Abstract
Blade servers are constantly moving towards higher data rates and smaller form factor resulting in complex routing choices to accommodate various chassis configurations. Flexible printed circuit (FPC) cables or flex cables serve as a good choice for interconnect medium in such densely configured server systems. In this paper, various challenges involved in designing a high speed serial link using flex cables are discussed. The impact of flex cable stack-up choice on signal integrity (SI) performance (impedance and loss) is studied. Sensitivity analysis on flex cable impedance and loss are performed by taking various flex cable design parameters into account using 3-D full wave modeling results. Best design practices needed for FPC cables are discussed in detail. Finally, SATA 3.0 interface is used as an example to demonstrate the design trade-offs of flex cable.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
