Abstract:
A circuit board (600) design is disclosed that is useful in high speed differential signal applications uses a circuit trace exit structure (620) and optionally a via arrangement. The circuit trace exit structure involves the exit portions (620) of the circuit traces (550) of the differential signal vias (609) to follow a path where the traces then meet with and join to the transmission line portions (552,612) of the conductive traces (550). In the via arrangement, sets of differential signal pair vias (551,609) and an associated ground (593a) are arranged adjacent to each other in a repeating pattern. The differential signal vias of each pair (591) are spaced closer to their associated ground via (593a) than the spacing between the adjacent differential signal pair associated ground (593b) so that differential signal vias exhibit a preference for electrically coupling to their associated ground vias.
Abstract:
An orthogonal backplane connector systems having midplane footprints that provide for continuity of impedance and signal integrity through the midplane and allow for the same connector to be coupled to either side of the midplane. This design creates an orthogonal interconnect without taking up unnecessary PCB real estate. The midplane circuit board may include a first differential signal pair of electrically conductive vias disposed in a first direction, and a second differential signal pair of electrically conductive vias disposed in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction.
Abstract:
A mid-plane is disclosed. The mid-plane includes a first printed circuit board having a plurality of plated vias adapted to receive tails attached to a first connector and having a plurality of unplated clearance holes adapted to receive tails attached to a second connector. The second printed circuit board has a plurality of plated vias adapted to receive tails attached to the second connector and has a plurality of unplated clearance adapted to receive tails attached to the first connector.
Abstract:
A circuit board (600) design is disclosed that is useful in high speed differential signal applications uses a circuit trace exit structure (620) and optionally a via arrangement. The circuit trace exit structure involves the exit portions (620) of the circuit traces (550) of the differential signal vias (609) to follow a path where the traces then meet with and join to the transmission line portions (552,612) of the conductive traces (550). In the via arrangement, sets of differential signal pair vias (551,609) and an associated ground (593a) are arranged adjacent to each other in a repeating pattern. The differential signal vias of each pair (591) are spaced closer to their associated ground via (593a) than the spacing between the adjacent differential signal pair associated ground (593b) so that differential signal vias exhibit a preference for electrically coupling to their associated ground vias.
Abstract:
A patch panel includes a back plane having front mounted pairs of termination locations, and an interconnect location electrically connected to each pair of termination locations. The termination locations connect to two patch cords. The interconnect location defines an access device for selectively accessing the termination locations. An interconnect module interfaces with the interconnect location. The module can include test access, power over Ethernet, or circuit protection features.
Abstract:
A data transmission interconnect assembly (e.g., a router) capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40Gbps in which a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a connection apparatus that employs cable-to-cable interface members that are transparent to the transmitted signal waves. Microspring contact structures are formed on the cables, or on a contact structure pressed against the cables, to provide interface arrangements that are smaller than a wavelength of the transmitted signal. A connector apparatus uses a cam mechanism to align the cables, and then to press a contact structure, having micro spring interface members formed thereon, against the cables. An alterative contact structure uses anisotropic conductive film.
Abstract:
A compact electromagnetic coupler for use with digital transmission system is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first transmission structure, including a portion having a geometry. A second transmission structure having the geometry and positioned proximate the portion of the first transmission line structure having the geometry to form a compact electromagnetic coupler with the first transmission structure a geometry of the electromagnetic coupler to enable placement within a footprint of a standard card connector. The compact electromagnetic coupler so formed enables reconstruction of the logical state and timing of a signal transmitted along the first transmission structure.
Abstract:
A control (64,66) system indicates whether a module (36) should be inserted into a module holder (30). The control system includes a sensor (60) which is configured to attach to one of a module and the module holder. The sensor is further configured to (i) read an identifier of an element (58) attached to the other of the module and the module holder when the module begins insertion into the module holder and (ii) provide a sensor signal in response to reading the identifier. The sensor signal denotes the identifier. The control system further includes a controller which couples to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor and output a control signal (66) based on the sensor signal. The control signal indicates whether the module is authorized to substantially insert into the module holder.
Abstract:
A memory system has a circuit board (100) provided with a first slot connector (104) into which a first memory module (114) is inserted. A second slot connector (106) is provided into which a second memory module (116) is inserted. The first and the second memory modules (114, 116) are connected via a flexible bridge (138). The flexible bridge extends from respective ends of the memory modules opposite to that ends thereof which are inserted into the connector slots. The flexible bridge (138) provides a signal bus between the memory modules (114, 116).