Memory Socket Terminating Resistor Assembly for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recent increases in processor performance require higher frequency electrical signals and lower voltages, which are affected by electronic noise caused by stubs on printed circuit boards, leading to reduced signal quality in memory module sockets.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongate conductive bus bar and conductive branches connected through resistors, which contact signal pins in memory module sockets to terminate signals and prevent noise, featuring a terminating resistor assembly that engages signal pins when a memory module is absent and disengages when present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If higher frequency electrical signals and lower voltages are used to increase processor performance, then processing speed is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to electronic noise from stubs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of stubs (which cause electronic noise) into a beneficial termination mechanism. By adding resistive elements that engage with signal pins in empty sockets, the stubs that previously generated noise are transformed into controlled impedance terminations that absorb and dissipate signal energy, converting the harmful noise-generating structure into a noise-reducing feature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary terminating resistor assembly that mediates between the signal pins and the stubs. This assembly includes resistive elements positioned to contact signal pins in empty sockets, acting as a buffer that prevents direct signal reflection from the stubs while maintaining proper signal transmission when memory modules are installed
2Device complexity
If stubs are present in empty memory module sockets, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful electronic noise is generated that affects signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the harmful stub structure into a beneficial termination mechanism by adding resistive elements that engage with signal pins in empty sockets. The stubs that previously generated noise are now part of a controlled termination system that absorbs signal energy and prevents noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning resistive elements in the terminating resistor assembly before memory modules are installed. These resistive elements are already in place to engage with signal pins, ensuring that termination is automatically applied whenever a socket is empty, preventing noise before it can occur
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
The solution effectively terminates unwanted electronic noise, improving signal quality by ensuring that signal pins are either connected through the resistor assembly or engaged with memory modules, thereby enhancing communication integrity between memory modules and processors.
Implementation Method 1
each conductive branch is in electronic communication with the elongate conductive bus bar through a resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module socket and a terminating resistor assembly. The terminating resistor assembly provides an elongate conductive bus bar and a plurality of conductive branches, wherein each conductive branch is in electronic communication with the elongate conductive bus bar through a resistor, wherein each conductive branch has a distal end disposed for contacting a signal pin within a memory module socket installed on a printed circuit board. A distal end of each conductive branch is inserted into a window on the connector shoulder adjacent to the slot of an empty memory module socket and engages a plurality of signal pins within the socket in response to the absence of a memory module in the slot. The plurality of signal pins engage contact pads on the memory module and are pushed out of contact with the conductive branch in response to the presence of a memory module in the slot.