Universal Motherboard Socket for Multi-SOC Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems require separate motherboards and sockets for different types of systems on a chip (SOCs), leading to increased cost and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A universal information handling system motherboard with a socket configured to receive various interposers, which route electrical signals between the socket and SOC, and a configuration module that adjusts the system resources based on identifying information from the interposer to ensure interoperability with different SOCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate motherboards and sockets are used for different SOC types, then each SOC can be properly supported with dedicated routing, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal socket design that can physically accommodate multiple SOC types through a standardized mechanical interface. The socket is designed with generic pin assignments and routing structures that work across different SOC form factors, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sockets and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interposer as an intermediary component between the universal socket and the SOC. The interposer contains SOC-specific routing patterns and electrical connections that adapt the standardized socket interface to the unique requirements of different SOC types, allowing one socket design to support multiple SOC variants.
2Reliability
If separate motherboards are designed for each SOC type, then optimal resource configuration is achieved, but manufacturing cost and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motherboard is designed with a universal layout and standardized resource interfaces that can work with multiple SOC types. Resource routing traces and connection points are planned to support various SOC configurations, allowing a single motherboard design to serve multiple purposes without requiring custom designs for each SOC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource configuration through software or firmware that detects the installed SOC type and automatically configures system resources accordingly. This allows the hardware to remain static and universal while the operational configuration adapts dynamically to match the specific SOC requirements, ensuring optimal resource allocation without multiple hardware variants.
3Device complexity
If a universal socket is used with different interposers, then device complexity is reduced, but automatic configuration capability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer includes identifying information (such as embedded identifiers or detection circuits) that automatically communicates SOC type details to the system controller. The system automatically detects the interposer identity, retrieves the appropriate configuration parameters, and configures resources without human intervention, enabling the universal socket approach to work seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the interposer provides identification information about the installed SOC to the configuration system. The system uses this feedback to automatically determine the appropriate routing and resource allocation settings, creating a closed-loop configuration process that adapts to the specific hardware combination present.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a motherboard, a plurality of information handling resources communicatively coupled to the motherboard, a socket communicatively coupled to the motherboard and configured to receive one of a plurality of different types of interposers, wherein each of the plurality of interposers is configured to provide routing of electrical signals between the socket and a respective system on a chip communicatively coupled to such interposer, and a configuration module. The configuration module may be configured to receive identifying information associated with an interposer, of the plurality of interposers, communicatively coupled to the socket and based on the identifying information, configure the plurality of information handling resources for interoperability with a system on a chip communicatively coupled to the interposer.