NGFF Connector Pin Length Variation for Hot-Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) connectors do not allow for hot-plugging of modules without interrupting the operation of the connector or associated computing device, as simultaneous connection of all pins is required, which prevents the insertion of modules without tilting or rotating.
Innovation Solution
The NGFF connector design includes upper GND pins longer than other upper pins and lower PWR pins longer than other lower pins, allowing for non-offset points of contact, enabling modules to be inserted without rotation or tilting, and establishing connections between GND and PWR pins before signal pins, facilitating hot-plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all upper pins and lower pins are made the same length, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but hot-plugging cannot be achieved and module insertion requires tilting or rotating
Solution Approach 1:
The pin array is segmented into multiple length groups: longer GND pins, intermediate-length PWR pins, and shorter signal pins. This segmentation allows different pin types to make contact at different times during insertion, enabling hot-plugging while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized pin designs within each length group.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pin locations are assigned different lengths based on their functional requirements. GND pins at specific positions are made longer to establish ground connections first, PWR pins are made intermediate length for power connection, and signal pins are shorter. This local differentiation enables controlled contact sequence without requiring all pins to be unique lengths.
2Ease of operation
If GND pins and PWR pins are made longer than signal pins, then hot-plugging is enabled through sequential contact establishment, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Only specific pin positions (GND and PWR pins) are made longer, while signal pins remain at a standard shorter length. This localized length variation achieves the required contact sequence for hot-plugging while limiting complexity to only the necessary pin positions rather than requiring all pins to have unique dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The longer GND and PWR pins are designed to make contact with the module before the shorter signal pins during insertion. This preliminary contact establishment ensures that ground and power connections are made first, enabling safe hot-plugging operations before signal connections are established.
Data Source
AI summary
A Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) connector apparatus can include a plurality of upper signal pins and an upper ground (GND) pin that is longer than other upper pins. The NGFF connector apparatus can also include a plurality of lower signal pins and a lower power (PWR) pin that is longer than other lower pins.