Multi-Protocol Hot-Plug Connector With Staggered Signal Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade server systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating and configuring devices during the Hot-plugging process across different interface protocols, such as PCIe, MDIO, XAUI, and I2C, without compromising system safety or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize staggered signal pins to establish initial connections before secondary connections, with circuits capable of identifying pre-determined signal patterns to configure interface protocols accordingly, ensuring safe and efficient communication across multiple protocols during Hot-plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface protocols are supported for hot-plugging, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connectors and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where a single physical connector supports multiple interface protocols (PCIe, MDIO, I2C, SATA, SAS) through protocol identification circuits that detect signal patterns and dynamically configure the interface. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized connectors while maintaining full protocol compatibility, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (signal patterns, voltage levels, timing characteristics) to distinguish between different interface protocols. By monitoring these parameter variations during hot-plugging, the system automatically identifies the protocol type and configures accordingly, enabling multi-protocol support through a single connector without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Speed
If signal pins are connected simultaneously during hot-plugging, then connection speed is improved, but system safety deteriorates due to potential electrical hazards and improper configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-stage connection process where identification pins connect first to detect signal patterns and identify the interface protocol before the main data pins establish full communication. This preliminary action ensures the target device is properly configured and ready to receive data, maintaining system safety while enabling rapid hot-plugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into functionally distinct pin groups: identification pins that establish initial contact for protocol detection, and data pins that enable full communication only after successful identification. This segmentation allows simultaneous connection of multiple pins while maintaining safety through controlled activation sequences and protocol verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a connector having first and second signal pins adapted to, when the connector is being connected to a mating connector of another device, make a first connection using the first signal pin prior to making a second connection using the second signal pin, a first circuit operatively coupled to the first signal pin and configured to identify at least three pre-determined signal patterns receivable from the another device using the first connection, wherein each of the at least three pre-determined signal patterns corresponds to one of at least three pre-determined interface protocols, and a second circuit operatively coupled to the first circuit and the second signal pin, wherein the second circuit is configured, responsive to the first circuit identifying a pre-determined signal pattern of the at least three pre-determined signal patterns, to interface with the another device using at least the second signal pin, wherein to interface with the another device is according to a pre-determined interface protocol corresponding to the pre-determined signal pattern, wherein configuring the second circuit responsive to the first circuit identifying the pre-determined signal pattern is prior to the second signal pin making the second connection.