High speed databus utilizing point to multi-point interconnect non-contact coupler technology achieving a multi-point to multi-point interconnect

摘要

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 capactitive 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. <IMAGE>