Connector Panel for Telecommunication Shelf Backplane Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication systems, particularly optical DWDM systems, existing backplanes lack flexibility and require redesign for upgrading or combining plug-in units, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges due to limited combinations of printed wiring boards (PWBs) and potential decreases in mean time between failures.
Innovation Solution
A connector panel is introduced that allows for the flexible configuration and upgrading of plug-in units by providing a separate interface between dedicated units, enabling the formation of clusters without redesigning the backplane, with features like alignment components, removable attachment, and verification mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backplane is redesigned to provide necessary connections for combining PWBs into clusters, then dedicated connections between PWBs are achieved, but backplane costs increase and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the connection function from the backplane by introducing a dedicated connector panel that provides specialized connections between PWBs in clusters. This segmentation allows the backplane to maintain its general power supply and communication functions while the connector panel handles dedicated high-speed connections, avoiding backplane redesign and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector panel acts as an intermediary component between the backplane and PWBs, providing the necessary dedicated connections without requiring modifications to the backplane itself. This intermediary structure enables flexible cluster configurations while maintaining backwards compatibility with existing backplane designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional not predesigned combinations of PWBs are added later for upgrading, then system upgrading is enabled, but backplane redesign becomes necessary leading to additional costs and compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector panel provides dynamic reconfigurability by allowing different combinations of PWBs to be connected through various cluster configurations. This dynamic approach enables system upgrading without backplane redesign, as the connector panel can be reconfigured to support new PWB combinations while maintaining compatibility with existing installations.
3Ease of manufacture
If several PWBs are combined into clusters forming specialized plug-in units, then functional integration is achieved, but the number of different individual clusters increases leading to higher logistic costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector panel is designed as a universal component that can support multiple cluster configurations and different PWB combinations through a standardized interface. This universality reduces the number of specialized connector panels needed, thereby reducing logistic costs while maintaining the ability to form various functional clusters.
4Reliability
If several PWBs are combined into one cluster, then dedicated connections are achieved, but the weight of the cluster increases making it more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple PWBs into a single cluster assembly that shares common mechanical support and power connections through the backplane, while dedicated high-speed connections are provided through the connector panel. This merging approach achieves the necessary connections while optimizing the mechanical structure to minimize overall cluster weight and improve handleability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector panel for plug-in units in a telecommunication system, the telecommunication system including a sub-rack or shelf having a backplane for power supply of a number of N plug-in units within the shelf and for enabling the N plug-in units within the shelf to communicate with each other; wherein the connector panel is an entity separate from the backplane and includes a number of m connectors providing an interface between n dedicated plug-in units among the N plug-in units within the shelf, with 2 ≤ n < N and m ≥ n; and wherein the connector panel is configured to be removably attached at an interior wall of the shelf.