Angled Network Switch Port Layout for Lower Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switches face challenges in high-speed signal transmission due to excessively long signal paths between chip pins and transmission ports, leading to insertion loss, which conventional solutions like re-timers, gearboxes, and flyover wires are costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The network switch design arranges transmission ports on the circuit board edges at angles relative to the chassis opening, reducing path lengths by employing non-parallel layouts and recessing edges, thereby avoiding the need for re-timers, gearboxes, and flyover wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transmission ports are arranged in the same direction along the circuit board edge, then the design is simple and convenient for users, but the signal path length becomes excessively long causing insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging transmission ports in different directions rather than all in the same direction. Specifically, first transmission ports are arranged along a first edge of the circuit board while second transmission ports are arranged along a second edge, creating an asymmetric layout that shortens signal paths to different chip pins while maintaining design simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional arrangement (all ports along one edge) to a two-dimensional arrangement (ports distributed across multiple edges). By utilizing both the first edge and second edge of the circuit board, the signal paths are shortened without complicating the overall design
2Reliability
If re-timer or gearbox components are added to reduce insertion loss, then signal transmission quality improves, but hardware cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for additional re-timer or gearbox components by optimizing the transmission port arrangement. The asymmetric multi-edge layout inherently shortens signal paths, eliminating the requirement for extra signal conditioning hardware and reducing both cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board's transmission port arrangement serves the dual purpose of maintaining design simplicity while inherently reducing insertion loss through its geometry. The structure itself provides the signal path optimization without requiring additional active components
3Loss of energy
If flyover wires are used to reduce insertion loss, then signal transmission improves, but manufacturing yield and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-optimizing the transmission port arrangement during the circuit board design phase. The asymmetric multi-edge layout is built into the structure, preventing the need for complex flyover wire solutions and ensuring high manufacturing yield from the outset
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch includes a circuit board and a plurality of transmission ports. The circuit board is disposed in a chassis, and an opening of the chassis is corresponding to a first reference line. The plurality of transmission ports are disposed on an edge of the circuit board. The edge is corresponding to a second reference line, and the first reference line and the second reference line form an acute angle.