Hot Swapping of Computer System Components

Hot swapping and plug and play describes the change and the interchangeability of system components and modules during operation of the system. Hot swapping refers to the replacement of components that do not interact with software.

Technology behind Hot swapping

Hot swapping refers to components that interact with software, mainly an operating system and usually require a pre-installed software support.

The best known examples of Hot swapping technolog are general computer interfaces such as USB, Firewire, PCMCIA or Bluetooth for connecting peripheral devices or specialized as the hard disk interface SCSI and SATA.

Hot swapping refers similarly to the above definition also has the ability, the executable code of a program to change at runtime, without interrupting the execution of the program.

Variants of Hot swapping

Hot swapping has some related terms :

• Hot-Add : Adding new components.
• Hot-Plug : Adding and removing components during operation, while the software is not being accessed. Otherwise, errors may occur.
• Hot-swap : Exchange of similar or identical components, for example, replacing a fan or replacing a hard disk in a redundant RAID.
• Hot Switch : Switching between components, for example as a “hot spare” redundant follower power supply.

Plug contacts need for Hot swapping is that the contacts are in a defined sequence, typically in three or more stages for being connected and disconnected. First of all, must have a mechanical guide the plug so that the sequence of steps is kept stable (for doing a Hot swapping).

Current limiter in these pathways protect the contacts themselves as well as the power supply system is shock proof . ‘s This step takes time. Finally, the operating system’s power contacts and data signal lines are connected. The unit (for which the Hot swapping was done) can now approach the internal power supply and start the operation. Even if a pre-charge step is provided in the plug, the user should be aware that hot-plug connector should be as straight as possible and must be straight.