CA2251084C - High speed databus utilizing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect - Google Patents
High speed databus utilizing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect Download PDFInfo
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- CA2251084C CA2251084C CA002251084A CA2251084A CA2251084C CA 2251084 C CA2251084 C CA 2251084C CA 002251084 A CA002251084 A CA 002251084A CA 2251084 A CA2251084 A CA 2251084A CA 2251084 C CA2251084 C CA 2251084C
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- transmission line
- databus
- slot
- point
- terminals
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/40—Bus structure
- G06F13/4063—Device-to-bus coupling
- G06F13/409—Mechanical coupling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/40—Bus structure
- G06F13/4063—Device-to-bus coupling
- G06F13/4068—Electrical coupling
- G06F13/4086—Bus impedance matching, e.g. termination
Abstract
A high-speed data bus utilizes non-contact coupler technology which allows point to multi-point broadcasting of a data signal to multiple sinks at very high (Gb/s) speeds. These point-to-multi-point data bus transmission lines can then be used to construct a higher order multi-point to multi-point data bus, without contention at the bus level, since data can be made to flow continuously along each transmission line. The non-contact technology is implemented as a series of taps on a transmission line; the taps operate by way of capacitive or inductive or directional coupling, which helps to isolate the transmission line from the loading effects of circuitry connected to the taps and permits low distortion and high speed operation. The transmission line may also be terminated in the same slot where it originates, and its outbound section may be etched on a single conductive layer in the backplane or midplane.
Description
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 HIGH ~ ;1) DATABUS UTILIZING POINT TO MULTI-POINT
INTERCONNECT NON-CONTACT COUPLER TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVING A
MULTI-POINT TO MULTI-POINT INTERCONNECT
s 10 ~IELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates tO a high speed databus lltili7ing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect. It is particularly conc~llled with a fault tolerant, high speed, low latency bus 15 allowing multiple circuit packs sharing a comrnon backplane or midplane to be interco~n.~c~
and have a multi-gigabit per second bandwidth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Non-contact, such as capacitive or inductive or directional, coupler technology has been suggested as a method of improving the pelroll.lance and the functionality of data and colll.llunications interconnect busses. However, few practical means have been provided by which these capacitively or inductively or directionally coupled buses can provide multi-point tO multi-point connections between various circuit packs connected to the bus.
-CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 U.S. Patent no. 3,619,504 to De Veer et al. issued November 9, 1971 discloses a high speed data tr~nsmi.csion network employing directional coupling elements that are spaced along a ~lA~ .ccion line to couple hlfollllation from the ~ .s...;csjon line to taps. De Veer discloses ~ ion lines with a single source and a plurality of sinks or, conversely, a 5 single sink and plurality of sources. De Veer also discloses a dual multiplex system for interconnf~cting two source circuits with two sink circuits. Source clc.llellls are respectively connf~cted to tr~ncmicsion lines. Spaced along each tr~ncmiscion line are two directional couplers, one connPcted to each sink circuit. Thus, a sink circuit is connf~cted to more than one stub line and is capable of receiving signals origin~ting from both sources.
U.S. Patent No. 5,638,402 to Osaka et al. issued June 10, 1997, discloses a bus transceiver or databus. It employs capacitive and inductive coupling between bus connector lines. Further, it discloses a plurality of two way circuits coupled through a non-contact bus.
U.S. Patent No. 5,365,205 to Wong issued November 15, 1994 discloses a backplane databus u-ili7ing directional couplers. The tr~ncmicsion line or conductive loop is termin~tf~
by a termination resistor in the circuit card which includes the driver for the tr~n.cmi.ccion line.
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved high speed databus utili~ing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-S point to multi-point inle.co~ ect. In one aspect a bus is provided that el;...;i~ s contention between signals tr~ncmitte~ along dirre~ell~ial signal lines. This type of contention is typically found on a two-way bus.
In one aspect there is provided a databus comprising: at least one con~ucting layer;
a plurality of slots; each slot having a plurality of termin~l.s; one of said plurality of t~.. ;.. ~lc comprising a source terminal for connec~ion to a source; said source terminal conn~octe-l to a tr~n.cmicsion line; said tr~ncmic.cion line, having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said tr~ncmicsion line, along its outbound portion, being a part of a single con-~ucting layer of said at least one con-1ucting layer; said tr~n.cmicsion line extending from the slot; another 15 of said plurality of terminals colllplisillg a sink terminal for connection to a sink; said sink terminal conn.octe~l to a tap; said tap extPn~ing proximate to a tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from a different slot, said tap being coupled with a non-contact coupler to the tr~n.cmiccion line origin~ting from a different slot.
In another aspect there is provided a databus comprising: a first con~lucting layer and a second con-lucting layer separated by an incnl~ting layer; a first slot having a plurality of . . . , _ _ CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 tPrTnin~l.c; one of said plurality of terminals COlllp~iSillg a first terminal for connection to a first source; said first source terminal conn~ctecl to a first tr~ncmi.csion line; said first tr~n.cmicsion line extPn~ling from the first slot; said first ~ ..,ic~ion line having an outbound portion and a return portion; said first tr~ncmi.csion line, along its outbound portion, being 5 a part of the first con~ cting layer; another of said plurality of te~...i..~l.c of the first slot comprising a first sink terminal for connection to a first sink; said first sink t~orTnin~l conntoctecl to a first tap; said first tap e~tton~ling proximate to a second tr~ncmicsion line origin~ting from a second slot, said first tap being coupled by a non-contact coupler to the tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from said second slot; said second slot having a plurality of 10 terminals; one of said plurality of termin~ls collll,lisillg a second source tPrmin~l for connection to a second source; said second source terminal connt~cting to said second tr~n.cmi.csion line; said second tr~ncmicsion line having an outbound portion and a return portion; said second tr~n.cmicsion line extending from the second slot; said second tr~n.cmic.cion line, along its outbound portion, being part of the second con~1ucting layer;
15 another of said plurality of terminals in the second slot comprising a second sink terminal for connection to a second sink; said second sink terminal connlocted to a second tap; said second tap extending proximate to a tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from a different slot, such that said second tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler to a tr~n.cmicsion line origin~ting from a different slot.
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 BRIEF DESCRIPIION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will be further understood with the following description with references to the drawings in which Figure 1 is an exploded schP~tic view of a databus in accolda lce with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schPrn~tic view of a databus in accordance with another embodirnent of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPI ION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A databus allows circuit packs, such as computer processors or memory, to exchange information by way of electric or electromagnetic signals. A databus has a number of connectors or slots where each individual circuit pack makes electrical connection with the databus. A slot is a series of terminals, typically in the nature of pinhole connectors, to receive a series of pins from a single circuit pack connector. A databus typically is made 20 up of a number of alternating con~ cting and incul~ting layers with each con~ucting layer having a series of contiUcting traces. When a circuit pack connector is inserted into a slot, . .
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 each pin enters a pinhole and makes connection with one terminal on each of the conrlucting layers. rhe location on the con~lcrinp trace where the electrical connection is made with the pin is a te~nin~l. A pin will typically pass through a number of con~1ucting and in~nl~ting layers. Where there is no electrical connection desired between a te~ AI and 5 another part of a con~lllcting layer, there is no con-ln~ting trace etched between the t~.lll;~l~l and any other part of that con~l~lcting layer. Alternatively, a pin may be penT~nPntiy attached to a terminal and extend through other layers and the surface of the databus. Such a pin is then inserted into a pinhole connector in a circuit pack.
Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a databus 240, which is one embo~iment of the present invention. The databus comprises alternating layers of etched con~ cting material 202,204 and in.~ul~tin~ material 207. The in~ ting layer 207 prevents electrical signals from travelling between one con~lucting layer 202 and another con-lucting layer 204. As will be appreciated bv those skilled in the art, in~ul~ting layer 207 could 15 comprise a ground plane sandwiched between two in~ul~ting sheets.
The databus 240 has a plurality of slots 206. These slots 206 have a plurality of terminals 208. A circuit pack connector 100 may be plugged into each slot. The circuit pack connector 100 has pins 102 to electrically connect it to the terminals 208 in the slot.
20 These pins allow the circuit pack connector 100 to transmit or receive data to or from the CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 databus 240. When data is tr~n~mitted on the databus 240 from a circuit pack in a slot it is received by another slot where another circuit pack is connPcted One of the tPrmin~l.c 208 in a first slot 209 comprises a first terrninal 210 for S connPction to a first source. This first source is a pin on a circuit pack connecLol 100a in the slot 209 which sends data signals. The first source terminal 210 is connPcted to a first tr~n.cmi~cion line 212. The first tr~n~mi.~sion line 212 extends from the first slot 209. The first tr~n~mi.~sion line 212 along its entire extent is a part of the first con~1ucting layer 202.
A plurality of tr~n~mi.~sion lines could be associated with each other, forming, for example, at least one pair of dirÇele-llial signal lines and a pair of clock signal lines. The clock signal deterrnines the sampling instant at the sink terminals when signals tran~mitted on the databus 240 are to be processed. In another implementation, such clock signals may be ernbPd~Pcl within the tr~n~mittecl signals by various encoding schemes, obviating the need for a separately tr~n.~mirte(l clock.
Another of the plurality of terminals 208 of the first slot 209 comprises a first sink terminal 214 for connection to a first sink. The first sink terminal 214 is connPcted to a first sink which is another pin on the circuit pack connector 100a that receives data. It should be noted that the terminals of a slot need not be located on the same con-lucting layer. For example, first sink terrninal 214 is on con-lurting layer 204 whereas the first source tPrrnin~
210 is on condllcting layer 202. The first sink terminal 214 is connPcte(l to a first tap 216.
This first tap 216 extends proximate to a second tr~n~mic~ion line 218 that origin~t~s from a second slot 220 such that the first tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler, such as a directional or c~r~eitive or inductive coupler, to the second L~ C~ion line 218 ori~ g from the second slot 220. Tr~n~mi.c.sion line 218 has an outbound portion 219a COIlly~ g the part which passes by taps such as first tap 216 and a return portion 219b which extends from beyond the last tap to the termination of the tr~n.~mi~.~ion line. The return portion 219b could be part of the same con~lucting layer 204 or a different con~ cting layer, such as con~lcting layer 202. The second slot also has a plurality of terminals 208. One of this plurality of terminals comprises a second source terminal 224 which is connPcted to the second tr~n.cmi~ion line 218. The second source terminal 224 is for connection to a second source which is a pin on the circuit pack connector 100b plugged into the second slot 220.
The second tr~n~mi~ion line 218 extends from the second slot and is along its entire extent part of the second con~cting layer 204. Another of the plurality of terminals in the second slot 220 comprises a second sink terminal 226 for connection to a second sink. The second sink terminal 226 is connPctecl to a second tap 228. The second tap 228 extends proximate to a tr~n.cmicsion line 232 origin~ting from another slot 230 such that the second tap 228 receives signals from tr~n~mi~sion line 232 origin~ting from slot 230.
Figure 2 shows a srh~m~tic of a databus 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Databus 300 has a plurality of slots 302a, 302b, .. 302n. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the invention allows circuit packs that utilize non-CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 contact coupler technology to send data to and receive data from other packs in slots in the same databus. In other words, although any single tr~ncmiccion line is point-to-multipoint, multi-point to multi-point tr~ncmiccion of signals in the databus is achieved. For example, this is achieved by routing the ~ csion line 304 from a source te,.--il-~l 306 in a slot 302c past taps 308, 312, 316 ~rt~.he~ to sink terminals 310, 314, 318 in every other slot 3021, 302m, 302n to which multi-point co...---~ iC~tion is desired for that tr~ncmiccion line 304. As a slot 302c can have a plurality of taps 320, 322,324, it can receive data from tr~n.cmicsion lines 326, 328, 330 origin~ting in a plurality of other slots 3021, 302m, 302n.
In this way multi-point to multi-point hllelco,~ection is achieved despite use of non-contact, 10 point-to-multipoint coupler technology.
As well it should be noted that a slot could have a plurality of source terminals. Each source terminal would be connected to a different tr~n.cmi.csion line which could be routed past the same or different slots.
A benefit of the present invention is that the source terminals only transmit data and the sink terminals only receive data. This elimin~tes contention at the bus level, typically found on a two-way bus.A further benefit of the present invention is that the outbound portion of each tr~n.cmiccion line from a particular slot may be etched on a single conductive 20 layer. This reduces signal reflections that could occur when a signal passes from one conductive layer to another and ensures that the delay between signals tlAI-.c~ e~
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 sim--lt~n.oously along differential signal lines and along clock signal lines is Illi~.i...i,~d Signal distortion and reflection can prevent a databus from operating at higher bit rates. A
minim~l delay is irnportant as it helps to ensure that sink terminals receiving a signal from a ~ sion line will receive the signal within a predictable tirne period after it is 5 trancmilted A tr~n.cmi.csion line is termin~ted in a number of different ways, for exarnple, the means for termination of a tr~n~mi.csion line 218 comprises a terrnination terminal 238 in the slot where the tr~n~mi.~sion line originates. In other words, the tr~n~mi~.cion line 218 loops 10 back around and is termin~ted on a tc~ &~ion terminal in the same slot where it origin~t-od.
This provides the advantage of improving fault tolerance in the databus.
Another means for termin~ting a tr~n~mi~sion line is illustrated by trancmi~sion line 212 which has a resistor 234 connected to ground. A further means of te~ g a 15 trancmi~sion line is illustrated by tr~n~mi~sion line 242 which has a connection through a resistor 237 to the supply plane 236. This provides the advantage of allowing the termination to be electrically biased to the supply plane 236. Although for illustrative purposes different tr~n.~mic.sion lines are shown with different types of terminations, typically, for any given databus, all tr~n~mi~sion lines will be termin~ttod in the same fashion.
., A databus in accordance with the present invention could be implennPntto~l on one con~l1cting layer.
Numerous mo-iific~tions, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular S embo~im~nt~ of the invention described above without det)~li~g from the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims.
INTERCONNECT NON-CONTACT COUPLER TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVING A
MULTI-POINT TO MULTI-POINT INTERCONNECT
s 10 ~IELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates tO a high speed databus lltili7ing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect. It is particularly conc~llled with a fault tolerant, high speed, low latency bus 15 allowing multiple circuit packs sharing a comrnon backplane or midplane to be interco~n.~c~
and have a multi-gigabit per second bandwidth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Non-contact, such as capacitive or inductive or directional, coupler technology has been suggested as a method of improving the pelroll.lance and the functionality of data and colll.llunications interconnect busses. However, few practical means have been provided by which these capacitively or inductively or directionally coupled buses can provide multi-point tO multi-point connections between various circuit packs connected to the bus.
-CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 U.S. Patent no. 3,619,504 to De Veer et al. issued November 9, 1971 discloses a high speed data tr~nsmi.csion network employing directional coupling elements that are spaced along a ~lA~ .ccion line to couple hlfollllation from the ~ .s...;csjon line to taps. De Veer discloses ~ ion lines with a single source and a plurality of sinks or, conversely, a 5 single sink and plurality of sources. De Veer also discloses a dual multiplex system for interconnf~cting two source circuits with two sink circuits. Source clc.llellls are respectively connf~cted to tr~ncmicsion lines. Spaced along each tr~ncmiscion line are two directional couplers, one connPcted to each sink circuit. Thus, a sink circuit is connf~cted to more than one stub line and is capable of receiving signals origin~ting from both sources.
U.S. Patent No. 5,638,402 to Osaka et al. issued June 10, 1997, discloses a bus transceiver or databus. It employs capacitive and inductive coupling between bus connector lines. Further, it discloses a plurality of two way circuits coupled through a non-contact bus.
U.S. Patent No. 5,365,205 to Wong issued November 15, 1994 discloses a backplane databus u-ili7ing directional couplers. The tr~ncmicsion line or conductive loop is termin~tf~
by a termination resistor in the circuit card which includes the driver for the tr~n.cmi.ccion line.
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved high speed databus utili~ing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-S point to multi-point inle.co~ ect. In one aspect a bus is provided that el;...;i~ s contention between signals tr~ncmitte~ along dirre~ell~ial signal lines. This type of contention is typically found on a two-way bus.
In one aspect there is provided a databus comprising: at least one con~ucting layer;
a plurality of slots; each slot having a plurality of termin~l.s; one of said plurality of t~.. ;.. ~lc comprising a source terminal for connec~ion to a source; said source terminal conn~octe-l to a tr~n.cmicsion line; said tr~ncmic.cion line, having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said tr~ncmicsion line, along its outbound portion, being a part of a single con-~ucting layer of said at least one con-1ucting layer; said tr~n.cmicsion line extending from the slot; another 15 of said plurality of terminals colllplisillg a sink terminal for connection to a sink; said sink terminal conn.octe~l to a tap; said tap extPn~ing proximate to a tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from a different slot, said tap being coupled with a non-contact coupler to the tr~n.cmiccion line origin~ting from a different slot.
In another aspect there is provided a databus comprising: a first con~lucting layer and a second con-lucting layer separated by an incnl~ting layer; a first slot having a plurality of . . . , _ _ CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 tPrTnin~l.c; one of said plurality of terminals COlllp~iSillg a first terminal for connection to a first source; said first source terminal conn~ctecl to a first tr~ncmi.csion line; said first tr~n.cmicsion line extPn~ling from the first slot; said first ~ ..,ic~ion line having an outbound portion and a return portion; said first tr~ncmi.csion line, along its outbound portion, being 5 a part of the first con~ cting layer; another of said plurality of te~...i..~l.c of the first slot comprising a first sink terminal for connection to a first sink; said first sink t~orTnin~l conntoctecl to a first tap; said first tap e~tton~ling proximate to a second tr~ncmicsion line origin~ting from a second slot, said first tap being coupled by a non-contact coupler to the tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from said second slot; said second slot having a plurality of 10 terminals; one of said plurality of termin~ls collll,lisillg a second source tPrmin~l for connection to a second source; said second source terminal connt~cting to said second tr~n.cmi.csion line; said second tr~ncmicsion line having an outbound portion and a return portion; said second tr~n.cmicsion line extending from the second slot; said second tr~n.cmic.cion line, along its outbound portion, being part of the second con~1ucting layer;
15 another of said plurality of terminals in the second slot comprising a second sink terminal for connection to a second sink; said second sink terminal connlocted to a second tap; said second tap extending proximate to a tr~ncmi.csion line origin~ting from a different slot, such that said second tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler to a tr~n.cmicsion line origin~ting from a different slot.
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 BRIEF DESCRIPIION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will be further understood with the following description with references to the drawings in which Figure 1 is an exploded schP~tic view of a databus in accolda lce with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schPrn~tic view of a databus in accordance with another embodirnent of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPI ION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A databus allows circuit packs, such as computer processors or memory, to exchange information by way of electric or electromagnetic signals. A databus has a number of connectors or slots where each individual circuit pack makes electrical connection with the databus. A slot is a series of terminals, typically in the nature of pinhole connectors, to receive a series of pins from a single circuit pack connector. A databus typically is made 20 up of a number of alternating con~ cting and incul~ting layers with each con~ucting layer having a series of contiUcting traces. When a circuit pack connector is inserted into a slot, . .
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 each pin enters a pinhole and makes connection with one terminal on each of the conrlucting layers. rhe location on the con~lcrinp trace where the electrical connection is made with the pin is a te~nin~l. A pin will typically pass through a number of con~1ucting and in~nl~ting layers. Where there is no electrical connection desired between a te~ AI and 5 another part of a con~lllcting layer, there is no con-ln~ting trace etched between the t~.lll;~l~l and any other part of that con~l~lcting layer. Alternatively, a pin may be penT~nPntiy attached to a terminal and extend through other layers and the surface of the databus. Such a pin is then inserted into a pinhole connector in a circuit pack.
Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a databus 240, which is one embo~iment of the present invention. The databus comprises alternating layers of etched con~ cting material 202,204 and in.~ul~tin~ material 207. The in~ ting layer 207 prevents electrical signals from travelling between one con~lucting layer 202 and another con-lucting layer 204. As will be appreciated bv those skilled in the art, in~ul~ting layer 207 could 15 comprise a ground plane sandwiched between two in~ul~ting sheets.
The databus 240 has a plurality of slots 206. These slots 206 have a plurality of terminals 208. A circuit pack connector 100 may be plugged into each slot. The circuit pack connector 100 has pins 102 to electrically connect it to the terminals 208 in the slot.
20 These pins allow the circuit pack connector 100 to transmit or receive data to or from the CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 databus 240. When data is tr~n~mitted on the databus 240 from a circuit pack in a slot it is received by another slot where another circuit pack is connPcted One of the tPrmin~l.c 208 in a first slot 209 comprises a first terrninal 210 for S connPction to a first source. This first source is a pin on a circuit pack connecLol 100a in the slot 209 which sends data signals. The first source terminal 210 is connPcted to a first tr~n.cmi~cion line 212. The first tr~n~mi.~sion line 212 extends from the first slot 209. The first tr~n~mi.~sion line 212 along its entire extent is a part of the first con~1ucting layer 202.
A plurality of tr~n~mi.~sion lines could be associated with each other, forming, for example, at least one pair of dirÇele-llial signal lines and a pair of clock signal lines. The clock signal deterrnines the sampling instant at the sink terminals when signals tran~mitted on the databus 240 are to be processed. In another implementation, such clock signals may be ernbPd~Pcl within the tr~n~mittecl signals by various encoding schemes, obviating the need for a separately tr~n.~mirte(l clock.
Another of the plurality of terminals 208 of the first slot 209 comprises a first sink terminal 214 for connection to a first sink. The first sink terminal 214 is connPcted to a first sink which is another pin on the circuit pack connector 100a that receives data. It should be noted that the terminals of a slot need not be located on the same con-lucting layer. For example, first sink terrninal 214 is on con-lurting layer 204 whereas the first source tPrrnin~
210 is on condllcting layer 202. The first sink terminal 214 is connPcte(l to a first tap 216.
This first tap 216 extends proximate to a second tr~n~mic~ion line 218 that origin~t~s from a second slot 220 such that the first tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler, such as a directional or c~r~eitive or inductive coupler, to the second L~ C~ion line 218 ori~ g from the second slot 220. Tr~n~mi.c.sion line 218 has an outbound portion 219a COIlly~ g the part which passes by taps such as first tap 216 and a return portion 219b which extends from beyond the last tap to the termination of the tr~n.~mi~.~ion line. The return portion 219b could be part of the same con~lucting layer 204 or a different con~ cting layer, such as con~lcting layer 202. The second slot also has a plurality of terminals 208. One of this plurality of terminals comprises a second source terminal 224 which is connPcted to the second tr~n.cmi~ion line 218. The second source terminal 224 is for connection to a second source which is a pin on the circuit pack connector 100b plugged into the second slot 220.
The second tr~n~mi~ion line 218 extends from the second slot and is along its entire extent part of the second con~cting layer 204. Another of the plurality of terminals in the second slot 220 comprises a second sink terminal 226 for connection to a second sink. The second sink terminal 226 is connPctecl to a second tap 228. The second tap 228 extends proximate to a tr~n.cmicsion line 232 origin~ting from another slot 230 such that the second tap 228 receives signals from tr~n~mi~sion line 232 origin~ting from slot 230.
Figure 2 shows a srh~m~tic of a databus 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Databus 300 has a plurality of slots 302a, 302b, .. 302n. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the invention allows circuit packs that utilize non-CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 contact coupler technology to send data to and receive data from other packs in slots in the same databus. In other words, although any single tr~ncmiccion line is point-to-multipoint, multi-point to multi-point tr~ncmiccion of signals in the databus is achieved. For example, this is achieved by routing the ~ csion line 304 from a source te,.--il-~l 306 in a slot 302c past taps 308, 312, 316 ~rt~.he~ to sink terminals 310, 314, 318 in every other slot 3021, 302m, 302n to which multi-point co...---~ iC~tion is desired for that tr~ncmiccion line 304. As a slot 302c can have a plurality of taps 320, 322,324, it can receive data from tr~n.cmicsion lines 326, 328, 330 origin~ting in a plurality of other slots 3021, 302m, 302n.
In this way multi-point to multi-point hllelco,~ection is achieved despite use of non-contact, 10 point-to-multipoint coupler technology.
As well it should be noted that a slot could have a plurality of source terminals. Each source terminal would be connected to a different tr~n.cmi.csion line which could be routed past the same or different slots.
A benefit of the present invention is that the source terminals only transmit data and the sink terminals only receive data. This elimin~tes contention at the bus level, typically found on a two-way bus.A further benefit of the present invention is that the outbound portion of each tr~n.cmiccion line from a particular slot may be etched on a single conductive 20 layer. This reduces signal reflections that could occur when a signal passes from one conductive layer to another and ensures that the delay between signals tlAI-.c~ e~
CA 022~1084 1998-10-21 sim--lt~n.oously along differential signal lines and along clock signal lines is Illi~.i...i,~d Signal distortion and reflection can prevent a databus from operating at higher bit rates. A
minim~l delay is irnportant as it helps to ensure that sink terminals receiving a signal from a ~ sion line will receive the signal within a predictable tirne period after it is 5 trancmilted A tr~n.cmi.csion line is termin~ted in a number of different ways, for exarnple, the means for termination of a tr~n~mi.csion line 218 comprises a terrnination terminal 238 in the slot where the tr~n~mi.~sion line originates. In other words, the tr~n~mi~.cion line 218 loops 10 back around and is termin~ted on a tc~ &~ion terminal in the same slot where it origin~t-od.
This provides the advantage of improving fault tolerance in the databus.
Another means for termin~ting a tr~n~mi~sion line is illustrated by trancmi~sion line 212 which has a resistor 234 connected to ground. A further means of te~ g a 15 trancmi~sion line is illustrated by tr~n~mi~sion line 242 which has a connection through a resistor 237 to the supply plane 236. This provides the advantage of allowing the termination to be electrically biased to the supply plane 236. Although for illustrative purposes different tr~n.~mic.sion lines are shown with different types of terminations, typically, for any given databus, all tr~n~mi~sion lines will be termin~ttod in the same fashion.
., A databus in accordance with the present invention could be implennPntto~l on one con~l1cting layer.
Numerous mo-iific~tions, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular S embo~im~nt~ of the invention described above without det)~li~g from the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims.
Claims (19)
1. A databus comprising:
at least one conducting layer;
a plurality of slots;
each slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminals comprising a source terminal for connection to a source;
said source terminal connected to a transmission line;
said transmission line, having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said transmission line, along its outbound portion, being a part of a single connecting layer of said at least one conducting layer;
said transmission line extending from the slot;
another of said plurality of terminals comprising a sink terminal for connection to a sink;
said sink terminal connected to a tap;
said tap extending proximate to a transmission line originating from a different slot, said tap being coupled with a non-contact coupler to the transmission line originating from a different slot.
at least one conducting layer;
a plurality of slots;
each slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminals comprising a source terminal for connection to a source;
said source terminal connected to a transmission line;
said transmission line, having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said transmission line, along its outbound portion, being a part of a single connecting layer of said at least one conducting layer;
said transmission line extending from the slot;
another of said plurality of terminals comprising a sink terminal for connection to a sink;
said sink terminal connected to a tap;
said tap extending proximate to a transmission line originating from a different slot, said tap being coupled with a non-contact coupler to the transmission line originating from a different slot.
2. A databus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-contact coupler is a capacitive coupler.
3. A databus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-contact coupler is an inductive coupler.
4. The databus of claim 1 wherein said non-contact coupler is a directional coupler.
5. A databus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transmission line includes a means for termination.
6. The databus of claim 5 in which said means for termination comprises a termination terminal in the slot where said tranmission line originates.
7. The databus of claim 5 in which said means of termination comprises a resistor connected to ground.
8. The databus of claim S in which said means of termination comprises a connector connecting said transmission line through a resistor to a supply plane.
9. A databus comprising:
a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer separated by an insulating layer;
a first slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminals comprising a first terminal for connection to a first source;
said first source terminal connected to a first transmission line;
said first transmission line extending from the first slot;
said first transmission line having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said first transmission line, along its outbound portion, being a part of the first conducting layer;
another of said plurality of terminals of the first slot comprising a first sink terminal for connection to a first sink;
said first sink terminal connected to a first tap;
said first tap extending proximate to a second transmission line originating from a second slot, said first tap being coupled by a non-contact coupler to the transmission line originating from said second slot:
said second slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminal comprising a second source terminal for connection to a second source;
said second source terminal connecting to said second transmission line;
said second transmission line having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said second transmission line extending from the second slot;
said second transmission line, along its outbound portion, being part of the second conducting layer;
another of said plurality of terminals in the second slot comprising a second sink terminal for connection to a second sink;
said second sink terminal connected to a second tap;
said second tap extending proximate to a transmission line originating from a different slot, such that said second tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler to a transmission line originating from a different slot.
a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer separated by an insulating layer;
a first slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminals comprising a first terminal for connection to a first source;
said first source terminal connected to a first transmission line;
said first transmission line extending from the first slot;
said first transmission line having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said first transmission line, along its outbound portion, being a part of the first conducting layer;
another of said plurality of terminals of the first slot comprising a first sink terminal for connection to a first sink;
said first sink terminal connected to a first tap;
said first tap extending proximate to a second transmission line originating from a second slot, said first tap being coupled by a non-contact coupler to the transmission line originating from said second slot:
said second slot having a plurality of terminals;
one of said plurality of terminal comprising a second source terminal for connection to a second source;
said second source terminal connecting to said second transmission line;
said second transmission line having an outbound portion and a return portion;
said second transmission line extending from the second slot;
said second transmission line, along its outbound portion, being part of the second conducting layer;
another of said plurality of terminals in the second slot comprising a second sink terminal for connection to a second sink;
said second sink terminal connected to a second tap;
said second tap extending proximate to a transmission line originating from a different slot, such that said second tap is coupled with a non-contact coupler to a transmission line originating from a different slot.
10. A databus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said non-contact coupler is a capacitive coupler.
11. A databus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said non-contact coupler is an inductive coupler.
12. The databus of claim 9 wherein said non-contact coupler is a directional coupler.
13. A databus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said transmission line includes a means for termination.
14. The databus of claim 13 in which said means for termination comprises a termination terminal in the slot where said transmission line originates.
15. The databus of claim 14 wherein a plurality of transmission lines are associated with each other to form at least one differential signal pair.
16. The databus of claim 15 wherein said plurality of transmission lines are associated with at least one clock pair.
17. The databus of claim 13 in which said means of termination comprises a resistor connected to ground.
18. The databus of claim 13 in which said means of termination comprises a connector connecting said transmission line through a resistor to a supply plane.
19. The databus of claim 13 wherein said first slot has at least two source terminals.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/962,291 | 1997-10-31 | ||
| US08/962,291 US6091739A (en) | 1997-10-31 | 1997-10-31 | High speed databus utilizing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2251084A1 CA2251084A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 |
| CA2251084C true CA2251084C (en) | 2001-08-07 |
Family
ID=25505673
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002251084A Expired - Fee Related CA2251084C (en) | 1997-10-31 | 1998-10-21 | High speed databus utilizing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6091739A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0913776A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2251084C (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6446152B1 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2002-09-03 | Nortel Networks Limited | System and method for multi-coupling digital signals and a backplane data bus with multi-coupling of digital signals |
| US6697420B1 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2004-02-24 | Intel Corporation | Symbol-based signaling for an electromagnetically-coupled bus system |
| US6449308B1 (en) * | 1999-05-25 | 2002-09-10 | Intel Corporation | High-speed digital distribution system |
| US6563358B1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2003-05-13 | Nortel Networks Limited | Technique for distributing common phase clock signals |
| US20030002541A1 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2003-01-02 | Fowler Michael L. | Mid-connect architecture with point-to-point connections for high speed data transfer |
| US20040023558A1 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-02-05 | Fowler Michael L. | Mid-connect architecture with point-to-point connections for high speed data transfer |
| US7088198B2 (en) * | 2002-06-05 | 2006-08-08 | Intel Corporation | Controlling coupling strength in electromagnetic bus coupling |
| US6887095B2 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2005-05-03 | Intel Corporation | Electromagnetic coupler registration and mating |
| EP2252938A2 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2010-11-24 | Rambus Inc. | Multi-drop signaling system and method employing source-termination |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1548848A (en) * | 1967-01-13 | 1968-12-06 | ||
| US3863024A (en) * | 1973-12-26 | 1975-01-28 | Ibm | Directional coupled data transmission system |
| US4029902A (en) * | 1975-10-22 | 1977-06-14 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Contiguous channel multiplexer |
| US4575780A (en) * | 1984-04-03 | 1986-03-11 | Northern Telecom Limited | Backpanel assemblies |
| EP0561309B1 (en) * | 1992-03-16 | 1997-05-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Device for transferring electrical signals and electric energy to the memory device of a cassette |
| US5365205A (en) * | 1993-05-20 | 1994-11-15 | Northern Telecom Limited | Backplane databus utilizing directional couplers |
| US5432486A (en) * | 1993-05-20 | 1995-07-11 | Northern Telecom Limited | Capacitive and inductive coupling connector |
| JP3399630B2 (en) * | 1993-09-27 | 2003-04-21 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Bus system |
-
1997
- 1997-10-31 US US08/962,291 patent/US6091739A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-10-21 CA CA002251084A patent/CA2251084C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-10-29 EP EP98308867A patent/EP0913776A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0913776A2 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
| US6091739A (en) | 2000-07-18 |
| CA2251084A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 |
| EP0913776A3 (en) | 2000-07-12 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |