Single-Slot PCIe Memory Card Layout for More DIMM Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The PCIe standard restricts the number of DIMM sockets on a single-slot PCIe card due to height limitations, limiting the expansion of memory resources in computing systems.
Innovation Solution
A single-slot PCIe card design utilizing two perpendicular rigid circuit boards connected by a flexible cable, with mechanical retainers, allowing for multiple horizontally mounted DIMM sockets to maintain compliance with the PCIe standard's height requirements, enabling three or more DIMM sockets while keeping the card's height within the single-slot limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vertically mounted DIMM sockets are used to increase memory capacity, then the number of DIMM sockets increases, but the primary side height exceeds the single-slot PCIe limit of 14.47 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical mounting to horizontal mounting of DIMM sockets, changing the spatial dimension from the height direction (vertical) to the width direction (horizontal). This allows multiple DIMM sockets to be accommodated within the single-slot height constraint by utilizing the horizontal plane instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCIe card is divided into multiple segments or sections to accommodate horizontal DIMM socket mounting. The card structure is segmented to provide proper spacing and support for multiple horizontally mounted DIMM sockets while maintaining the overall height within the single-slot limit.
2Length of moving object
If angle-mounted DIMM sockets are used to fit within height constraints, then the primary side height decreases, but the card still exceeds the single-slot height limit when DIMMs are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fully commits to horizontal mounting rather than angle mounting, completely changing the mounting dimension from the vertical-height plane to the horizontal-width plane. This ensures that the height dimension remains within single-slot limits while maximizing the number of DIMM sockets through horizontal arrangement.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of DIMM sockets is increased to provide more memory resources, then memory capacity expands, but the card complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal mounting approach serves multiple functions simultaneously: it accommodates multiple DIMM sockets within height constraints, simplifies the overall card structure compared to angle mounting, and provides easier access for installation and maintenance. This universal approach resolves multiple concerns at once.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-slot peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) card with expanded memory is provided. Embodiments described herein use two rigid circuit boards which are oriented perpendicular to each other. The two rigid circuit boards are connected by a flexible cable, which can be sandwiched between the laminates of the rigid boards. The flexible cable further provides high-speed signal connection and high-power connection between the two rigid boards. In addition, the two rigid boards can be secured by two mechanical retainers. This approach enables a PCIe card to have three or more (e.g., four) dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) while meeting the PCIe standard for single slot primary side height by placing the DIMM sockets horizontally, thus lowering the overall height of the PCIe card.