Multiple channel modules and bus systems using same

Details Multiple channel modules and bus systems using same Multiple channel modules and bus systems using same

2002-06-20

2003-12-02

Martin, David (Department: 2841)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S777000, C361S730000, C365S061000, C365S051000, C257S686000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06657871

ABSTRACT:

The present invention is directed to bus systems. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a bus system including one or more modules implementing one or more communications channel(s).
Conventional bus systems are typically implemented in single channel architectures. While conventional bus systems have been implemented using modules, the modules in such systems have merely been arranged in a serial relationship on a motherboard. For example, consider the bus system shown in FIG.
1
. This bus system is characterized by a master
11
mounted on a motherboard
10
. A number of connectors
13
are also mounted on motherboard
10
. Each connector
13
is adapted to receive a module
14
comprising one or more integrated circuits
15
. Thus, by means of a connector
13
, a module
14
is mechanically mounted and electrically connected within the bus system.
One or more bus(es)
16
forms the communications channel between master
11
and a termination resistor
12
. Bus
16
typically comprises a number of signals lines communicating control information, address information, and/or data. The signal lines forming bus
16
traverse the motherboard and/or the modules to electrically connect the integrated circuits
15
to master
11
.
There are numerous problems associated with such conventional bus systems. For example, the serial arrangement of the connectors and associated modules creates a relatively lengthy communications channel. Since there are many factors limiting the maximum practical length of a communications channel, channel length should, wherever reasonably possible, be minimized.
Conventional bus systems are also characterized by numerous electrical connection points between the connectors and the bus portions traversing the motherboard, between the modules and the connectors, and between the integrated circuits and the bus portion traversing the modules. Improperly matched electrical connections often produce impedance discontinuities which tend to degrade signal transmission characteristics on the bus. Accordingly, the number of impedance discontinuities associated with the bus connections should be minimized.
Such conventional bus systems present a very static architecture which may not lend itself to the efficient utilization of available space within a larger system. For example, a maximum, pre-set number of connectors is typically provided within the conventional bus system, regardless of the actual number of modules initially contemplated for the bus system. Upgrading the bus system to include additional modules requires that a sufficient number of connectors be provided up to the maximum length (or capacity) of the channel. Typically, empty connectors are filled with dummy modules until they are needed. Absent these spare connectors, upgrading the bus system to include an additional module would require that the motherboard be replaced.
Finally, the static architecture of the conventional bus system provides a “one size fits all” approach to larger systems incorporating the bus system. The serial arrangement of connectors and modules on a motherboard may produce an undesirably large footprint within the larger system. Further, this configuration does not lend itself to irregular or crowded spaces within the larger system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides module designs and bus system architectures which reduce channel length and minimize bus connection discontinuities. Bus system architectures provided by the present invention may be flexibly configured according to an end user's requirements. Numerous possibilities exist for customized bus system configurations using the modules and interconnection schemes provided by the present invention. Multiple channels may be implemented on a single module and multiple modules may be connected to provide bus systems having relative small vertical profiles and/or horizontal footprints.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a module formed from a printed circuit board (PCB) having primary first and second surfaces and having first and second ends, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) populating at least one of the first and second surfaces, a first set of edge fingers disposed at the first end and on the first surface of the PCB, a second set of edge fingers disposed at the first end and on the second surface of the PCB, a folded internal bus extending from the first set of edge fingers, substantially traversing the length of the first surface, folding back at the second end, substantially traversing the length of the second surface and terminating at the second set of edge fingers, and a right-angle connector mounted on either the first or second surface at the first end, and adapted to mechanically receive and electrically connect another module.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a module adapted for use in a bus system and including; a printed circuit board (PCB) having primary first and second surfaces, and having first and second ends, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) populating at least one of the first and second surfaces, a set of edge fingers disposed at the first end of the PCB and on either the top or bottom surface of the PCB, a right-angle connector adapted to mechanically receive and electrically connect another module, the right-angle connector being mounted on either the bottom or top surface of the PCB opposite the surface on which the set of edge fingers are disposed and at the second end of the PCB, and an internal bus extending from the set of edge fingers, substantially traversing the length of the module, and terminating at the right-angle connector.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a module adapted to be connected within a plurality of bus system modules, the module including a printed circuit board (PCB) having first and second primary surfaces, first and second primary edges, and first and second ends, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) populating at least one of the primary first and second surfaces, a first set of edge fingers disposed on the first primary edge between first and second ends and on the first surface of the PCB, a second set of edge fingers disposed on the first primary edge between first and second ends and on the second surface of the PCB, wherein the first and second set of edge fingers are adapted to connect with an electrical connector associated with another module or a motherboard, an internal bus comprising a plurality of signal lines running from at least one of the first and second set of edge fingers to a flex tape connector connected at the second primary edge of the PCB between the first and second ends, and an electrical connector connected to the flex tape.
In still another aspect, the present invention provides a motherboard and a plurality of modules arranged from a first module to a last module, wherein the motherboard comprises a controller and a right-angle connector adapted to mechanically receive and electrically connect the first module, and wherein each one of the plurality of modules comprises a right-angle connector adapted to receive another one of the plurality of modules, such that, once connected via respective right-angle connectors, the motherboard and the plurality of modules are disposed in parallel one to another.


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