Stacking Cabled I/O Slots Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing device I/O slots face challenges with signal propagation delays and electrical interference when routing high-speed data signals, and the provision of power over flexible cables increases the risk of short-circuiting and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of stacking cabled I/O slots that use a daisy-chained arrangement with slot allocation and population logic to establish high-speed data connections via cables while keeping power and logic signals separate from data signals, reducing the need for re-timers and minimizing interference risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high-speed data signals are routed through flexible cables with power, then I/O devices can be connected remotely, but signal propagation delays and electrical interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O slot is divided into separate functional components: a first connector for power and logic signals, and a second connector for high-speed data signals. This segmentation allows power and data pathways to be physically separated, reducing electrical interference and propagation delays while maintaining flexible cable connectivity.
2Device complexity
If power and logic signals are combined with data signals in the same cable, then cable connections are simplified, but electrical interference and short-circuiting risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two separate connectors: a first connector that receives power and logic signals, and a second connector that receives high-speed data signals. This physical separation eliminates electrical interference between power and data signals while maintaining organized cable management through the daisy-chained connector architecture.
3Productivity
If re-timers are added to compensate for signal propagation delays, then data throughput performance can be maintained, but device complexity and interference risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-speed data signal pathway from the power and logic signal pathways, providing a dedicated separate connector for data signals. This eliminates the need for re-timer circuitry by ensuring clean, interference-free signal transmission through dedicated data-only cable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more stacking cabled I/O slots may be installed in a stacked arrangement on a computing device, such as in an I/O expansion socket of a computing device motherboard. Slot detection and population logic associated with each of the one or more stacking cabled I/O slots enables signaling from each installed stacking cabled I/O slot, in order for its presence and location relative to any other installed stacking cabled I/O slot to be identified to and recognized by the computing device. High speed data signals through an installed stacking cabled I/O slot are coupled to the computing device via a cable, while power and logic signals are exchanged between the computing device and the one or more stacking cabled I/O slots via connections to the I/O expansion socket.