Offloaded Backplane for Power Distribution in High-Speed Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backplanes in high-speed data applications require additional copper layers for power distribution, increasing cost and size due to higher power dissipation and data connectivity demands, which complicates power routing and adds to the overall expense of high-speed systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an offloaded backplane system where power distribution is handled by a separate power backplane connected through through hole vias, eliminating the need for power layers on the main backplane and using back-to-back power connectors to minimize space and cost, while maintaining high-speed data and control connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If additional copper layers are added to the main backplane for power distribution, then power delivery capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidbackplane complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane system is divided into two separate functional boards: a main backplane for data and control signals, and a power backplane for power distribution. This segmentation allows each board to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the complexity of the main backplane while maintaining adequate power delivery capability through the dedicated power backplane with appropriate copper layers and connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If thicker copper is used in power layers to handle higher power dissipation, then power handling capacity is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution function is extracted from the main backplane and placed on a separate power backplane. This allows the power backplane to use thicker copper and more robust power handling designs only where needed, while the main backplane can use standard, more cost-effective copper thicknesses for data and control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If space is allocated for two power feeds on the main backplane, then power redundancy is improved, but backplane size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower redundancyVSAvoidbackplane size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Power redundancy is achieved by implementing two separate power feeds on the dedicated power backplane, each connecting to separate power sources. This segmentation allows the main backplane to remain compact while the power backplane handles the redundant power distribution with appropriate spacing and routing for both power feeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10188011B2Offloaded backplane for power distribution in high-speed data applications

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A backplane system for a high-speed network element includes a main backplane including a plurality of traces for data and control connectivity, high-speed data connectors, and a power connector, wherein the high-speed data connectors and the power connector are configured to engage one or more modules; and a power backplane for power connectivity separate from the main backplane connected to the power connector, wherein the power backplane is coupled to a power source to provide supply and return current to the one or more modules through the power connector.