PCI Interface Connector with Additional Pins for Wake on LAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCI local bus connectors lack pins for shared or sideband connections, limiting the ability to support functions like Wake on LAN and Serial over LAN due to insufficient electrical current, as they are constrained by the number and size of voltage and ground pins.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interface connector that includes additional voltage and ground pins, allowing for increased current to be passed to PCI compliant devices, enabling functions such as Wake on LAN and Serial over LAN by combining electrical signals and characteristics of network controller sideband interfaces into a single connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If standard PCI local bus connectors are used, then the connector structure is simple and compatible, but the electrical current available to the adapter is limited due to the number and size of the connector pins dedicated to voltage and ground
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple pin groups with distinct functions: traditional PCI pins for data and control signals, additional pins dedicated to standby voltage and ground, and separate pins for wake-on-LAN and serial-over-LAN functionality. This segmentation allows each pin type to be optimized for its specific purpose while collectively providing the necessary current capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced connector integrates multiple functions into a single interface: it supports standard PCI operations, wake-on-LAN, serial-over-LAN, and provides dedicated standby voltage and ground connections. This multi-functionality allows the connector to serve both traditional PCI devices and newer devices requiring additional power and communication capabilities.
2Power
If additional pins are added to the connector for standby voltage and ground, then the electrical current capacity increases, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the connector are designed with specialized characteristics: pins for standby voltage and ground are specifically positioned and configured to handle high-current requirements, while other pins maintain their traditional PCI specifications. This localized optimization ensures that current capacity is enhanced where needed without compromising the simplicity of other connector regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard PCI connectors are used, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but functions like Wake on LAN and Serial on LAN cannot be supported due to insufficient electrical current
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to dynamically adapt to different device requirements through its pin configuration. Traditional PCI devices can utilize the standard pin set, while newer devices requiring wake-on-LAN or serial-over-LAN can access the additional pins for standby voltage and ground. This dynamic compatibility allows the same connector to support both legacy and advanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Computing device interface connectors for PCI compliant devices and other devices are disclosed. According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a PCI compliant device residing on a computing device. Further, the apparatus includes another device such as a network controller sideband interface (NCSI) compliant device residing on the computing device. The apparatus also includes an interface connector being communicatively connected to the PCI compliant device and the NCSI compliant device.