set of expert policies is dynamically selected to manage the performance of the computer system, wherein the next expert policy is selected based on the monitored set of performance parameters to improve an operational metric of the computer system. | 12-17-2009 |
20090326864 | DETERMINING THE RELIABILITY OF AN INTERCONNECT - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines the reliability of an interconnect. During operation, connectors in the interconnect are categorized into a set of predetermined groups. Next, the reliability for selected groups in the set of predetermined groups is determined. Then, a reliability model for the interconnect is generated based on the selected groups and the reliability of the selected groups to determine the overall reliability of the interconnect. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004900 | ROTATIONAL VIBRATION MEASUREMENTS IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS - Embodiments of a mechanical device to facilitate in-situ measurements of vibration associated with a corresponding component in a computer system are described. This mechanical device includes a housing that has approximately a same mass as the component, approximately a same distribution of mass about a geometric center of the component, and approximately a same form factor as the component. Moreover, the mechanical device includes one or more vibration sensors, which are mechanically coupled to the housing, and which are configured to perform the in-situ vibration measurements. | 01-07-2010 |
20100011254 | RISK INDICES FOR ENHANCED THROUGHPUT IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of a system that adjusts a checkpointing frequency in a distributed computing system that executes multiple jobs are described. During operation, the system receives signals associated with the operation of the computing nodes. Then, the system determines risk metrics for the computing nodes using a pattern-recognition technique to identify anomalous signals in the received signals. Next, the system adjusts a checkpointing frequency of a given checkpoint for a given computing node based on a comparison of a risk metric associated with the given computing node and a threshold, thereby implementing holistic fault tolerance, in which prediction and prevention of potential faults occurs across the distributed computing system. | 01-14-2010 |
20100020438 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL HARD DISK DRIVE VIBRATION MITIGATION - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that includes a drive carrier for a hard disk drive (HDD) and one or more vibration control clips affixed to the drive carrier. Within this system, a mode of vibration of the HDD is modulated by contact between each of the vibration control clips and a surface within the computer system. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023280 | Characterizing the response of a device in a computer system to vibration over a frequency range - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a response of a device in a computer system to vibration over a frequency range. During operation, the device is vibrated at each frequency in a set of frequencies in the frequency range, wherein the device is vibrated at each frequency, one frequency at a time, until a stabilized response of the device is determined. The response of the device to vibration over the frequency range is then characterized based on information related to the stabilized response at each frequency in the set of frequencies. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023282 | CHARACTERIZING A COMPUTER SYSTEM USING RADIATING ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS MONITORED THROUGH AN INTERFACE - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a computer system parameter by analyzing a target electromagnetic signal radiating from the computer system. First, the target electromagnetic signal is monitored using a conductor in an interface of the computer system. Then, the target electromagnetic signal is analyzed to characterize the computer system parameter. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023295 | ESTIMATING THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF AIR OUTSIDE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that estimates an ambient temperature of air outside of a computer system. During operation, a temperature inside the computer system is measured for different flow rates of air into the computer system. Next, the temperature measurements are used to determine a relationship between the temperature inside the computer system and a parameter related to the flow rate of air into the computer system. Then, the ambient temperature of air outside the computer system is estimated based on the relationship. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023614 | SERVER LOCATION MAPPING - Embodiments of a method for determining locations of computers in a group of computers, which may be performed by a system, are described. During operation, the system receives a location of a first computer in the group of computers. Then, the system determines locations of one or more additional computers in the group of computers relative to the first computer based on vibration spectra associated with the first computer and the one or more additional computers. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023787 | CONTROLLING THE POWER UTILIZATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM BY ADJUSTING A COOLING FAN SPEED - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a power utilization of a computer system by adjusting a cooling fan speed. During operation, a relationship between information related to the cooling fan speed and the power utilization is determined. Then, the cooling fan speed is adjusted based on the determined relationship to control the power utilization of the computer system. | 01-28-2010 |
20100024555 | Controlling a device that generates vibrations in a computer system - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a device that generates vibrations in a computer system. During operation, a critical vibration frequency is determined for the computer system. Next, a keep-out zone is generated based on the critical vibration frequency, wherein the keep-out zone specifies a range of frequencies to be avoided. Then, the device is controlled based on the keep-out zone to reduce vibrations generated by the device in the keep-out zone. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030394 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING TEMPERATURE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Embodiments of a system for regulating temperature in a computer system are described. During operation, the system estimates a thermal trajectory as a function of time in at least a portion of the computer system. Then, the system modifies a flow resistance of a cooling mechanism in a thermal-regulation system in the computer system based on the estimated thermal trajectory, where the flow resistance is modified to regulate a temperature of at least the portion of the computer system. | 02-04-2010 |
20100033386 | USING MULTIPLE ANTENNAS TO CHARACTERIZE A COMPUTER SYSTEM BASED ON ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a computer system parameter by analyzing a target electromagnetic signal radiating from the computer system. First, the target electromagnetic signal is monitored using a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein an axis of the second antenna is oriented non-parallel to an axis of the first antenna. Then, the target electromagnetic signal received from the first antenna and the target electromagnetic signal received from the second antenna are separately analyzed to characterize the computer system parameter. | 02-11-2010 |
20100033922 | CONTROLLING A COOLING FAN FOR A STORAGE ARRAY - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a cooling fan for a storage array. During operation, an input-output (I/O) metric of the storage array is monitored. Then, the cooling fan is controlled based on the I/O metric. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036620 | SIMULATING A VIBRATION PATTERN IN A COMPUTER SUBSYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036621 | Characterizing the response of a computer system component to vibrations - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a response of a component in a computer system to vibrations generated by the computer system. First, the system measures the response of the component to vibrations in a frequency range while the component is located outside of the computer system. The system also measures vibrations generated by the computer system in the frequency range during operation of the computer system, wherein the vibrations are measured at a location in the computer system which is configured to receive the component. The system then characterizes the response of the component to vibrations generated by the computer system based on the measured response of the component to vibrations in the frequency range and the measured vibrations in the frequency range at the location. | 02-11-2010 |
20100037078 | TECHNIQUE FOR REGULATING POWER-SUPPLY EFFICIENCY IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Embodiments of a system for regulating an efficiency of a power supply in a computer system are described. During operation, the system measures an output load of the power supply using one or more telemetry monitors in the computer system. Then, the system determines if an efficiency of the power supply corresponding to the measured output load is within a predetermined range that includes an optimal efficiency of the power supply. If the efficiency is outside of the predetermined range, the system performs remedial action so that the power supply operates at an adjusted efficiency that falls within the predetermined range. | 02-11-2010 |
20100057271 | CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls the temperature of a computer system. First, a performance parameter of the computer system is monitored. Next, a future temperature of the computer system is predicted based on the performance parameter. Then, exhaust air from the computer system is mixed with ambient air from outside the computer system based on the predicted future temperature, and the mixed exhaust air and ambient air are channeled through the computer system to control the temperature of the computer system. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057383 | GENERATING A COMPOSITE VIBRATION PROFILE FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a composite vibration profile in a frequency range for a computer system. First, a vibration spectrum in the frequency range is measured for a test computer system in each configuration in a set of configurations. Then, the composite vibration profile for the computer system is generated based on the measured vibration spectra. | 03-04-2010 |
20100058092 | METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING THE HEALTH OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM POWER SUPPLY - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a device that characterizes the health of a computer system power supply. During operation, a signature for the power supply is generated based on measurements of a set of performance parameters for the power supply. Then, the health of the power supply is characterized based on a comparison between the signature for the power supply and signatures for one or more other power supplies. | 03-04-2010 |
20100064170 | PROLONGING THE REMAINING USEFUL LIFE OF A POWER SUPPLY IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that prolongs a remaining useful life of a power supply in a computer system. First, performance parameters of the power supply are monitored. Next, the remaining useful life of the power supply is predicted based on the monitored performance parameters. Then, an operational regime of the power supply is adjusted based on the predicted remaining useful life to prolong the remaining useful life. | 03-11-2010 |
20100082299 | CHARACTERIZING A COMPUTER SYSTEM USING A PATTERN-RECOGNITION MODEL - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a computer system using a pattern-recognition model. First, values for an environmental parameter are monitored from a set of sensors associated with the computer system. Then, a baseline for the environmental parameter is calculated based on the monitored values from a subset of the set of sensors. Next, the baseline is subtracted from the monitored values from sensors in the set of sensors to produce compensated values. Then, the compensated values are used as inputs to the pattern-recognition model, which produces estimates for the compensated values based on correlations between the compensated values learned during a training phase. Next, residuals are calculated by subtracting the estimates for the compensated values from the compensated values. Then, the residuals are analyzed to characterize the computer system. | 04-01-2010 |
20100121593 | IN-SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF A SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for in-situ characterization of a solid-state light. First, a voltage and a current of the solid-state light source are monitored. Then, the health of the solid-state light source is characterized based on an analysis of the monitored voltage and current. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121788 | GENERATING A UTILIZATION CHARGE FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a utilization charge for a computer system. First, a set of performance parameters of the computer system are monitored. Next, a power utilization of the computer system is inferred based on the set of performance parameters and a power-utilization model. Then, a utilization charge is generated based on the power utilization of the computer system. | 05-13-2010 |
20100131120 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a temperature variation in a computer system. First, a performance parameter of the computer system is monitored. Next, a future temperature of the computer system is predicted based on the performance parameter. Then, a pitch of one or more blades in a cooling device in the computer system is adjusted based on the future temperature to control the temperature variation in the computer system. | 05-27-2010 |
20100139360 | DETERMINING THE FLOW RATE OF AIR IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines a flow rate of air along an airflow path in a computer system. During operation the system monitors a first temperature profile from a first temperature sensor located in a first position in the airflow path, and monitors a second temperature profile from a second temperature sensor located in a second position in the airflow path, wherein the first position is upstream in the airflow path from the second position, and wherein the first position and the second position are separated by a predetermined distance along the airflow path. Next, the system computes a cross-power spectral density based on the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile. Then, the system determines a flow rate of air in the computer system based on the cross-power spectral density. | 06-10-2010 |
20100142136 | METHOD AND APPARATUS THAT ISOLATES A COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM VIBRATIONS GENERATED BY INTERNAL FANS - Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus that isolates a computer system from vibrations generated by one or more fans inside the computer system. The apparatus includes a fan deck upon which the one or more fans are mounted inside the computer system, and three spring assemblies. Each spring assembly includes: a pin that extends through a clearance hole in the fan deck, wherein a first end of the pin is rigidly coupled to the computer system; a lower spring that extends between a first side of the fan deck and a lower spring mount coupled to the pin; and an upper spring that extends between a second side of the fan deck and a upper spring mount coupled to the pin. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145891 | GENERATING EXTENDED DATA FROM A PATTERN-RECOGNITION MODEL FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates extended data for a pattern-recognition model used in electronic prognostication for a computer system. During operation the system determines, for each sensor in a set of sensors, a regression coefficient between training data from the sensor and training data from each of the other sensors in the set of sensors. Next, for each sensor in the set of sensors, the system stretches the training data from each of the other sensors by a predetermined amount, and generates extended data for the sensor based on the stretched training data for each of the other sensors and the regression coefficients between training data from the sensor and training data from each of the other sensors. | 06-10-2010 |
20100161525 | ANALYZING A TARGET ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNAL RADIATING FROM A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that characterizes a computer system parameter by analyzing a target electromagnetic signal radiating from the computer system. First, the system monitors the target electromagnetic signal using a first directional antenna located outside of the computer system, wherein the first directional antenna is directed at a location inside the computer system. The system also monitors the target electromagnetic signal using a second directional antenna located outside of the computer system, wherein a receiving axis of the second antenna is oriented non-parallel to a receiving axis of the first antenna, and wherein the second directional antenna is directed at the location inside the computer system. Next, the system characterizes the computer system parameter based on the target electromagnetic signal received from the first antenna and the target electromagnetic signal received from the second antenna. Then, the system generates a request for an action based on the characterization of the computer system. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161810 | GENERATING A TRAINING DATA SET FOR A PATTERN-RECOGNITION MODEL FOR ELECTRONIC PROGNOSTICATION FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that trains a pattern-recognition model for electronic prognostication for a computer system. First, the system monitors a performance parameter from a set of computer systems that includes at least two computer systems, wherein monitoring the performance parameter includes systematically monitoring and recording performance parameters in a set of performance parameters from computer systems in the set of computer systems, wherein the recording process keeps track of the temporal relationships between events in different performance parameters in the set of performance parameters. Next, the system generates a training data set based on the monitored performance parameter from the set of computer systems, wherein generating the training data set includes concatenating two or more time-series of the performance parameter from computer systems in the set of computer systems. Then, the system trains the pattern-recognition model using the training data set. Next, the system uses the pattern-recognition model to look for anomalies in performance parameters gathered during operation of a monitored computer system. The system then generates an alarm when the pattern-recognition model detects an anomaly in the performance parameters from the monitored computer system. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162026 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCURATELY SYNCHRONIZING SIGNALS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that accurately synchronizes signals related to the operation of a computer system. During operation, the system receives a first time-domain signal associated with a first system variable and a second time-domain signal associated with a second system variable from the computer system. The system then transforms the first and the second time-domain signals into a first frequency-domain signal and a second frequency-domain signal, respectively. Next, the system computes a cross-power-spectral-density (CPSD) between the first and second frequency-domain signals to obtain a phase angle versus frequency graph between the two frequency-domain signals. The system subsequently extracts the slope of the phase angle versus frequency graph, and uses the value of the slope to synchronize the first time-domain signal and the second time-domain signal. | 06-24-2010 |
20100229023 | TELEMETRY DATA FILTERING THROUGH SEQUENTIAL ANALYSIS - One embodiment provides a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system periodically obtains the telemetry data from the computer system. Next, the system preprocesses the telemetry data using a sequential-analysis technique. If a statistical deviation is found in the telemetry data using the sequential-analysis technique, the system identifies a subset of the telemetry data associated with the statistical deviation and applies a root-cause-analysis technique to the subset of the telemetry data to determine a source of the statistical deviation. Finally, the system uses the source of the statistical deviation to perform a remedial action for the computer system, which involves correcting a fault in the computer system corresponding to the source of the statistical deviation. | 09-09-2010 |
20100250158 | ENHANCED CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEGRADATION - One embodiment provides a system that analyzes an electrical connection in a computer system. During operation, the system monitors a reflection coefficient associated with the electrical connection and applies a sequential-analysis technique to the reflection coefficient to determine a statistical deviation of the reflection coefficient. Next, the system assesses the integrity of the electrical connection based on the statistical deviation of the reflection coefficient. Finally, the system uses the assessed integrity to maintain the electrical connection. | 09-30-2010 |
20100284781 | MITIGATING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY A FAN IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - One embodiment provides a system that mitigates vibrations caused by cooling fans in a computer system. More specifically, the system includes a cooling fan mechanically coupled to the chassis of the computer system, wherein vibrations generated by the cooling fan are coupled to the chassis. The system also includes an actuation mechanism that creates a relative displacement between the cooling fan and the chassis when a control signal is applied to the actuation mechanism. The system additionally includes a detection mechanism which detects the relative displacement and generates a feedback signal which represents the relative displacement. The system further includes a control signal generation mechanism which converts the feedback signal into the control signal, which is subsequently applied to the actuation mechanism. When the control signal is applied to the actuation mechanism, the relative displacement between the cooling fan and the chassis vibrationally decouples the cooling fan from the chassis. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292959 | Telemetry data analysis using multivariate sequential probability ratio test - One embodiment provides a system that analyzes telemetry data from a monitored system. During operation, the system periodically obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetry variables from the monitored system and updates a multidimensional real-time distribution of the telemetry data using the obtained telemetry variables. Next, the system analyzes a statistical deviation of the multidimensional real-time distribution from a multidimensional reference distribution for the monitored system using a multivariate sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) and assesses the integrity of the monitored system based on the statistical deviation of the multidimensional real-time distribution. If the assessed integrity falls below a threshold, the system determines a fault in the monitored system corresponding to a source of the statistical deviation. | 11-18-2010 |
20100296383 | REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION USING ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL - Embodiments of a computer system that includes a vibration-cancelling mode, and a related method and computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system, are described. During operation, a processor monitors operations in the computer system, and may select either the vibration-cancelling mode or an inactive mode based on the monitored operations. For example, the processor may select the vibration-cancelling mode when there are input/output-(I/O) intensive workloads to an array of one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) in the computer system. In this way, the processor may reduce the energy consumption associated with vibration-induced retries to the HDDs (and reduced I/O throughput) without increasing the energy consumption associated with active vibration damping at other times, such as when the computer system is idle or during processor-intensive workloads. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305892 | NEAR-ISOTROPIC ANTENNA FOR MONITORING ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - One embodiment provides a system that analyzes a target electromagnetic signal radiating from a monitored system. During operation, the system monitors the target electromagnetic signal using a near-isotropic antenna that includes a set of receiving surfaces arranged in a regular polyhedron. Next, the system obtains a set of received target electromagnetic signals from the receiving surfaces. Finally, the system assesses the integrity of the monitored system by separately analyzing each of the received target electromagnetic signals. | 12-02-2010 |
20100306165 | RADIO FREQUENCY MICROSCOPE FOR AMPLIFYING AND ANALYZING ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - One embodiment provides a technique for analyzing a target electromagnetic signal radiating from a monitored system. During the technique, the monitored system is positioned at a first locus of an ellipsoidal surface to amplify the target electromagnetic signal received at a second locus of the ellipsoidal surface. Next, the amplified target electromagnetic signal is monitored using an antenna positioned at the second locus of the ellipsoidal surface. Finally, the integrity of the monitored system is assessed by analyzing the amplified target electromagnetic signal monitored by the antenna. | 12-02-2010 |
20100315223 | COOLING-CONTROL TECHNIQUE FOR USE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan. | 12-16-2010 |
20100318828 | Method And System For Generating A Power Consumption Model Of At Least One Server - A system for generating a power consumption model of at least one server includes one or more computers configured to obtain n time series telemetry signals indicative of operating parameters of the at least one server, obtain a time series power signal indicative of power consumed by the at least one server, and correlate each of the n time series telemetry signals with the time series power signal. The one or more computers are further configured to select a set of the n time series telemetry signals having an overall correlation with the time series power signal greater than a predetermined threshold, and generate a power consumption model of the at least one server based on at least the set of the n time series telemetry signals. | 12-16-2010 |
20100326193 | System and Method for Characterizing Vibration of a Rack Structure - A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328798 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VIBRATION OF AT LEAST ONE HARD DISK DRIVE - A system for determining vibration of at least one hard disk drive includes one or more computers configured to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved directly from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to determine a vibration level experienced by the at least one hard disk drive based on the read rate information. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332185 | ANALYTICAL BANDWIDTH ENHANCEMENT FOR MONITORING TELEMETRIC SIGNALS - Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a monitored system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the monitored system and groups the telemetry data into one or more clusters of correlated telemetric signals from the telemetric signals. Next, the system increases a bandwidth associated with monitoring the telemetric signals. To increase the bandwidth, the system omits one or more of the correlated telemetric signals from each of the clusters during sampling of the telemetric signals and estimates the omitted correlated telemetric signals by applying a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique to the sampled telemetric signals. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332199 | NOISE REDUCTION TECHNIQUE FOR MONITORING ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - One embodiment provides a system that analyzes a target electromagnetic signal radiating from a monitored system. During operation, the system monitors the target electromagnetic signal using a set of antennas to obtain a set of received target electromagnetic signals from the monitored system. Next, the system calculates a weighted mean of the received target electromagnetic signals using a first pattern-recognition model. The system then subtracts the received target electromagnetic signals from the weighted mean of the received target electromagnetic signals to obtain a set of noise-reduced signals for the monitored system. Finally, the system assesses the integrity of the monitored system by analyzing the noise-reduced signals using a second pattern-recognition model. | 12-30-2010 |
20110054705 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPUTER SYSTEM FAN SPEED - Computer system fans having fixed operating states corresponding to discreet operating speeds may be controlled by collecting temperature information upstream or downstream of the fans and commanding the fans to switch between the fixed operating states based on the temperature information at a frequency sufficient to controllably achieve speeds between the discreet operating speeds. | 03-03-2011 |
20110102190 | FACILITATING POWER SUPPLY UNIT MANAGEMENT USING TELEMETRY DATA ANALYSIS - Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the computer system and validates the telemetric signals using a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique. Next, the system assesses the integrity of a power supply unit (PSU) in the computer system by comparing the telemetric signals to one or more reference telemetric signals associated with the computer system. If the assessed integrity falls below a threshold, the system performs a remedial action for the computer system. | 05-05-2011 |
20110208678 | MECHANICAL SHOCK FEATURE EXTRACTION FOR OVERSTRESS EVENT REGISTRATION - An electronic system includes an accelerometer. A method for excessive mechanical shock feature extraction for overstress event registration and cumulative tracking includes obtaining a sample from the accelerometer. Feature extraction is performed on the sample using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to produce a plurality of modes. A pattern classifier is utilized for processing the plurality of modes to determine if the sample classifies as a shock event. If the sample classifies as a shock event, a shock event counter is incremented. If the shock event counter reaches a specified count, an indication to a user is generated. | 08-25-2011 |
20110246093 | PREDICTING REMAINING USEFUL LIFE FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM USING A STRESS-BASED PREDICTION TECHNIQUE - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) for a component in a set of components within a computer system. The system starts by collecting values of at least one degradation-related parameter associated with the operation of a monitored component within the computer system. Note that the degradation-related parameter is a direct measurement of a degree of degradation of the monitored component. The system additionally collects values of at least one stress-based parameter from the computer system. Note that the stress-based parameter measures an accumulative stress in the operating environment of the set of components which can cause degradation of the set of components. The system then uses the values of the at least one degradation-related parameter and the values of the at least one stress-based parameter to predict an RUL for a component in the set of components. | 10-06-2011 |
20110258157 | INFERENCE OF ALTITUDE USING PAIRWISE COMPARISON OF TELEMETRY SIGNALS - Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals using a set of sensors in the computer system, wherein the set of sensors includes temperature sensors at different locations in a cooling airflow through the computer system. Next, the system calculates a set of pairwise temperature differences from the telemetric signals. The system then infers an altitude of the computer system based on the pairwise temperature differences. Finally, the system uses the inferred altitude to manage the operation of the computer system. | 10-20-2011 |
20120030775 | DETECTING COUNTERFEIT ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS USING EMI TELEMETRIC FINGERPRINTS - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that non-intrusively detects counterfeit components in a target computer system. During operation, the system collects target electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals generated by the target computer system using one or more antennas positioned in close proximity to the target computer system. The system then generates a target EMI fingerprint for the target computer system from the target EMI signals. Next, the system compares the target EMI fingerprint against a reference EMI fingerprint to determine whether the target computer system contains a counterfeit component. | 02-02-2012 |
20120216200 | DYNAMIC POWER AND TEMPERATURE CAPPING THROUGH TELEMETRY DATA ANALYSIS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals using a set of sensors in the computer system. Next, the system analyzes the telemetry data to estimate a value of a parameter associated with the computer system, wherein the parameter is at least one of a power utilization and a temperature. Finally, the system controls a subsequent value of the parameter by modulating a virtual duty cycle of a processor in the computer system based on the estimated value. | 08-23-2012 |
20120232843 | METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING VIBRATION OF A RACK STRUCTURE - A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information. | 09-13-2012 |
20130046509 | MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for testing a multi-core processor may include comparing electromagnetic energy radiated from the multi-core processor while executing a specified set of instructions to reference values associated with multi-core processors having known numbers of operable cores. In various embodiments, average radiated power at a plurality of selected frequencies is compared to corresponding reference values to determine the number of functioning cores. In one embodiment, similarity between a test node and one or more reference nodes is determined using a Euclidean distance. The number of operable cores is determined according to a known number of operable cores associated with the closest reference node. | 02-21-2013 |
20130090889 | DYNAMIC REGULATION OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES USING TELEMETRY DATA ANALYSIS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals using a set of sensors in the computer system. Next, the system uses a regularization technique to calculate a temperature derivative with respect to time for a component in the computer system from the telemetric signals. Finally, the system controls a subsequent value of the temperature derivative with respect to time by modulating a fan speed in the computer system based on the calculated temperature derivative with respect to time and the telemetric signals. | 04-11-2013 |
20130138419 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEM RELIABILITY USING QUANTITATIVE CUMULATIVE STRESS METRICS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals using a set of sensors in the computer system. Next, for each component or component location from a set of components in the computer system, the system applies an inferential model to the telemetry data to determine an operating environment of the component or component location, and uses the operating environment to assess a reliability of the component. Finally, the system manages use of the component in the computer system based on the assessed reliability. | 05-30-2013 |
20140109674 | METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING VIBRATION OF A RACK STRUCTURE - A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information. | 04-24-2014 |