Apparatus and method for high-speed SAS link protocol testing
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsPaul Fuller, Arthur J. Gregorcyk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for changing a connection between two serial components on the same circuit board. The apparatus comprises at least one column, and each column includes first, second, third and fourth pads. The first pad communicates with a first breakout connector disposed on the circuit board. The second pad communicates with a second breakout connector disposed on the circuit board. The third pad communicates with one of the serial components. The fourth pad communicates with the other of the serial components and with the third pad during normal operation.
Claims19
A method for testing a link between two serial components on the same circuit board, the method comprising:
- providing at least one column, each column including first, second, third and fourth pads;
- providing a first breakout connector disposed on the circuit board and communicating with the first pad;
- providing a second breakout connector disposed on the circuit board and communicating with the second pad;
- connecting the third pad and one of the serial components;
- connecting the fourth pad with the other of the serial components and with the third pad for normal operation;
- and
- establishing a connection between the third pad and the first pad, and between the fourth pad and the second pad.
An apparatus for testing a connection between two serial components on the same circuit board, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one column, each column including first, second, third and fourth pads;
- the first pad communicating with a first breakout connector disposed on the circuit board;
- the second pad communicating with a second breakout connector disposed on the circuit board;
- the third pad communicating with one of the serial components and with the first pad;
- and
- the fourth pad communicating with the other of the serial components and with the second pad.
A circuit board comprising:
- a first serial component and a second serial component;
- a first breakout connector and a second breakout connector;
- at least one column, each column including first, second, third and fourth pads;
- the first pad communicating with the first breakout connector;
- the second pad communicating with the second breakout connector;
- the third pad communicating with the first serial component and with the first pad;
- and
- the fourth pad communicating with the second serial component and with the second pad during normal operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.