Orthogonal Optics Module Layout for Shorter 200 Gbps PCB Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed network switches face challenges in interconnecting switch chips and interface ports using printed circuit board traces at speeds of 200 Gbps or above, leading to signal loss and compatibility issues with conventional designs, which are not cost-effectively addressed by flyover cables, on-board optics, or co-packaged optics.
Innovation Solution
A switch circuit board design with orthogonal pluggable optics module connectors mounted directly on the printed circuit board, allowing for shorter electrical channel lengths and efficient airflow cooling, reducing signal loss and costs by eliminating the need for costly alternatives like flyover cables or fiber optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical lane data rate is doubled from 112 to 224 Gbps, then signaling speed is improved, but signal loss increases and electrical signal reach is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar PCB trace routing to three-dimensional COFLEX cable routing, allowing electrical signals to travel through a different spatial dimension that bypasses the limitations of flat board trace length constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces COFLEX cables as an intermediary component between the switch chip and interface ports, serving as a flexible transmission medium that maintains signal integrity at high speeds over longer distances compared to rigid PCB traces
2Loss of energy
If COFLEX cables are used to connect switch chip to interface ports, then signal loss is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into separate functional segments: the switch chip remains on the PCB, while COFLEX cables provide modular flexible connections to interface ports, allowing independent optimization of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrical connection by switching from rigid PCB traces with fixed geometry to flexible COFLEX cables with adjustable routing, enabling optimization of signal path length and geometry for high-speed performance
3Loss of energy
If trace length is reduced to support 224 Gbps signaling, then signal loss is reduced, but interface port accessibility and device layout flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves electrical connections from the two-dimensional PCB plane to three-dimensional space using flexible cables, enabling interface ports to be positioned at optimal locations for both signal performance and user accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a network switch design that includes a vertical switch circuit board that is mounted parallel to the front panel of the network switch. The vertical circuit board supports switch chip(s) to process and forward packets and pluggable module connectors to receive pluggable optics modules that provide connections to other network switches. The pluggable module connectors are horizontally oriented to facilitate routing of electrical signal traces. The arrangement of the circuit board, switch chip(s) and pluggable module connectors achieves reduced lengths for the electrical signal traces that connect the switch chip(s) to the pluggable module connectors. The design improves cooling by providing separate airflow regions between the switch chip heatsink(s) and the optics modules.