Hi Joel,
Is there a way to differentiate the wording regarding materials for the two objectives? I think your intent is that “improved FR-4” has a different definition for each objective, but with the same terminology on materials it is not clear why the two objectives are distinct.
I am in favor of two objectives, just anticipating that a good deal of word-smithing will ensue.
Would a compromise be to keep the loss and reach, but drop the material?
Thx,
Dave
From: Joel Goergen [mailto:jgoergen@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 11:12 AM
To: STDS-802-3-100GCU@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [802.3_100GCU] Objective changes for the Back Plane Initiative
All
There have been some discussions around changing the following objective:
Define a 4-lane 100 Gb/s backplane PHY for operation over links consistent with copper traces on “improved FR-4” (as defined by IEEE P802.3ap or better materials to be defined by the Task Force) with lengths up to at least 1m.
To something like:
•Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 35 dB at 12.9 GHz
•Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 33 dB at 7.0 GHz
I don’t support this because it leaves to much variation, along with additional specifications, in the definition of the transmitter and receiver. Systems implementation of this type of specification will see 1) an increased design cost attributed to tools, modeling, and re-spins, 2) incomplete and inconsistent models providing false positives to a successful implementation, and 3) a complex set of additional metrics that will make the finished standard too complicated to follow.
The following is a much better set of objectives that allow systems vendors a path forward using current design processes and implementations.
1) Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 35 dB at 12.9 GHz over links consistent with copper traces on “improved FR-4” (as defined by IEEE P802.3ap or better materials to be defined by the Task Force) with lengths up to at least 1m.
2) Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 33 dB at 7.0 GHz over links consistent with copper traces on “improved FR-4” (as defined by IEEE P802.3ap or better materials to be defined by the Task Force) with lengths up to at least 1m.
I heard reference that by defining loss, material, and length, we can not meet that. I disagree. I think we are defining a loss up to 1m on improved fr-4. If it makes people feel better, the following is also acceptable from a system designers point of view”
1) Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 35 dB at 12.9 GHz over links consistent with copper traces on “improved FR-4” (materials definition to be defined by the Task Force) with lengths up to at least 1m.
2) Define a 4 lane PHY for operation over backplanes with a insertion loss of <= 33 dB at 7.0 GHz over links consistent with copper traces on “improved FR-4” ( materials definition to be defined by the Task Force) with lengths up to at least 1m.
I do not support a loss only model. It is not economically feasible.
Take care
Joel Goergen