Modular Docking Board Layout for Signal Integrity in Compute Appliances

Resolve Bottlenecks,
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 connects to processor and expansion boards, providing power and control signals only when coupled, allowing for specialized and flexible design of function-based boards with high signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidelectrical noise, thermal noise, electromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The computer system is divided into separate functional boards (processor board, expansion boards) that connect through a docking board. Each board performs a specific function, allowing functional integration without physical density. The docking board segments the system into modular units that can be separately optimized for signal integrity and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking board acts as an intermediary between the processor board and expansion boards. It receives signals from the processor board and distributes them to appropriate expansion boards, mediating signal transmission to reduce interference. The docking board's separate physical location serves as a buffer that isolates noise-generating components while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddesign complexity, production costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized functional boards that can be independently designed and manufactured. The processor board and expansion boards follow standardized interfaces, reducing design complexity. Each board can be produced by specialized teams focusing on specific functions rather than managing the invasive complexity of a multifunctional dense board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking board provides universal connectivity between the processor board and multiple expansion boards. The standardized interface design allows the same docking board architecture to support various functional configurations, reducing production costs through standardization while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If functions are soldered directly on the main board, then device functionality is improved, but signal integrity and performance degrade due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsignal integrity, performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Functions are segmented onto separate expansion boards that connect to the processor board through the docking board. This physical separation isolates signal paths, reducing electromagnetic interference and maintaining signal integrity. Each board can be optimized for its specific function with appropriate shielding and routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking board serves as an intermediary that manages signal transmission between the processor board and expansion boards. It provides controlled signal routing with proper impedance matching and shielding, ensuring high signal integrity while enabling multiple functions to operate without degrading each other's performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029820A1Modular embedded compute appliance docking board, and methods and systems for the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 MANAGEMENT SERVICES GRP INC DOING BUSINESS AS DBA GLOBAL TECHNICAL SYST

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.