Mid-connect architecture with point-to-point connections for high speed data transfer

摘要

A mid-connect interconnection system for coupling a plurality of function cards to one another via a plurality of switch cards. The connection may be established using direct connectors of very short length to provide high-speed transmission with little to no reflection concerns. The connectors are arranged such that the function cards are not connected in parallel with the switch cards. The mid-connect arrangement provides connector access points or locations corresponding in number to the number of switch cards multiplied by the number of line cards. The connectors are formed as one or more pairs of connectors, attached to the switch and function cards, to enable multi-channel point-to-point connections for full input and output among function cards. Each of the switch cards and each of the function cards includes a transceiver driver to enable high speed switching. The arrangement of cards provides broadband throughput on the order of Terabits per second.