Removable OCP NIC Modules With Integrated PCIe Expansion Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

OCP HPMs face challenges with PCIe expansion slot accessibility due to OCP modules occupying the rear chassis region, leading to incompatible PCIe expansion card alignment and potential space constraints, making traditional solutions costly or impractical.

Innovation Solution

Design of OCP NIC/PCIe modules with integrated PCIe slots and NIC functionality, using repurposed OCP edge connector pins for PCIe communication, and optionally incorporating a clock buffer to provide sufficient clock signals, allowing existing PCIe expansion cards to connect directly to the PCIe slots positioned like traditional systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If OCP modules are positioned at the rear of the system to allow accessible insertion or removal, then ease of operation is improved, but PCIe expansion card alignment becomes incompatible and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of OCP modulesVSAvoidcompatibility of PCIe expansion cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the OCP module for network/interface functions and the PCIe expansion slots for graphics and storage. The OCP module occupies the rear chassis region while PCIe slots are positioned separately, allowing each component type to be independently accessed and configured without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A adapter or intermediary connection mechanism is introduced between the OCP module and the PCIe expansion cards. This intermediary allows the OCP module to be positioned at the rear for easy access while maintaining proper alignment and electrical connection for PCIe expansion cards through the intermediary interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If PCIe slots are repositioned farther forward to accommodate OCP modules, then space constraints are resolved, but PCIe expansion card alignment becomes incompatible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace availability in rear chassis regionVSAvoidcompatibility with existing PCIe expansion cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solution moves the PCIe slots to a different spatial dimension or plane within the chassis. Rather than positioning them in the traditional rear location, the PCIe slots are placed in an intermediate position that allows OCP modules to occupy the rear region while PCIe expansion cards maintain their standard alignment through the use of extension brackets or alternative mounting approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional PCIe slot positions are maintained, then PCIe expansion card compatibility is preserved, but OCP modules cannot be accessed without opening the chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of PCIe expansion cardsVSAvoidaccessibility of OCP modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates OCP module access from PCIe expansion card access by providing different physical access paths. OCP modules are positioned in rear-mounted bays that can be accessed through the chassis rear panel, while PCIe slots remain in their traditional positions for standard expansion card installation, allowing independent access to each component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis design incorporates dynamic or removable panels that allow selective access to different components. The rear panel includes removable sections or sliding mechanisms that provide access to OCP modules without requiring full chassis disassembly, while PCIe slots remain accessible through standard front or side access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12457700B2Removable OCP module with PCIe slots

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A removable module, a system and a method. The removable module comprising a PCB having an OCP NIC form factor, an OCP edge connector comprising a plurality of pins on an edge of the PCB, wherein the OCP edge connector is configured to mate with an OCP board connector of a primary system board of the computing system in an installed state of the removable module in the computing system, a NIC chip mounted to the PCB and communicably connected to the OCP edge connector, at least one communication port mounted to the PCB and communicably connected to the NIC chip and a first PCIe slot mounted on the PCB and communicably connected to the OCP edge connector, wherein the NIC chip and the first PCIe slot are configured to be communicably connected to the primary system board via the OCP edge connector.