Backplane Structure Equal Communication Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-bandwidth optical communication systems with a backplane structure, varying communication distances between blades inserted into fixed slots complicate scheduling control and management of optical interconnects, as existing solutions like WDM plates do not inherently maintain constant peer-to-peer communication distances.
Innovation Solution
A backplane structure utilizing a broadcast-star topology with bundles of optical fibers or waveguides of varying lengths, where each bundle forms a primary and secondary path with constant communication distances, ensuring equal peer-to-peer communication between blades inserted into fixedly arranged slots, achieved through the use of optical connectors and laminated core and cladding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blades are inserted into fixedly arranged slots in a backplane, then the structure provides flexibility for easy replacement and expansion, but the communication distance between arbitrary blades varies, complicating scheduling control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring optical fibers with different lengths during manufacturing, where each fiber length corresponds to a specific slot position. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time scheduling control, as the constant communication distance is inherently built into the physical structure before operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different optical fiber lengths to different slot positions in the backplane. Each slot has a specifically tailored fiber length configuration that ensures constant communication distance to other slots, making each local position optimized for its specific communication requirements rather than using a uniform approach.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers of the same length are used in a backplane, then manufacturing is simplified, but communication distance between blades varies depending on slot position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring optical fibers with different lengths during the manufacturing stage. Each fiber is cut and routed to achieve the precise length required for its destination slot, ensuring that when blades are installed, the communication distance is already optimized without requiring complex assembly adjustments.
3Temperature
If ventilation holes are provided in the backplane to secure airflow, then cooling efficiency improves, but the rigidity of the backplane decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning ventilation holes in specific regions of the backplane where they provide maximum cooling benefit while minimizing impact on structural integrity. The hole distribution and sizing are locally optimized to balance thermal management requirements with mechanical strength requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] To provide a backplane structure which allows the setting of an equal peer-to-peer communication distance between two blades that are being arbitrarily inserted into a plurality of fixedly arranged slots. [Solution] In a backplane into which three or more blades are inserted, the backplane comprises: a plurality of optical fibers or optical waveguides, each of which has the same length, wherein the plurality of optical fibers or optical waveguides form at least one bundle, and are bundled at both ends of the one bundle such that lengths of the plurality of optical fibers or optical waveguides from end portions thereof differ from each other, thus forming a broadcast-star topology. The plurality of optical fibers or optical waveguides are inserted into slots (optical connectors on the blade side) such that communication distance between two blades that are to be arbitrarily inserted becomes constant. It is possible to concurrently produce a primary path, and a redundant communication path having the same length called a secondary path by a process of laminating a core and cladding.