Modular Networking Direct Cable Signal Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular networking systems experience significant power losses due to the number and length of connections, requiring signal-boosting PHY devices that increase costs, power consumption, and cause thermal issues.

Innovation Solution

A modular networking system with direct cabled connections between modular networking devices and networking processing devices, eliminating the need for signal-boosting PHY devices by reducing power losses through optimized connector configurations and cable routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional modular networking systems use multiple connectors and long traces to connect line card devices to switching/route processing devices, then device functionality is achieved, but significant power losses occur (15-30 dB) that require additional signal-boosting PHY devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal power lossVSAvoidnumber of connectors and traces

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the intermediate connection devices (connection device board, internal connection device connectors, and associated traces) from the signal path. By directly coupling the line card device connectors to the switching/route processing device connectors, the system eliminates the unnecessary intermediate components that were causing power losses, while maintaining the essential connectivity function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the previously separate connection path into a direct coupling between line card devices and switching/route processing devices. By consolidating the connection architecture to eliminate intermediate connection devices, the signal path is shortened and power losses are reduced from 15-30 dB to minimal levels, eliminating the need for additional PHY devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If PHY devices are added to perform re-driving and re-timing operations to boost signal strength, then signal integrity is maintained, but system cost increases, power consumption increases, and thermal issues are caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of long trace lengths and multiple connectors (which cause power losses) into a beneficial direct coupling architecture. By redesigning the connection system to eliminate intermediate components, the signal strength is maintained naturally without requiring additional power-consuming PHY devices for re-driving and re-timing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If PHY devices are installed to boost and process signals, then signal strength is sufficient for processing, but transmission delays occur due to processing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidsignal transmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal processing function from separate PHY devices and integrates it directly into the switching/route processing device through direct coupling. This eliminates the sequential processing steps and associated delays that occurred when signals had to be boosted and re-timed by intermediate PHY devices, reducing transmission latency while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple internal connection device connectors and traces are used to connect line card devices to switching/route processing devices, then device functionality is achieved, but the number of connections and trace length induce significant power losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower loss in connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate connection devices and their associated traces from the system architecture. By directly coupling the line card device connectors to the switching/route processing device connectors, the system maintains full device functionality while eliminating the power losses that were induced by the multiple connectors and long trace lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10143100B2Modular networking device connection system

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A modular networking device connection system includes a modular networking system chassis that defines a modular networking device slot. An internal wall is located in immediately adjacent the modular networking device slot, and includes a internal wall connector that connects to a modular networking device positioned in the modular networking device slot. A networking processing device is located opposite the internal wall, and includes a networking processor that is mounted to a networking processing device board and coupled via at least one trace to a networking processing device connector that is mounted to the networking processing device board. The networking processing device connector is directly connected to the internal wall connector by a first cable that transmits signals received through the internal wall connector directly to the networking processing device connector for provision to the networking processor via the networking processing device board.