Modem backplane techniques
First Claim
1. In a modem system comprising a plurality of modems for modulating and demodulating data, transmitting said data via at least one telephone line and via at least one network, improved backplane apparatus for transmitting signals to and from said modems comprising in combination:
- first bus means for management signal communication with said modems at a predetermined first data rate;
second bus means for transmitting data between said telephone line and said modems at a predetermined second data rate greater than said first data rate;
third bus means for transmitting data between said modems and said network at a predetermined third data rate greater than said second data rate;
fourth bus means for distributing DC power and ground potential;
first impedance means for terminating said first bus means;
second impedance means for terminating said second bus means;
third impedance means for terminating said third bus means;
means for spacing said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means in layers in said backplane dependent on the data rate of said bus means;
a plurality of connector means for interconnecting circuit boards with said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means, each said connector means comprising an array of connectors arranged in rows and columns;
means for coupling said connectors to said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means according to a predetermined pattern dependent on the data rate of said bus means, whereby the number of connector means coupled to said first, second and third bus means can be increased.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved backplane apparatus for transmitting signals to and from a modem system. The modem system includes more than one modem for transmitting data via at least one telephone line and via at least one network. The modem system has a first bus for management signal communication with the modems at a predetermined first data rate, and a second bus for transmitting data between the telephone line and the modems at a predetermined second data rate greater than the first data rate. The modem system also has a third bus for transmitting data between the modems and the network at a predetermined third data rate greater than the second data rate, and a fourth bus for distributing DC power and ground potential. The modem system defines a first impedance for terminating the first bus, a second impedance for terminating the second bus, and a third impedance for terminating the third bus. Finally, the modem system has structure for spacing the busses in layers in the backplane dependent on the data rate of the bus, and a plurality of connector assemblies for interconnecting circuit boards with the busses. Each connector assembly comprises an array of connectors arranged in rows and columns. The connectors are coupled to the busses according to a predetermined pattern dependent on the data rate of the bus, whereby the number of connector assemblies coupled to the first, second and third busses can be increased.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. In a modem system comprising a plurality of modems for modulating and demodulating data, transmitting said data via at least one telephone line and via at least one network, improved backplane apparatus for transmitting signals to and from said modems comprising in combination:
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first bus means for management signal communication with said modems at a predetermined first data rate; second bus means for transmitting data between said telephone line and said modems at a predetermined second data rate greater than said first data rate; third bus means for transmitting data between said modems and said network at a predetermined third data rate greater than said second data rate; fourth bus means for distributing DC power and ground potential; first impedance means for terminating said first bus means; second impedance means for terminating said second bus means; third impedance means for terminating said third bus means; means for spacing said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means in layers in said backplane dependent on the data rate of said bus means; a plurality of connector means for interconnecting circuit boards with said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means, each said connector means comprising an array of connectors arranged in rows and columns; means for coupling said connectors to said first bus means, said second bus means, said third bus means and said fourth bus means according to a predetermined pattern dependent on the data rate of said bus means, whereby the number of connector means coupled to said first, second and third bus means can be increased. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification