ATCA Backplane Pair Structure for Slot Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATCA systems are limited by the restricted role of rear boards, which cannot provide strong service processing capabilities due to their size, leading to wasted slot resources and inefficiencies in interface management, particularly with regards to keyboard, mouse, and display interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a backplane-pair structure in the ATCA system, where a front backplane and a rear backplane are interconnected via a connector, allowing for node boards to be inserted into either backplane and featuring slots for hub boards, thereby expanding processing capabilities and eliminating the need for separate rear boards for interface management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rear boards are used as interface expansion units, then interface management is simplified, but service processing capability is insufficient and slot resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes rear boards universal by enabling them to perform both interface expansion functions and service processing functions. By removing the size constraint and allowing full ATCA standard compliance, rear boards can now host any type of board (interface boards or service processing boards), eliminating the need for separate dedicated interface expansion units and maximizing slot resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate rear boards are used for interface management, then interface expansion is achieved, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate interface expansion boards and service processing boards into a unified system where any slot can accommodate any board type. The backplane provides standardized interconnections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interface boards and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full interface expansion capability.
3Productivity
If more node boards are accommodated, then processing capability is enhanced, but physical space and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By making all slots universal and capable of accommodating any board type, the system maximizes the utilization of available physical space. Each slot can be optimized for its specific function without dedicating entire rows or sections to specific board types, thereby enhancing processing capability while minimizing physical space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The ATCA backplane of the present invention comprises a front backplane and a rear backplane. The front backplane and the rear backplane are interconnected through a connector; each backplane at least comprises slots of a node board, and each rear backplane at least comprises slots of a node board. Furthermore, slots of a switch board could be arranged on at least one backplane of the ATCA backplane. Therefore, it is guaranteed by the ATCA backplane of the present invention that node boards could be inserted into both the front backplane and the rear backplane included in the ATCA backplane. Therefore, the number of slots of node boards is increased, slot resources are extended and system processing capability is improved.