JPH10268977A - Signal connecting method between cards and plural substrate connecting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save a space and a cost by providing a signal line connecting with an adjacent card and a card detecting line, repeating opening of a buffer between cards and connecting of the signal line when a card is inserted to the next line, and transferring a signal. SOLUTION: A mother board 1 is provided with many correctors 2a. The connector 2a is provided with four terminals 9a to 9d, two terminals among the four terminals 9a to 9d are corrected with the terminal of an adjacent connector 2a, one of the remaining two terminals makes a signal line 5 and the other makes a card detecting line 6. In addition, a base board 3a among respective cards is provided with two terminals connected with a buffer 7a. In addition to this, a card 4a is provided with totally four terminals: a terminal receiving a signal from the line 6, a terminal receiving a signal to the buffer 7 in addition to two terminals connected to the buffer 7a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(1) The present invention relates to a method for connecting signals between cards used in a computer system configured by inserting various cards into a rack, and (2) a plant configured by combining a CPU board and an IO board. Board and IO that constitute a control module such as
The present invention relates to a connection structure between substrates. (Explanation of terms) (1) The board includes a base board, an option board, and a motherboard. (2) A base board (hereinafter, also referred to as a base card) is a board having a basic function. When a card is used in combination, at least one of the boards is required to have a basic function. Say that. (3) An option board (hereinafter, also referred to as an option card) is a board that is used as needed, and the number thereof varies depending on the case. (4) The motherboard is one that is interposed between the base board and the option board and connects signals between them. Usually, the motherboard is installed on the back of the rack. (5) A rack is basically a box for holding and supporting boards and the like.
When inserting an option board, install the motherboard on the back of the rack. (6) The buffer is a signal amplifier used for transmitting a signal, and has a function of transmitting and stopping the signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The prior art is shown in FIGS. FIG.
Is an external view of FIGS. 6 and 7 of the related art, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a conventional card configuration (No. 1), and FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional card configuration (No. 2) and FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram (part 3) of a conventional card configuration. (1) Signal Connection Method Between Cards FIG. 5 shows a board arrangement in the rack 11 according to a conventional method.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 11 denotes a rack into which a card is inserted, and a card group 012 to be used in combination is arranged in the rack. This card group 012 is
Consists of three or four IO boards, and an empty 1
There are eight.

[0004] One end of the card group 012 is a base board 03. In a computer system configured by inserting various cards into the rack 11 as shown in FIG. 5, when a function is realized by combining a plurality of cards, signal exchange between the cards is usually performed by a connector support. (Motherboard).

[0005] Since signals are collected through the motherboard, the signals are fixed and the base card (base card,
Alternatively, the position of the base board in the rack 11 and the maximum number of option cards (option boards) are limited.

For this reason, the number of functions configured in the rack 11 is limited, and when the number of option boards used is small, an empty space 18 is generated in the rack 11 and the use efficiency is reduced.

FIG. 5 shows a case where four connectors are connected. (There may be three or more than five). In this figure, a power supply, a processor in a CPU board, and the like are not shown.

FIG. 6 showing a block diagram (part 1) of a conventional card configuration shows a case where four connectors are connected by four. (There may be three or more than five).

When one CPU board and one IO board are provided, two empty spaces 18 are formed, and one CPU board and three IO boards are provided.
There is no space for the base. (2) Connection device and connection method between CPU board and IO board A control module including a CPU board and an IO board, which is configured using a conventional bus connection method when electrical insulation is required between different control modules. The structure of the structure is shown in FIGS.

FIG. 7 showing a block diagram (part 2) of a conventional card configuration shows a case where a connector support base for three connectors and a connector support base for two connectors are arranged side by side. (There may be more than three).

All connectors in each connector support are connected. The empty space 18 may not be required. Control module 1
A dedicated connector support is required for every two cards required.

[0012] There is one type of IO board. The method of FIG.
Although used in a VME, a multi-bus system, and the like, control modules that need to be insulated need to perform bus connection using separate motherboards.

In FIG. 8 showing a block diagram (part 3) of a conventional card configuration, all the connectors on the connector support are connected. The empty space 18 may not be required.

However, it is necessary to provide the optical insulating element 19 on the CPU board and the IO board. In the method of FIG. 8, electrical insulation between control modules is ensured by mounting an optical insulating element indicated by P / C on each substrate and using an insulating power supply as a power supply for the substrate.

[0015]

However, the prior art has the following problems. (1) Problems on the Method of Connecting Signals Between Cards (a) In the conventional method, the position of the baseboard 03 in the rack 11 is fixed by the motherboard 1.

(B) For this reason, there is a case where the use efficiency in the rack 11 is reduced (a case where an empty space is generated). (2) Problems with connection device between CPU board and IO board (a) In the device of FIG. 7, since a separate motherboard must be used for each control module,
Cost reduction cannot be achieved.

(B) In the apparatus shown in FIG. 8, arbitration of the data bus is required because a large number of optical isolation elements must be mounted on the board, and a plurality of CPU boards serving as bus masters exist on the same data bus. Since the circuit needs to be added to the CPU board, the number of components increases and the size of the board increases, so that space saving and cost reduction cannot be achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure for a plurality of substrates that can solve these problems.

[0018]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(First Means) The method of connecting signals between cards when the cards according to the present invention are combined is described in (A) when a plurality of option boards are combined with a base board and used in a rack. Even if the number of option boards 4 changes, the signal line 5 and the card detection line 6 connected to the adjacent card must be connected in order to exchange signals between the cards so that the number of cards that can be inserted into the rack 11 is maximized. (B) If a card is inserted next to the card, the buffer 7 between the cards is opened, the connection of the signal line 5 is repeated, and the signal transfer is performed.

That is, the invention of the first means is (1) for detecting whether or not a card to be combined is inserted next to the card itself and whether or not the card to be combined with the card itself is inserted. Providing a signal, (2) opening a buffer 7 between the cards if a card to be combined with the card itself is inserted, connecting a signal line, and (3) repeating this between the combined cards. , The signal is transferred.

Therefore, the operation is as follows. (1) In the present invention, the wiring on the motherboard 1 is provided uniformly for simply connecting the connector 2 between the cards, and whether or not to transmit a signal is determined by the buffer 7 in the card.
It depends on whether you open it.

Only when an option card is inserted adjacently, the card detection signal becomes valid and the buffer 7 is opened. By repeating this, an optional number of option cards 4 can be connected to the base board 3, and the position of the base board 3 can be freely determined. (Second Means) In the connection structure for a plurality of substrates according to the present invention, in the connection structure for a plurality of substrates, (A) a signal line for connecting only between adjacent substrates, and (B) a signal from an adjacent substrate is used. A substrate provided with means for receiving the signal via the signal line and transmitting the signal via the signal line to another adjacent substrate. (Third Means) In the connection structure for a plurality of substrates according to the present invention, in the connection structure for a plurality of substrates, (A) a signal line for connecting only between adjacent substrates, and (B) a signal from an adjacent substrate is used. (C) a board provided with means for receiving the signal via a signal line and sending the signal to another adjacent board;
A child is provided with only a signal line connected to one of adjacent substrates and a substrate provided with means for transmitting or receiving a signal. (Fourth Means) In the connection structure for a plurality of substrates according to the present invention, in the connection structure for a plurality of substrates, (A) a detection signal line for connecting only between adjacent substrates and (B) a connection for only between adjacent substrates. (C) (i) first means for transmitting a signal indicating the existence of the data signal line to the detection signal line, and (ii) the first signal on the adjacent substrate.
A substrate provided with both means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent substrate via a data signal line only when a signal transmitted via the detection signal line from the means is received. It is characterized by having. (Fifth means) In the connection structure of a plurality of substrates according to the present invention, in the connection structure of a plurality of substrates, (A) a detection signal line connecting only between adjacent substrates and (B) a connection only between adjacent substrates. (C) (i) first means for transmitting a signal indicating the existence of the data signal line to the detection signal line, and (ii) the first signal on the adjacent substrate.
A board provided with both means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent board via a data signal line only when a signal sent via the detection signal line from the means is received; D) Only means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent substrate via the data signal line only when receiving a signal sent from the first means on the adjacent substrate via the detection signal line Has been established,
And (c) a substrate not provided with the means (i).

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the invention of the second means to the fifth means comprises a CPU board 3b and an IO board 4b.
To the signal lines 5, 6 on the connector support base (motherboard) 1.
To form a control module.

5 is a data bus, 6 is a bus control signal line, and 6 is an address signal on the IO board 4b.
And the like for switching the direction of the gate IC. The power supply to each board is performed collectively from the power supply line 16,
An operating power supply for the circuit inside the board is generated by an insulating power supply 13 mounted on each board.

The connection of the power supply and the signal between the connector support base (mother board) 1 and each board is performed via the connector 2b. The wiring of the data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 on the motherboard is not a method of connecting all the connectors with one line on the bus as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but only between adjacent connectors as shown in FIG. To connect.

When the IO board is attached to any of the connectors, the data bus and the bus control signal line on the motherboard 1 on both sides of the connector are determined by the wiring pattern of 5 data buses and 6 bus control signal lines in the IO board. Are connected by bypass.

The CPU board 3b does not have this bypass function. When the CPU board 3b is mounted on the motherboard 1,
Only on one side of the signal line of the motherboard coming from both sides,
The data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 in the CPU board are connected.

The arrangement of the CPU board 3b and the IO board 4b constituting one control module is such that the CPU board is placed at the end, and the IO boards are arranged continuously from the next, and as shown in FIG. The line is extended via the IO board.

Therefore, the operation is as follows. In the control module 12 of FIG. 4, the IO board 4b is continuously attached to the connector adjacent to the CPU board 3b as a starting point, so that the data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 in the control module are extended. CPU board 3b and IO board 4
The exchange of data between b becomes possible.

When a plurality of control modules are formed using one motherboard 1, a CPU board 3b of the next control module is arranged next to the endmost IO board 4b forming a certain control module. The IO board 4b of the control module is arranged continuously from the next.

Since the data bus and the bus control signal line from the CPU board 3b are connected to only one side, as shown in FIG. 4, the data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 of the previous control module are The control module is cut once by the connector to which the CPU board 3b is attached. For the next control module, a completely different data bus 5 and bus control signal line 6 are formed.

A separate data bus 5 is provided for each control module.
And the bus control signal line 6, and by mounting an insulated power supply on the CPU board 3b and the IO board 4b constituting the control module, one board can be provided without adding a data bus adjustment circuit or an insulating element. A plurality of electrically isolated control modules can be configured using the motherboard of the present invention.

The connector 2b on the motherboard 1 has no distinction between a CPU board and an IO board, and assigns a common signal to the connector 2b. Therefore, any connector is required according to the number of boards required for the configuration of the control module. The board can be arranged on the motherboard starting from the connector.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) The first embodiment relates to a method and an apparatus for connecting signals between cards. First of the present invention
1 to 3 are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram (No. 1) of a card configuration of the first embodiment, (when there is one IO board), FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram (part 2) of the card configuration according to the first embodiment (when there is one or more IO boards).

1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a connector support (motherboard), 2 denotes a connector for connecting a motherboard and a card, 3 denotes a CPU board (base board or base card), 4 denotes an IO board (input / output board or option). 5) a signal line (signal line or data bus) 6 is a card detection line (bus control signal line) 7 is a buffer, which is open (energized) when connected to ground via the card detection line .

Reference numeral 8 is a ground, and 9 is a connection pin. The cards 3 and 4 are cards composed of a combination.

The motherboard 1 is provided with a number of connectors 2. The connector 2 is provided with four terminals, two of the four terminals are connected to terminals of the adjacent connector 2, and one of the remaining two terminals is connected to the signal line 5.
And the other is a card detection line 6.

In each card, the base board 3 has two terminals connected to the buffer 7. Separately, card 4 contains buffer 7
And two terminals connected to the ground 8 for receiving a signal from the card detection line 6 and a buffer 7 for receiving a signal.

FIG. 1 shows the board arrangement in the rack 11 in the method of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 11 is a rack for inserting cards, 12 is a card group used in combination, and 3 is a base board in the card group.

The motherboard 1 composed of two cards shown in FIG. 2 has a base board 3a, an option card 4a, a base board 3a, and an option card 4a from the left side of FIG.
Will be repeatedly arranged.

On the motherboard 1 composed of three cards shown in FIG. 3, the base board 3a, the option card 4a, the option card 4a, and then the base board 3a, the option card 4a, and the option card 4a are repeatedly arranged from the left side of FIG. Will be done.

The IO board may be of one type (there is no need to provide two types, one for the intermediate and one for the termination). (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment relates to a connection device between a CPU board and an IO board.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a substrate connection structure according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment,
(A) A single CPU board on which a processor for executing data processing and control operation is mounted on a printed board, and a single IO board mounted on a printed board for a circuit for inputting and outputting signals. A control module that connects signals between the board and the IO board via wiring on a printed board called a motherboard attached to a board insertion rack,
(C) In a control module such as a plant having independent functions, a CPU board of a plurality of control modules and IO
Signal between boards can be connected by one motherboard, CP
The arrangement is such that there is no restriction on the arrangement of the U board 3b and the IO board 4b on the motherboard 1, and a bus connection structure for ensuring electrical insulation between the control modules.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control module 12
Is composed of one CPU board 3b on which the processor 14 is mounted and several IO boards 4b on which the input / output circuit 15 is mounted.

The power supply to each substrate is collectively performed from the power supply line 16 of the motherboard 1 via the connector 2b, and the insulated power supply 13 on each substrate generates the operation power of the internal circuit of the substrate.

A data bus 5 for exchanging signals between the CPU board 3b and the IO board 4b, and a bus control signal line 6 including an address signal, a direction switching signal for the gate IC 7b, etc., are provided on the motherboard 1 between adjacent connectors. By connecting only the IO board 4b to the connector, the data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 are extended.

The CPU board 3b does not have the function of extending the data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6. In the second embodiment, when configuring the control module, the IO board 4b
Has been arranged.

The data bus 5 and the bus control signal line 6 of the upper control module in FIG. 4 are disconnected at the connector 2b to which the lower CPU board is attached, and the CPU board is used as a starting point for the next control module. A data bus 5 and a bus control signal line 6 extend. One type of IO board may be used (there is no need to provide two types, one for the intermediate and one for the termination).

[0049]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. (1) According to the method of the present invention, the number of cards used in combination can be freely changed without lowering the use efficiency in the rack. (2) A plurality of units can be inserted into the same rack. (3) With the connection structure of a plurality of boards according to the present invention, a control module including one CPU board and several IO boards can be mounted on a single motherboard without adding new electronic circuits and components. Control module CP
Signals can be connected between the U board and the IO board, and electrical insulation between the control modules can be ensured. (4) Further, since each control module may be disposed at any connector on the motherboard as a starting point, the size and cost of each control module and the space and cost of the entire system are reduced. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a card configuration according to the first embodiment (when there is one IO board each).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a card configuration according to the first embodiment (when there is one or more IO boards).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a substrate connection structure according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a board arrangement in a rack according to the related art.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram (part 1) of a conventional card configuration.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram (part 2) of a conventional card configuration.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram (part 3) of a conventional card configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

02a, 02b ... connectors 03a, 03b, 03c ... CPU base (base board o
r Base card) 05: Signal line (signal line or data bus) 06: Card detection line (bus control signal line) 07a, 07b, 07c: Buffer (gate IC or gate circuit) 012: Card group (control module) 1, 1a: Connector support base (motherboard) 2a, 2b: Connector 3, 3a, 3b: CPU board (base board or base card) 4, 4a, 4b: IO board (input / output board or option card) 5: Signal line (signal Line or data bus 6 Card detection line (bus control signal line) 7a, 7b Buffer (gate IC or gate circuit) 8 Ground 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e Connection pin 11 Rack 12 Card group (Control module) 13: Isolated power supply 14: Processor 15: Input / output circuit 16, 16a: Power supply line Down 18 ... free 19 ... optical isolation element 21, 21a, 21b ... IO board (input and output base or option card)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A method of connecting signals between cards when a plurality of option boards are combined with a base board and used in a rack, wherein (A) the number of option boards (4) changes even when the number of option boards (4) changes. In order to exchange signals between the cards so that the number of cards that can be inserted into (11) is maximized, a signal line (5) connected to an adjacent card and a card detection line (6) are provided. If a card is inserted into the card, the buffer (7) between the cards is opened, the signal line (5) is repeatedly connected, and the signal is exchanged. Signal connection method. 2. A connection structure for a plurality of substrates, wherein (A) a signal line for connecting only between adjacent substrates, and (B) a signal from an adjacent substrate is received via the signal line and an adjacent one of the signals is received. A connection structure for a plurality of substrates, comprising: a substrate provided with a means for transmitting the signal through a signal line to one of the substrates. 3. A connection structure for a plurality of substrates, wherein (A) a signal line for connecting only between adjacent substrates, and (B) a signal from an adjacent substrate is received via the signal line, and another adjacent signal is received. A child having a substrate provided with a means for transmitting the signal on one substrate, and (C) a substrate provided with a means for transmitting or receiving a signal only with a signal line connected to one of the adjacent substrates. A connection structure for a plurality of substrates. 4. A connection structure for a plurality of substrates, wherein (A) a detection signal line connecting only between adjacent substrates, (B) a data signal line connecting only between adjacent substrates,
(C) (i) a first means for transmitting a signal indicating the existence of the detection signal line to the detection signal line, and (ii) a signal from the first means on an adjacent substrate via the detection signal line. A board provided with both means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent board via a data signal line only when a transmitted signal is received; and Connection structure. 5. In a connection structure of a plurality of substrates, (A) a detection signal line connecting only between adjacent substrates, (B) a data signal line connecting only between adjacent substrates,
(C) (i) a first means for transmitting a signal indicating the existence of the detection signal line to the detection signal line, and (ii) a signal from the first means on an adjacent substrate via the detection signal line. A board provided with both means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent board via a data signal line only when a transmitted signal is received; and (D) the first board on the adjacent board. Only means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the adjacent substrate via the data signal line is provided only when a signal sent via the detection signal line from the means is received. And a substrate not provided with the first means for transmitting a signal indicating that the signal is present to the detection signal line.