Multi-Connector PCIe Card Design for Dual-Slot Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard PCIe cards with a single connector are often unsuitable for computers that require additional functionality, as they cannot effectively utilize multiple PCIe slots, limiting their expansion capabilities and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A PCIe card design featuring multiple PCIe connectors, arranged on opposite edges of a circuit board, allowing for independent point-to-point connections and supporting multiple network standards, enabling compatibility with standard PCIe components and avoiding the need to flip the card when inserted into multiple slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard PCIe card has a single PCIe connector, then the card structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the card cannot effectively utilize multiple PCIe slots, limiting expansion capabilities and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The PCIe card is segmented into multiple independent connector regions (first PCIe connector and second PCIe connector) positioned at opposite edges of the circuit board. Each connector can be independently inserted into corresponding PCIe slots, allowing the card to provide multiple independent connection interfaces simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving multi-slot functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-connector design to a multi-connector design by utilizing opposite edges of the circuit board in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the card to engage multiple PCIe slots simultaneously without increasing overall card complexity, as each connector operates independently in its own spatial zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PCIe card is designed with multiple connectors to support multiple PCIe slots, then the functionality and adaptability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second PCIe connectors are positioned asymmetrically at opposite edges of the circuit board rather than being clustered together. This asymmetric distribution optimizes space utilization, allows the card to be inserted into multiple PCIe slots simultaneously in different orientations, and maintains electrical isolation between connectors, thereby enhancing multi-slot functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a circuit board, a device located on the circuit board, a first Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) connector located on the circuit board and coupled to the device, and a second PCIe connector located on the circuit board and coupled to the device. The first PCIe connector is arranged to couple to a first connector of an additional circuit board. The second PCIe connector is arranged to couple to a second connector of the additional circuit board.