Pogo-Pin Cable Modules for Backplane Bay Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cabled backplane assemblies in computing systems face challenges in identifying the bay location of media drives due to variable connector arrangements, making it difficult for the system to associate a bay number with each media drive.

Innovation Solution

Cable modules with pogo pins mounted to a PCB, which engage with a backplane panel to determine mounting locations, using conductive and non-conductive elements on the panel to encode identification information, allowing the controller to identify the bay number through pogo pin outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable modules are mounted on a backplane panel with variable connector arrangements, then the system becomes more flexible in cable routing and installation, but the ability to automatically identify bay locations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidbay location identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary identification array between the cable modules and the backplane panel. This array encodes bay location information that the controller can read to automatically identify which bay each cable module is mounted in, even when connector positions vary. The intermediary translates physical position into readable identification data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification array is pre-configured on the backplane panel at specific locations corresponding to each bay. This preliminary encoding of location information allows the system to automatically identify cable module positions without requiring manual configuration or fixed connector arrangements, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to associate bay numbers with media drives, then identification accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and potential for human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebay identification accuracyVSAvoidmanual configuration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification through the controller automatically reading the identification array via pogo pins. This eliminates the need for manual bay number assignment while maintaining high accuracy, as the identification information is pre-encoded and automatically retrieved during system initialization or cable module insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated electrical detection system. The controller uses pogo pins to electrically read the identification array, substituting human operators with an automated sensing and processing system that is both faster and more accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed connector positions are used on the backplane, then automatic identification becomes simpler, but adaptability to different cable routing requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification system complexityVSAvoidcable module placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the identification function from the connector function. The identification array is segmented into discrete elements that can be read independently of connector positions. This allows connectors to be placed flexibly while the identification array maintains a structured pattern that the controller can interpret regardless of cable module orientation or position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables automatic and accurate identification of cable module mounting locations, simplifying the process of associating bay numbers with media drives, reducing manual effort and potential errors.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of cable module mounting locations comprises a corresponding identification array... The cable modules comprise pogo pins mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the cable module, wherein the pogo pins are arranged to engage with the backplane panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12526948B2Cable modules with pogo pins for identification of cable module mounting location on cabled backplane panel

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A cable module comprises a connector printed circuit assembly (PCA) and a cable electrically connected to the connector PCA. The connector PCA includes a printed circuit board (PCB); a connector mounted to the PCB and configured to receive a drive connector of a media drive of an information processing device; and pogo pins mounted to the PCB. The cable module is configured to be mounted to a cable module mounting location of a backplane panel. The pogo pins are positioned to engage the backplane panel in a mounted state of the cable module to the backplane panel. A microcontroller may, in a mounted state of the cable module to the backplane panel, receive output signals from the pogo pins and determine identification information of the cable module mounting location to which the cable module is mounted based on the output signals from the pogo pins.