Retimer Module for Passive Cable Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication link setups in data centers often require active cables with retimers at each end, which can lead to space and power constraints, as well as increased inventory complexity due to varying cable lengths.
Innovation Solution
A retimer module that interfaces between two passive MCIO cables, providing retimer functionalities with a single retimer placement between the cable ends, thus eliminating the need for retimers at each end of the active cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active cables with retimers at each end are used, then signal integrity is maintained, but space requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retimer functionalities into a single centralized retimer module that serves multiple cable connections. Instead of placing retimers at each end of every cable, one retimer module handles signal conditioning for multiple passive cables, reducing the total number of retimer components and their associated space requirements while maintaining signal integrity across all connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer module is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple cable connections simultaneously. A single retimer module can interface with multiple passive cables and support multiple communication links, making the system more space-efficient by eliminating the need for dedicated retimers at each cable endpoint.
2Reliability
If active cables with retimers at each end are used, then signal quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple retimer functions into a single centralized module, the total power consumption is reduced compared to having multiple active retimers distributed throughout the system. The single retimer module consumes less total power than multiple separate retimers would consume collectively, while still maintaining signal quality across all cable connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If varying cable lengths are supported, then adaptability is improved, but inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating different active cables with integrated retimers for each length requirement, the patent inverts the approach by using passive cables of various lengths with a single standardized retimer module. This eliminates the need to maintain multiple SKUs of active cables, simplifying inventory management while preserving cable length flexibility.
4Area of stationary object
If a single retimer module is used to interface passive cables, then space and power requirements are reduced, but link setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retimer module includes an I2C interface that acts as an intermediary for automated configuration and telemetry collection. This intermediary interface enables programmable lane-routing configurations and automatic link setup, reducing the manual complexity despite the centralized architecture. The I2C interface allows for automated negotiation and configuration of multiple cable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for a retimer module comprising a first cable connector and a second cable connector, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) retimer die comprising one or more upstream PHYs coupled to the first cable connector and one or more downstream PHYs coupled to the second cable connector, the PCIe retimer die further comprising an I2C input coupled between designated I2C pins of the first and second cable connectors, a voltage regulator module (VRM) configured to receive a supply voltage via a pin of the first cable connector, to responsively generate a plurality of regulated supply voltages, and to provide the plurality of regulated supply voltages to the retimer die, and a casing containing the retimer die and the voltage regulator module, the casing comprising a fastener for mounting to a chassis.