Right Angle Backplane Connector for High-Speed Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory interconnect arrangements face challenges in achieving high data transfer speed and signal integrity, particularly with vertically extending memory boards and edge connectors, which do not provide sufficient space for multiple DIMMs per channel, leading to routing limitations and inadequate performance in applications requiring high data transfer rates like 1866 mega transfers per second.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a motherboard configuration with a right angle backplane connector system, where memory cards are plugged into memory board slot type connectors on a perpendicular memory card printed circuit board, allowing for shorter trace lengths and connector lengths, enabling the fitting of 32 DIMM slots and 4 BGA2011 CPU sockets in a 2U tall rack space, and maximizing signal integrity through optimized connector design and ground plane plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a vertically extending memory board printed circuit board is plugged into an edge card connector, then the surface space occupied by CPUs and memory cards is reduced, but the data transfer speed and signal integrity are insufficient for high-performance applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar edge connector layout to a three-dimensional right angle backplane connector configuration. The memory card printed circuit board is positioned perpendicular to the motherboard, with the right angle connector enabling vertical signal routing that then turns 90 degrees to reach the CPU. This dimensional change allows high-speed signals to travel shorter distances through optimized vertical pathways rather than long horizontal traces across the board edge.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple DIMMs are stacked vertically on a memory card printed circuit board, then the quantity of memory per channel is increased, but the routing limitations and board real estate constraints prevent sufficient room for multiple DIMMs per channel with quad socket implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The right angle backplane connector configuration reorganizes the spatial arrangement of memory components. By positioning the memory card printed circuit board perpendicular to the motherboard and using vertical stacking of DIMMs, the design maximizes the use of vertical space rather than horizontal space. This allows 32 DIMM slots to be accommodated in a 2U rack space, effectively doubling the memory capacity per channel while simplifying the routing architecture through standardized vertical connections.
3Reliability
If the connector length is reduced to improve signal integrity, then the data transfer speed is improved, but the physical space requirements and manufacturing constraints are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the right angle backplane connector by carefully controlling the length of the vertical signal traces and the 90-degree transition section. The connector is designed with specific trace length parameters that minimize signal degradation while maintaining manufacturability. The vertical routing allows for shorter effective signal paths compared to horizontal edge connector implementations, and the right angle configuration enables precise control over trace lengths to achieve optimal signal integrity for high-speed memory interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement having a processor electrically to, and mounted on, a portion of a surface of a motherboard. A plurality of memory cards is plugged into memory board slot type connectors on a surface of the memory card printed circuit board with the surface of the memory card printed circuit board being perpendicular to the surface of the motherboard. A right angle backplane connector has a first end disposed perpendicular to, and electrically connected to the surface of a motherboard and a second end disposed on the surface of, and electrically connected to, the memory card printed circuit board. The plurality of memory cards is parallel to the surface of the motherboard. An injector/ejector mechanism is provided for removing the memory printed circuit board from an electrical connector receptacle mounted to the motherboard by camming action.