High-Speed Connector Skew Measurement Without PCB Wiring Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the skew of high-speed connectors are inaccurate due to the influence of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) wiring, which introduces significant errors, especially at higher data rates like 112 Gbps, making it difficult to obtain precise skew parameters and affecting system performance evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure and skew calculation method that involves measuring the skew parameters of boards within the same PCB connected through a connector, allowing for indirect calculation of the connector skew by subtracting the skew of the boards from the measured skew between the connector and the boards, thereby eliminating the influence of PCB wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test board is used for testing connector skew, then the skew can be measured, but the PCB wiring skew introduces significant errors that reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total skew measurement into three distinct components: connector skew, PCB wiring skew, and fixture skew. By measuring each component separately and using mathematical subtraction (connector skew = total skew - PCB wiring skew - fixture skew), the invention isolates the connector skew from the harmful PCB wiring skew, thereby improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses PCB wiring skew measurements as a reference. By measuring the PCB wiring skew through dedicated test structures and using it as a subtractive reference value, the invention eliminates the harmful influence of PCB wiring skew from the final connector skew measurement
2Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used, then skew measurement can be performed, but the error magnitude is comparable to or greater than the actual connector skew, especially at 112 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of PCB wiring skew and fixture skew before calculating the connector skew. By预先 measuring these error sources and storing them as reference values, the invention enables accurate subtraction to obtain the pure connector skew parameter, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured PCB wiring skew and fixture skew are used to correct the total skew measurement. The calculated connector skew feeds back into the evaluation system, allowing for accurate system performance assessment without the distortion of PCB wiring errors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a connector structure, and a skew calculation method and device. Specifically, the connector structure includes: a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (12), which includes a first board (122) and a second board (124), and is connected to a testing device; and a second PCB (14), which includes a third board (142) and a fourth board (144), and is connected to the testing device. The first board (122) is connected to the third board (142) through a connector (16).