PCB Passive Filter Layout for Storage Interface Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage devices face challenges in enhancing signal characteristics and integrity, particularly in high-frequency signal transmission, due to variations in impedance and parasitic capacitance, which affect data transmission and reception between hosts and nonvolatile memory devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating passive filters, comprising filter resistors and capacitors, within the printed circuit board (PCB) between the storage controller and the connector, to equalize signals and improve signal integrity by matching impedance and reducing signal reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive filters are added to equalize signals and improve signal integrity, then signal linearity and integrity are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter components (resistors and capacitors) into an integrated passive filter circuit board that is coupled between the storage controller and connector. This merging approach allows signal equalization functionality to be integrated into the existing device structure, improving signal integrity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive filter circuit board serves as an intermediary component between the storage controller and the connector. It mediates signal transmission by equalizing signals and matching impedance, thereby improving signal integrity without requiring modifications to the existing storage controller or connector designs, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If passive filters are used to match impedance and reduce signal reflections, then signal linearity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal linearityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The passive filter circuit board uses specific resistor and capacitor values to achieve impedance matching and signal equalization. By carefully selecting and adjusting these electrical parameters, the system achieves improved signal linearity and reduced reflections. The use of standard electronic components with well-defined parameters simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If passive filters are incorporated to improve data transmission quality, then signal integrity is enhanced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The passive filter circuit board uses passive components (resistors and capacitors) that do not require active power supply for operation. These components dissipate minimal power through resistive losses while providing signal equalization and impedance matching. The use of passive rather than active filtering components significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining data transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The passive filters enhance signal linearity and integrity, reducing power consumption and improving data transmission quality between the storage device and the host, while maintaining compatibility with various communication protocols.

Implementation Method 1

at least one passive filter is provided in the PCB between the connector and the storage controller, and the at least one passive filter equalizes signals provided from the storage controller or provided to the storage controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

improve signal integrity by matching impedance and reducing signal reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP3955250B1Storage devices and methods of operating storage devices
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3955250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3955250B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3955250B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A storage device is described. The storage device includes nonvolatile memory devices provided on a printed circuit board (PCB), a connector, a storage controller and at least one first passive filter. The connector is provided in the PCB and includes connection terminals. The storage controller is provided on the PCB, communicates with an external host through the connection terminals and controls the nonvolatile memory devices. The at least one first passive filter is provided in the PCB, is connected between the connector and the storage controller, and performs an equalization on either a signal provided to the storage controller or a signal provided from the storage controller.