Cable Backboard With Segmented Connector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex communication systems, oversized system backplanes make it difficult to control the dimensions of communication products, leading to challenges in system design and management, especially as communication traffic increases and the number of plug-in cards grows.
Innovation Solution
A cable backplane system comprising a frame and a cable unit with regularly or irregularly arranged connector arrays and communication cables that connect plug-in cards, allowing for flexible configuration and extension of the system while maintaining signal integrity and reducing design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of plug-in cards is increased to handle more communication traffic, then the system capacity is improved, but the backplane size becomes oversized and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional monolithic backplane into separate functional components: a compact switching backplane and independent cable units. Each plug-in card connects to the switching backplane through dedicated cable units, allowing the backplane itself to remain small while the system handles increased traffic by adding cable units rather than expanding the backplane area.
2Area of stationary object
If the backplane size is reduced to control dimensions, then the device compactness is improved, but the system complexity increases due to cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The cable unit is designed as a universal module that can be used to connect any plug-in card to the switching backplane. Each cable unit contains multiple connectors and cables that can serve different functional purposes, allowing the same cable unit structure to handle various connection requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional backplane design is used with increased plug-in cards, then system capacity is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to longer transmission paths
Solution Approach 1:
The switching backplane acts as an intermediary device that receives signals from plug-in cards via short cable units and routes them to destination cards. This intermediate switching point allows for controlled signal paths, enabling the system to handle more traffic while maintaining signal integrity through manageable transmission distances and active signal management at the switching backplane.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cable backplane systems and communication devices are provided according to examples of the present disclosure. In one aspect, a cable backplane system includes a frame and a cable unit; the cable unit includes a first connector array, a second connector array and communication cables; the first connector array is fixed on the frame, wherein a first connector in the first connector array is connected with a first plug-in card, first connectors in a same row are connected with a same first plug-in card; the second connector array is fixed on the frame, wherein a second connector in the second connector array is connected with a second plug-in card, second connectors in a same column are connected with a same second plug-in card; and the communication cables is connected with the first connector array and the second connector array.