SATA to SAS Bridge Board Connector Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information handling systems face challenges in electrically coupling different types of disk drives, such as SATA and SAS, due to compatibility issues with existing connectors, which limits the accessibility of SATA drives in dual port environments.

Innovation Solution

A component electrical coupling apparatus featuring a board with opposing surface mount technology (SMT) connectors, where a SATA connector is oriented 180 degrees to facilitate coupling with SAS connectors, enabling the use of SATA drives in systems designed for SAS connectors, thus providing dual port data capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate connectors are provided for SATA and SAS drives, then native connectivity is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenative connectivityVSAvoidconnector quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides native SATA connectivity through the SATA connector, enables SATA drive access through SAS ports via the SAS connector, and allows both connector types to coexist in the same system. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated connection paths for different drive types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If SATA connector orientation is changed to 180 degrees, then compatibility with SAS connectors is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidconnector orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The SATA connector on the bridge board is oriented 180 degrees relative to the standard SATA connector orientation. This inversion allows the connector to mate with SAS connectors in the required orientation, enabling SATA drives to be accessed through SAS ports while maintaining proper signal alignment through the bridge circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS7465189B2Method and apparatus for electrically coupling a component to an information handling system

Publication Date: 2008.12.16 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A component electrical coupling apparatus includes a board comprising a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A first surface mount technology connector is coupled to the first surface of the board. A second surface mount technology connector is coupled to the second surface of the board and located immediately opposite the first surface mount technology connector, the second surface mount technology connector operable to couple to a different type of connector than the first surface mount technology connector. The component electrical coupling apparatus may be coupled to a component and to an information handling system to allow the component having a connector to be coupled to an information handling system having a different type of connector than the component.