Backplane Identification Circuit Using Single Voltage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backplane systems require multiple interfaces and hardware to identify both the slot and chassis of a card, which is inefficient and adds complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single reading circuit using distinct electrical components associated with each slot on the chassis, where the interaction between these components and a card's component determines both the chassis and slot identification, utilizing resistors or capacitors and a lookup table for unique value determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a second code mechanism with additional resistors and pins is used to identify the chassis, then the chassis identification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slot identification and chassis identification functions into a single code mechanism. The first resistor provides slot identification while the second resistor provides chassis identification, allowing both pieces of information to be obtained through one voltage measurement rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage divider circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies both the slot address and the chassis type through a single measurement process. The same circuit infrastructure that provides slot identification is extended to also provide chassis identification without requiring additional separate hardware paths.
2Loss of information
If an EEPROM is used to store identifying information on the chassis, then the chassis identification capability is improved, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic storage system (EEPROM) with a passive electrical component system (resistors). Instead of using active electronic storage and reading mechanisms, the identification information is encoded in the resistance values, which can be read through simple voltage division without requiring additional active hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive resistors instead of more complex and costly EEPROM components. The resistors provide the identification information in a passive, reliable manner without requiring power, control logic, or additional interfacing hardware that would be needed for EEPROM-based solutions.
3Measurement precision
If separate code mechanisms are used for slot and chassis identification, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encodes both slot and chassis identification information into the resistor values during the manufacturing process. This preliminary encoding allows the card to retrieve both pieces of identification information simultaneously upon insertion, without requiring sequential queries or additional processing steps after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage divider circuit continuously provides both slot and chassis identification information as long as the card is inserted and powered. The measurement process is unified and continuous, obtaining both identification values in a single operational sequence rather than requiring separate discrete operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient identification of both chassis and slot using a single reading, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying the identification process while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measure the voltage that results from a voltage divider with one resistor on the card and the other resistor assigned to one of the pins in the slot on the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An identification circuit for determining a chassis identification and a slot identification within the chassis using a single reading. The circuit includes a first electrical component associated with a first slot of a first chassis, where the first electrical component has a first value. A second electrical component is associated with a second slot of the first chassis, where the second electrical component has a second value that is different from the first value. A removable card has a third electrical component with a third value, where the removable card inserts into a selected one of the first slot and the second slot of the first chassis. A measuring circuit measures an interaction between the third electrical component and the associated one of the first electrical component and the second electrical component, where the interaction has a fourth value. The fourth value of the interaction identifies both the first chassis and the selected slot into which the removable card is inserted.