DUT Board Offset Edge Connectors for Flexible Host Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
DUT boards often lack sufficient or appropriate connections to effectively communicatively couple with other circuit boards or testing equipment, limiting their functionality in software testing and debugging scenarios for integrated circuit devices.
Innovation Solution
The DUT board incorporates multiple edge connectors with different lengths and configurations, such as PCIe x16 and PCIe x8 connectors, to provide enhanced connectivity and data transfer capabilities, allowing for improved communication with host boards and other circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DUT board uses a standard single connector configuration, then the board structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the board lacks sufficient connections and appropriate connection types to effectively communicatively couple with host boards or testing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The DUT board is equipped with multiple edge connectors of different types (e.g., PCIe x16, PCIe x8, other form factors) to enable universal compatibility with various host boards and testing equipment. This multi-functionality approach allows a single DUT board design to serve multiple connection scenarios and testing configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the board versatile without requiring multiple specialized board designs
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple distinct edge connectors rather than using a single unified connector. Each connector type (PCIe x16, PCIe x8, etc.) is positioned at different locations on the DUT board, allowing selective use of appropriate connectors based on the specific host board or testing equipment being used. This segmentation enables flexible connectivity while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through modular connector placement
2Productivity
If a DUT board incorporates multiple edge connectors with different lengths and configurations, then data communication efficiency and testing capabilities are enhanced, but the board design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the DUT board are equipped with specific connector types and lengths optimized for their local communication requirements. For example, PCIe x16 connectors with greater length are positioned where high-bandwidth communication is needed, while PCIe x8 connectors are placed for standard communication needs. This local quality approach enhances data communication efficiency in specific areas without requiring the entire board to be over-engineered, thereby managing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DUT board employs asymmetric connector placement and varying connector lengths rather than uniform symmetric configurations. This asymmetry allows optimal positioning of different connector types to match the asymmetric requirements of various host boards and testing equipment, improving communication efficiency while the asymmetric design itself becomes a standardized feature that simplifies manufacturing through consistent asymmetric patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a circuit board that includes a first edge connector configured to communicatively couple the circuit board to a first connector of a second circuit board. The first edge connector extends from a side of the circuit board a first length. The circuit board also includes a second edge connector configured to communicatively couple the circuit board to a second connector of the second circuit board. The second edge connector extends from the side of the circuit board a second length that is different than the first length.