Nested Cable Connector Layout for High-Density Rack I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector systems face challenges in providing higher density and throughput between an ASIC and a rack-mountable equipment front panel, particularly in reducing the footprint and stack height while maintaining high data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The cable connector system allows for a stacked or nested configuration of connectors on substrates, utilizing a housing with multiple slots and leadframe assemblies to achieve a compact design that supports high data transmission rates and reduced stack height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cable connectors are arranged in a stacked configuration to increase density, then the throughput and data transmission capacity are improved, but the stack height and footprint requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested connector configuration where multiple cable connectors are stacked vertically within a single board connector housing. Each cable connector occupies a separate slot (first slot, second slot, third slot, fourth slot) arranged in a vertical stack, allowing four connectors to be nested within one board connector footprint. This nesting approach increases density without proportionally increasing the overall footprint, resolving the contradiction between throughput and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of connectors to a vertical stacked configuration. By arranging cable connectors in the vertical dimension (stacked along the height axis) rather than spreading them horizontally, the system achieves higher density within the same footprint. The board connector housing contains multiple slots positioned at different vertical levels, enabling four cable connectors to be accommodated in a compact vertical stack.
2Area of stationary object
If the footprint of the board connector is reduced to increase density, then the space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The board connector housing is segmented into multiple distinct slots (first slot, second slot, third slot, fourth slot), each designed to receive a specific cable connector. This segmentation allows each slot to be independently positioned and aligned, reducing the cumulative alignment error that would occur in a more integrated design. The housing walls and slot definitions provide reference features that facilitate precise positioning during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The board connector housing acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the substrate mounting interface and the multiple cable connectors. The housing provides a rigid framework with precisely defined slots that guide and constrain the cable connectors during assembly. This intermediary structure absorbs and manages alignment tolerances, protecting the overall system from manufacturing variations while maintaining the compact footprint.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple cable connectors are stacked vertically to increase density, then the quantity of signal conductors is improved, but the signal integrity and crosstalk control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality differentiation through the housing structure, where each slot is independently defined by housing walls and positioned at a specific vertical level. This local structuring allows each cable connector to be isolated within its own slot, reducing electromagnetic interference between adjacent connectors. The housing material and slot geometry are optimized to provide local shielding and signal containment, addressing crosstalk issues at the local level while maintaining high overall density.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector system can include a board connector that attaches to a die package, a cable connector that attaches to the board connector, and a 1RU panel I/O connector attached to the cable connector.