Universal PCI-E PCB With Configurable Connection Components

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printed circuit board (PCB) designs require changes in motherboard layout to accommodate different types of PCI-E connectors, increasing production costs due to the need for matching PCI-E control chips and connectors.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board (PCB) design featuring first and second high speed differential signal control chips with output terminals and transmission lines, along with connection components and vias, allows for the support of different types of peripheral devices without altering the wiring or adding new vias, enabling selective configuration of connection components to function as switches or filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motherboard layout is changed to accommodate different types of PCI-E connectors, then the adaptability to different peripheral devices is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different PCI-E connectorsVSAvoidmotherboard layout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal motherboard layout with a single PCI-E control chip that can support multiple types of PCI-E connectors (x1, x4, x8, x16) through configurable connection components. The connection components can be selectively enabled or disabled to match different connector types, allowing one motherboard design to serve multiple peripheral device configurations without requiring layout changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic configuration of connection components (such as resistors or capacitors) that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the required PCI-E connector type. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical layout to adapt to different connector configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and layout complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motherboard layout is changed to accommodate different types of PCI-E connectors, then the adaptability to different peripheral devices is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different PCI-E connectorsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal motherboard layout with a single PCI-E control chip that can support multiple types of PCI-E connectors (x1, x4, x8, x16) through configurable connection components. The connection components can be selectively enabled or disabled to match different connector types, allowing one motherboard design to serve multiple peripheral device configurations without requiring layout changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes connection components that can be selectively discarded (disabled) or recovered (enabled) based on the required connector type. By having redundant connection components that can be turned on or off, the system avoids the need to manufacture different motherboard layouts for different connector types, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If new vias are added to support different connector types, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different connector typesVSAvoidvia placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal motherboard layout with a single PCI-E control chip that can support multiple types of PCI-E connectors (x1, x4, x8, x16) through configurable connection components. The connection components can be selectively enabled or disabled to match different connector types, allowing one motherboard design to serve multiple peripheral device configurations without requiring layout changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8406005B2Printed circuit board

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 CLOUD NETWORK TECH SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

A printed circuit board includes first and second transmission lines connected to a first high speed differential signal control chip, third and fourth transmission lines connected to a second high speed differential signal control chip, and fifth and sixth transmission lines connected to a connector pad. To have the first high speed differential signal control chip communicate with the connector pad, the first transmission line is connected to the fifth transmission line through a first connection component, and the second transmission line is connected to the sixth transmission line through a second connection component. To have the second speed differential signal control chip communicate with the connector pad, the third transmission line is connected to the fifth transmission line through the first connection component, and the fourth transmission line is connected to the sixth transmission line through the second connection component.