Connector Active Circuit Impedance Matching PCIe

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed signal interfaces face degradation due to reflection introduced by connectors, which degrades channel performance and poses challenges in interconnect impedance control, particularly in connectors used for PCIe and other high-speed protocols.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an active circuit in series with the connector pins to match impedance, thereby reducing or eliminating reflection and improving signal quality by ensuring impedance matching between the connector and the signal path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a connector is used in high-speed signal interfaces, then signal transmission is enabled, but reflection is introduced which degrades channel performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission speedVSAvoidsignal reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An active circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the signal path. This active circuit includes impedance matching functionality that acts as a mediator to transform the impedance characteristics, thereby eliminating reflection while maintaining high-speed signal transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the impedance parameter of the connector by incorporating an active circuit that can dynamically adjust or match impedance values. This parameter transformation allows the connector to present a matched impedance to the signal path, eliminating reflection without compromising transmission speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If impedance matching is implemented using traditional passive components, then reflection is reduced, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reflectionVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional passive impedance matching components (such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors) with an active circuit implementation. This substitution uses active electronic components and control logic to achieve impedance matching, reducing the physical size and structural complexity compared to passive component-based solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The active circuit incorporated in the connector serves multiple functions: it provides impedance matching to reduce reflection, maintains signal integrity, and can potentially adapt to different impedance requirements. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10965047B2Connector with active circuit

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 SK HYNIX NAND PRODUCT SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

Embodiments may relate to a connector. The connector may include a plurality of connector pins that are to communicatively couple an element of a printed circuit board (PCB) with an element of an electronic device when the element of the PCB and the element of the electronic device are coupled with the connector. The connector may also include an active circuit that is communicatively coupled with a pin of the plurality of pins. The active circuit may be configured to match an impedance of the element of the PCB with an impedance of the element of the electronic device. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.