Embedded Bus Bar Connector Socket for Low-Voltage-Drop Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in delivering bulk input voltage efficiently due to limited effective conductive metal areas on printed circuit boards, resulting in voltage drops across metal planes with discontinuities, which affects the power delivery to memory modules and other components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector system with a body made of electrically non-conductive material, featuring a receptacle for receiving a mating edge connector and a bus bar made of electrically conductive material, which extends through the body and is electrically coupled to an electrical termination, enhancing power delivery by providing a more efficient path for electrical current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current flows through the metal plane of the printed circuit board, then power delivery is provided to components, but voltage drop increases due to limited effective conductive metal area and discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive element (bus bar or conductive paste) that mediates between the power source and the PCB metal plane. This intermediary provides a low-resistance parallel path for current flow, reducing the burden on the PCB's metal plane and minimizing voltage drops while maintaining effective power delivery to components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mid-section of the PCB contains numerous vias and high-speed routing, then functional requirements are met, but the effective area of conductive metal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conductive path into a third dimension by using bus bars that protrude from or are embedded within the PCB surface, or by applying conductive paste in raised configurations. This dimensional extension increases the effective conductive cross-sectional area without occupying additional planar space on the PCB, thereby maintaining functional requirements while compensating for reduced metal area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all pins for bulk input voltage are located at one end of the socket, then DDR5 module standards are met, but power delivery efficiency decreases due to distance and resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function by separating the voltage reception function (at one end of the socket, complying with DDR5 standards) from the power distribution function (through multiple intermediate connection points along the socket). This segmentation allows the socket to meet standards while creating multiple parallel current paths that reduce overall resistance and improve power delivery efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces voltage drops and ensures reliable power delivery to information handling resources, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of electrical connections within the system.
Implementation Method 1
a bus bar made of electrically conductive material, other than the electrically-conductive pins of the connector, disposed within or upon the body and extending through at least a portion of the body
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a printed circuit board and a plurality of connectors each electrically and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board, each connector of the plurality of connectors configured to receive a respective modular information handling resource in order to electrically couple, via electrically-conductive pins of such connector, the respective modular information handling resource to the printed circuit board. Each connector may include a body comprising electrically non-conductive material and including a receptacle formed therein for receiving a mating edge connector of the respective modular information handling resource, a bus bar comprising electrically conductive material, other than the electrically-conductive pins of such connector, disposed within or upon the body and extending through at least a portion of the body, and an electrical termination electrically coupled to the bus bar.