GPU switching device and GPU module

Abstract

This invention discloses a GPU adapter and a GPU module. The GPU adapter includes a circuit board and multiple DA terminals. The circuit board has multiple spaced-apart receiving slots, and the DA terminals are arranged one-to-one with each receiving slot. Each DA terminal has a plug portion and a cable portion. The plug portion corresponds to the receiving slot and has a slot for mates with the GPU graphics card. The cable portion is plugged into the receiving slot. The multiple cable portions of the multiple DA terminals are distributed on both sides of the circuit board. This GPU adapter has high space utilization, low manufacturing cost, and can improve signal strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer equipment technology, and in particular to a GPU adapter and a GPU module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of AI computing technology, deploying more GPU cards within the limited space of servers to improve the computing power of computer nodes has become an increasing demand and choice for customers. Currently, in mass-produced server products, due to limitations in adapter card cabling space and component placement space, a maximum of three GPUs can be supported within a 2U height (88.9mm). Furthermore, existing adapter cards typically have high-speed signal connectors, requiring signals to be connected to the adapter card before being transmitted to the motherboard. This necessitates the layout of high-speed signal traces on the adapter card, requiring the use of higher-quality materials and more complex manufacturing processes, thus increasing the manufacturing cost of the adapter card. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a GPU adapter that has high space utilization, low manufacturing cost, and can improve signal strength.

[0004] The second objective of this invention is to provide a GPU module that has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and good signal strength.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention discloses a GPU adapter, comprising: a circuit board having a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots; a plurality of DA terminals, each of the plurality of DA terminals being arranged one-to-one with the receiving slots, each of the DA terminals having a plug portion and a cable portion, the plug portion being arranged corresponding to the receiving slot and having a slot for cooperating with a GPU graphics card, and the cable portion being plugged into the receiving slot; wherein: the plurality of cable portions of the plurality of DA terminals are distributed on both sides of the circuit board.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plug-in portion has a first fixing hole, the circuit board has a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole, and the connector passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to fix the plug-in portion to the circuit board.

[0008] In some specific embodiments, the first fixing hole is provided at both ends of the plug portion.

[0009] In some specific embodiments, the connector includes a bolt passing through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole, and a nut cooperating with the bolt.

[0010] The present invention also discloses a GPU module, comprising: any of the GPU adapters described above; a GPU bracket, the GPU bracket being used to support the GPU adapter, and the GPU bracket having a clearance slot corresponding to the receiving slot; and a GPU graphics card, the GPU graphics card being supported on the GPU bracket, and the GPU graphics card being inserted into the GPU adapter through the clearance slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the GPU bracket has a support portion that supports one end of the GPU graphics card, and the support portion has a support hole, into which the support plate of the GPU graphics card is inserted; the GPU module also includes a graphics card tail bracket for supporting the other end of the GPU graphics card, the graphics card tail bracket is connected to the GPU bracket by a locking member, and the graphics card tail bracket has a cable clip for locking the cable portion of the GPU adapter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the circuit board of the GPU adapter is provided with a first locking hole, and the GPU bracket is provided with a second locking hole corresponding to the first locking hole. The locking member passes through the first locking hole and the second locking hole to lock the circuit board to the GPU bracket.

[0013] In some embodiments, the circuit board of the GPU adapter is provided with mounting holes for engaging with mounting posts on the GPU bracket.

[0014] In some specific embodiments, there are multiple hanging holes, which are distributed at both ends of the receiving groove.

[0015] In some more specific embodiments, the hanging hole includes a first hole portion and a second hole portion, the size of the first hole portion being smaller than that of the second hole portion; the hanging post includes a first post and a second post, the size of the first post being larger than that of the second post; wherein, the second post can be inserted into the first hole portion from the second hole portion, and the first post abuts against the surface of the circuit board.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the GPU adapter of the present invention are as follows: Since high-speed signals are directly connected to the motherboard via the DA terminal block, eliminating the need for high-speed signal connectors, the saved space allows for the installation of more GPUs, improving the space utilization of the GPU adapter. Furthermore, since the essential function of the GPU adapter is simply as a fixing and connecting structure, it can utilize cheaper materials and reduce manufacturing processes, thus simplifying the overall structure of the GPU adapter. In addition, the use of DA terminal blocks replaces the high-speed signal connectors used in existing technologies. High-speed signals do not travel through the circuit board but are directly connected to the motherboard from the DA terminal block. This improves signal strength and eliminates the material and wiring costs associated with high-speed signal connectors in existing technologies, further reducing the manufacturing cost of the GPU adapter.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the GPU module of the present invention are as follows: Since the GPU adapter adopts the DA terminal output method, there is no need for the high-speed signal connector in the prior art, which improves the signal strength. The space saved can be used to plug in more GPU graphics cards, which improves the space utilization of the GPU adapter. Furthermore, the essential function of the GPU adapter is only as a fixing and conversion structure, which can use cheaper materials, reduce the manufacturing process, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the GPU adapter. Due to the presence of this GPU adapter, the GPU module of the present invention has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and good signal strength.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the GPU adapter device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the GPU adapter device from another direction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the GPU module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the GPU module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 Figure 4 A magnified diagram showing point A.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 100. Circuit board; 110. Receiving groove; 120. First locking hole; 130. Hanging hole; 131. First hole; 132. Second hole;

[0026] 200, DA terminal block; 210, plug-in part; 211, slot; 220, cable part;

[0027] 310. Bolt; 320. Nut;

[0028] 400, GPU bracket; 410, clearance groove; 420, support part; 421, support hole; 430, second locking hole; 440, hanging post; 441, first post; 442, second post;

[0029] 500, GPU graphics card;

[0030] 600. Graphics card rear bracket; 610. Cable clip;

[0031] 700. Locking components. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or emphasis. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] The following is for reference. Figures 1-2 The specific structure of the GPU adapter device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0037] This invention discloses a GPU adapter, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the GPU adapter includes a circuit board 100 and multiple DA terminals 200. The circuit board 100 has multiple spaced-apart receiving slots 110 and power terminals. The multiple DA terminals 200 are arranged one-to-one with the receiving slots 110. Each DA terminal 200 has a plug-in part 210 and a cable part 220. The plug-in part 210 is arranged corresponding to the receiving slot 110 and has a slot 211 that mates with the GPU graphics card 500. The cable part 220 is plugged into the receiving slot 110. The multiple cable parts 220 of the multiple DA terminals 200 are distributed on both sides of the circuit board 100.

[0038] It should be noted that in existing technologies, three GPUs require six sets of high-speed signal connectors, leaving no space on the circuit board for a fourth GPU. In this invention, the high-speed signal is directly connected to the motherboard via the DA terminal 200, eliminating the need for a high-speed signal connector. This saves space, allowing for the connection of more GPUs 500, improving the space utilization of the GPU adapter. Furthermore, since the GPU adapter's essential function is simply as a fixing and connecting structure, it can utilize cheaper materials and reduce manufacturing processes, thus simplifying its structure. In addition, using the DA terminal 200 instead of the existing high-speed signal connector eliminates the need for the circuit board 100, connecting directly to the motherboard from the DA terminal 200. This improves signal strength and eliminates the material and wiring costs associated with high-speed signal connectors, further reducing the manufacturing cost of the GPU adapter.

[0039] In some embodiments, the plug-in portion 210 has a first fixing hole, and the circuit board 100 has a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole. The connector passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to fix the plug-in portion 210 to the circuit board 100. It can be understood that connecting the plug-in portion 210 and the circuit board 100 by the connector facilitates the installation and connection of the DA terminal 200 to the circuit board 100, and improves the connection stability between the DA terminal 200 and the circuit board 100, thereby indirectly ensuring the stability of the GPU line card 610.

[0040] In some specific embodiments, both ends of the plug-in portion 210 are provided with first fixing holes. It can be understood that fixing the plug-in portion 210 to the circuit board 100 from both ends can improve the connection stability between the plug-in portion 210 and the circuit board 100.

[0041] In some specific embodiments, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the connector includes a bolt 310 passing through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole, and a nut 320 that mates with the bolt 310. It is understood that in actual operation, after the bolt 310 passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole, it is tightened with the nut 320. This ensures the connection stability between the circuit board 100 and the connector 210, and eliminates the need for threads on both the circuit board 100 and the connector 210, simplifying processing and reducing the likelihood of damage to both.

[0042] Optionally, the connector can also be a screw, pin, or other connector. In the embodiments of the present invention, the specific form of the connector can be adjusted according to actual needs and is not limited to bolt 310 and nut 320. In addition, in other embodiments of the present invention, the DA terminal 200 can also be connected to the circuit board 100 through a fixing post inserted into a fixing hole, a snap-fit, or other structure, and is not limited to the aforementioned connector structure.

[0043] The following is for reference. Figures 3-5 The specific structure of the GPU module in an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0044] This invention also discloses a GPU module, such as Figures 3-4As shown, the GPU module includes the aforementioned GPU adapter, GPU bracket 400, and GPU graphics card 500. The GPU bracket 400 supports the GPU adapter and has a clearance slot 410 corresponding to the receiving slot 110. The GPU graphics card 500 is supported by the GPU bracket 400 and passes through the clearance slot 410 to be inserted into the GPU adapter. It is understood that because the GPU adapter uses the DA terminal 200 for cable routing, it eliminates the need for high-speed signal connectors found in existing technologies, improving signal strength. The saved space allows for the insertion of more GPU graphics cards 500, increasing the space utilization of the GPU adapter. Furthermore, the essential function of the GPU adapter is simply as a fixing and connecting structure, allowing the use of cheaper materials and reducing manufacturing processes, thus lowering the manufacturing cost of the GPU adapter. Due to this GPU adapter, the GPU module of this invention has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and good signal strength.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the GPU bracket 400 has a support portion 420 supporting one end of the GPU graphics card 500. The support portion 420 has a support hole 421, into which the support piece of the GPU graphics card 500 is inserted. The GPU module also includes a graphics card tail bracket 600 supporting the other end of the GPU graphics card 500. The graphics card tail bracket 600 is connected to the GPU bracket 400 via a locking member 700. The graphics card tail bracket 600 has a cable clip 610 for securing the cable portion 220 of the GPU adapter. It can be understood that the GPU bracket 400 supports one end of the GPU graphics card 500, and the graphics card tail bracket 600 supports the other end of the GPU graphics card 500. Supporting the GPU graphics card 500 from both ends ensures its stability. The cable clip 610 can organize the cable bundle, thus facilitating cable routing. The GPU graphics card 500 is supported by inserting its support plate into the support hole 421. This facilitates the assembly of the GPU graphics card 500 and the GPU bracket 400, and also improves the stability of the GPU bracket 400 in supporting the GPU graphics card 500.

[0046] In some embodiments, the circuit board 100 of the GPU adapter is provided with a first locking hole 120, and the GPU bracket 400 is provided with a second locking hole 430 corresponding to the first locking hole 120. A locking member passes through the first locking hole 120 and the second locking hole 430 to lock the circuit board 100 to the GPU bracket 400. It can be understood that in actual operation, locking the circuit board 100 to the GPU bracket 400 by passing the locking member through the first locking hole 120 and the second locking hole 430 facilitates the installation of the GPU bracket 400 and the circuit board 100, and improves the installation stability of the circuit board 100.

[0047] Optionally, the GPU bracket 400 is provided with a support post, and the second locking hole 430 is a threaded hole formed on the support post. The locking element includes a screw that mates with the threaded hole. Using screws to fix the GPU bracket 400 to the circuit board 100 can further improve the connection stability between the GPU bracket 400 and the circuit board 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the circuit board 100 of the GPU adapter has a mounting hole 130, which is used to engage with the mounting post 440 on the GPU bracket 400. Understandably, during actual installation, the mounting post 440 is first engaged with the mounting hole 130 to pre-position the circuit board 100, and then the locking member passes through the first locking hole 120 and the second locking hole 430 to lock the circuit board 100 to the GPU bracket 400. The engagement of the mounting hole 130 and the mounting post 440 serves two purposes: firstly, it restricts the circuit board 100, preventing it from rotating around the locking member; secondly, it pre-positions the circuit board 100 during the installation of the locking member, facilitating its engagement.

[0049] In some specific embodiments, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, there are multiple hanging holes 130, which are distributed at both ends of the receiving groove 110. This enhances the restraining effect on the circuit board 100, maximizing the stable positioning of the circuit board 100.

[0050] In some more specific embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the hanging hole 130 includes a first hole portion 131 and a second hole portion 132, with the size of the first hole portion 131 being smaller than that of the second hole portion 132; the hanging post 440 includes a first post 441 and a second post 442, with the size of the first post 441 being larger than that of the second post 442. It is understood that in actual operation, the second post 442 can be inserted into the first hole portion 131 from the second hole portion 132, and the first post 441 abuts against the surface of the circuit board 100. Thus, on the one hand, the hanging post 440 can be easily inserted into the hanging hole 130; on the other hand, the first post 441 abutting against the surface of the circuit board 100 can also fix the circuit board 100 along the length direction of the hanging post 440, thereby preventing the circuit board 100 from detaching from the hanging post 440.

[0051] Of course, it should be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, the circuit board 100 and the GPU bracket 400 can be directly locked together using multiple locking components, without the use of the mounting holes 130 and the mounting posts 440. Alternatively, the circuit board 100 and the GPU bracket 400 can be connected using a snap-fit ​​structure. In other words, in actual design, the connection method between the circuit board 100 and the GPU bracket 400 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0052] Example:

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the GPU module includes the GPU adapter, GPU bracket 400, GPU graphics card 500, and graphics card rear bracket 600 mentioned above. Figures 1-2 As shown, the GPU adapter includes a circuit board 100 and multiple DA terminals 200. The circuit board 100 has multiple spaced-apart receiving slots 110 and power terminals. Four DA terminals 200 are arranged one-to-one with each receiving slot 110. Each DA terminal 200 has a plug portion 210 and a cable portion 220. The plug portion 210 corresponds to the receiving slot 110 and has a slot 211 that mates with the GPU graphics card 500. The cable portion 220 is plugged into the receiving slot 110. The multiple cable portions 220 of the four DA terminals 200 are distributed on both sides of the circuit board 100. The plug portion 210 has first fixing holes at both ends. The circuit board 100 has second fixing holes corresponding to the first fixing holes. The circuit board 100 has a first locking hole 120 and five hanging holes 130. Each hanging hole 130 includes a first hole portion 131 and a second hole portion 132, where the size of the first hole portion 131 is smaller than that of the second hole portion 132. The connector passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to fix the plug part 210 to the circuit board 100. The connector includes a bolt 310 that passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole and a nut 320 that mates with the bolt 310.

[0054] The GPU bracket 400 has a support portion 420 supporting one end of the GPU graphics card 500. The support portion 420 has a support hole 421. The GPU bracket 400 has a second locking hole 430 corresponding to the first locking hole 120. A locking member passes through the first locking hole 120 and the second locking hole 430 to lock the circuit board 100 to the GPU bracket 400. The GPU bracket 400 has a hanging post 440 that engages with the hanging hole 130. The hanging post 440 includes a first post 441 and a second post 442, with the first post 441 being larger than the second post 442. The support plate of the GPU graphics card 500 is inserted into the support hole 421. The graphics card tail bracket 600 supports the other end of the GPU graphics card 500. The graphics card tail bracket 600 is connected to the GPU bracket 400 via a locking member 700. The graphics card tail bracket 600 has a cable clip 610 for engaging the cable portion 220 of the GPU adapter. The GPU bracket 400 has a clearance slot 410 corresponding to the receiving slot 110. The GPU graphics card 500 is supported on the GPU bracket 400 and the GPU graphics card 500 passes through the clearance slot 410 and is inserted into the GPU adapter.

[0055] The advantages of the GPU module in this embodiment are:

[0056] First: Compared with existing technologies, the 2U (88.9mm) space can support 4 GPU graphics cards 500, which improves space utilization and saves costs;

[0057] Second: From a signal calculation perspective, the use of DA terminal 200 for cable output replaces the original high-speed signal connector, improving signal strength and saving costs.

[0058] Third: From a hardware design perspective, the GPU adapter no longer needs to have high-speed signal traces laid out, and cheaper materials can be used to reduce manufacturing processes.

[0059] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A GPU adapter, characterized in that, include: A circuit board (100) having a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots (110); Multiple DA terminals (200) are provided, each corresponding to a receiving slot (110). Each DA terminal (200) has a plug-in portion (210) and a cable portion (220). The plug-in portion (210) corresponds to the receiving slot (110) and has a slot (211) for cooperating with the GPU (500). The cable portion (220) is plugged into the receiving slot (110). Multiple cable portions (220) of the multiple DA terminals (200) are distributed on both sides of the circuit board (100).

2. The GPU adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug-in part (210) has a first fixing hole, and the circuit board (100) has a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole. The connector passes through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to fix the plug-in part (210) to the circuit board (100).

3. The GPU adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both ends of the plug-in portion (210) are provided with the first fixing hole.

4. The GPU adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a bolt (310) passing through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole, and a nut (320) cooperating with the bolt (310).

5. A GPU module, characterized in that, include: GPU adapter as described in any one of claims 1-4; A GPU bracket (400) is provided to support the GPU adapter, and the GPU bracket (400) has a clearance groove (410) corresponding to the receiving groove (110); The GPU graphics card (500) is supported on the GPU bracket (400) and is inserted into the GPU adapter through the clearance slot (410).

6. The GPU module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The GPU bracket (400) has a support portion (420) for supporting one end of the GPU graphics card (500), and the support portion (420) is provided with a support hole (421), into which the support piece of the GPU graphics card (500) is inserted; the GPU module also includes a graphics card tail bracket (600) for supporting the other end of the GPU graphics card (500), the graphics card tail bracket (600) is connected to the GPU bracket (400) by a locking member (700), and the graphics card tail bracket (600) is provided with a cable clip (610) for engaging the cable portion (220) of the GPU adapter.

7. The GPU module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board (100) of the GPU adapter is provided with a first locking hole (120), and the GPU bracket (400) is provided with a second locking hole (430) corresponding to the first locking hole (120). The locking member passes through the first locking hole (120) and the second locking hole (430) to lock the circuit board (100) to the GPU bracket (400).

8. The GPU module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board (100) of the GPU adapter is provided with a mounting hole (130), which is used to cooperate with the mounting post (440) on the GPU bracket (400).

9. The GPU module according to claim 8, characterized in that, There are multiple hanging holes (130), which are distributed at both ends of the receiving groove (110).

10. The GPU module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hanging hole (130) includes a first hole (131) and a second hole (132), wherein the size of the first hole (131) is smaller than that of the second hole (132); The hanging post (440) includes a first post (441) and a second post (442), wherein the first post (441) is larger than the second post (442); wherein the second post (442) can be inserted into the first hole (131) from the second hole (132), and the first post (441) abuts against the surface of the circuit board (100).

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