Pluggable Transceiver Module Layout for Variable Lane Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot-pluggable transceiver modules occupy significant space on system boards, limiting the use of other electronic components and connector density, and are difficult to cool, especially for high lane-count transceivers, due to their fixed lane count and right-angled blindmate connectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of Variable Lane-count Pluggable (VLP) transceiver modules and systems that allow for hot-pluggable, easily replaceable transceivers with varying lane counts, using a system board with a cage and pad array contacts to support multiple lane configurations, enabling efficient use of space and improved cooling through air or liquid methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hot-pluggable transceiver modules with fixed lane count and right-angled blindmate connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but significant space is occupied on system boards limiting connector density and other electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from fixed lane count to variable lane count transceiver modules that can be dynamically configured. The module design allows different numbers of lanes to be active based on system requirements, enabling flexible space utilization on system boards while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the same cage and pad array contact structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional transceiver modules with right-angled blindmate connectors are used, then easy hot-pluggable operation is achieved, but cooling becomes difficult especially for high lane-count transceivers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the connector geometry from right-angled to straight-through configuration. This dimensional change in the connector orientation allows cooling air to flow directly through the module housing in a linear path, significantly improving cooling efficiency for high lane-count transceivers while preserving the hot-pluggable operation capability.
3Device complexity
If fixed lane count transceiver modules are used, then simple module design is maintained, but adaptability to different lane configurations is limited requiring break-out cables
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal transceiver module design that can support multiple lane configurations (different numbers of lanes) within the same module form factor. The cage and pad array contact structure is designed to accommodate variable lane counts, eliminating the need for break-out cables and different module types while maintaining design simplicity.
4Reliability
If conventional transceiver modules occupy significant space on system boards, then reliable signal transmission is ensured, but electro-mechanical overhead and system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial parameters of the connector design by transitioning from right-angled to straight-through configuration and implementing variable lane count. These parameter changes reduce the footprint area occupied by each transceiver module on system boards, allowing higher connector density and reducing electro-mechanical overhead and system costs while maintaining signal transmission reliability through the optimized contact structure.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
One example of a system includes a system board including first contacts, a cage attached to the system board over the first contacts, and a removable transceiver module including second contacts. The transceiver module is installable in the cage in response to a lateral movement of the transceiver module with respect to the cage to align the second contacts with the first contacts and a vertical movement of the transceiver module with respect to the cage to electrically connect the first contacts to the second contacts.