Modular Compute Docking Board for Low-Noise Signal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dense computer boards generate significant electrical noise, thermal noise, and electromagnetic interference, leading to degraded performance and increased costs, and existing designs fail to effectively address these issues due to invasive complexity and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular compute appliance system featuring a docking board that removably couples with processor and expansion boards, providing power and control signals only when connected, allowing for specialized and flexible design of function-based boards with high signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dense computer boards are used to integrate multiple functions, then device functionality is improved, but electrical noise, thermal noise, and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computer system into separate functional boards (processor board, expansion boards) that connect through a docking board. Each board performs a specific function and is physically separated from others, reducing noise and interference while maintaining full system functionality through the modular architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dense computer boards are used to integrate multiple functions, then device functionality is improved, but design complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized functional boards that can be independently designed and manufactured. The docking board provides a standardized interface, allowing each board to be optimized for its specific function without managing the invasive complexity of integrating all functions into a single dense board.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking board serves as a universal interface that can connect to multiple different types of expansion boards. This standardized connection method allows the same docking board to support various configurations of functional boards, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If modular function-based boards are used, then design complexity is reduced and production costs decrease, but signal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The docking board acts as an intermediary between functional boards, providing a controlled environment for signal transmission. It manages power distribution and signal routing between separated boards, ensuring signal integrity is maintained despite the physical separation and modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking board removably coupled to a processor board that does not function when not operatively coupled to the docking board. The docking board sends power to and receive a control signal from the processor board when operatively coupled to the processor board and does not send power and does not receive a control signal when not operatively coupled to the processor board. The docking board is removably coupled to an expansion board that performs a computer function that is not performed by the processor board and the docking board. The docking board sends power and a control signal to the expansion board when the docking board is operatively coupled to the processor board and the expansion board, and does not send power and does not send a control signal to the expansion board when the docking board is not operatively coupled to the processor board and the expansion board.