EmbedTek Connector Improves Reliability in Multi GPU Systems
EmbedTek works with many systems suffering from inconsistent electrical connections — a persistent industry challenge. A bad connection resulting from contamination, oxidation or mechanical damage of plated contacts can lead to failure of the more critical OEM device, frustrating end users and damaging the reputation of the OEM.
Multi-GPU systems multiply the number of high-speed, critical connections.
At power up, oxidation and mechanical wear on the GPU, SSD, and DRAM connections can cause components to not be recognized. That symptom can manifest at any time, including installation at the customer site or on power on many months later.
High-performance and multi-GPU systems have many high-speed fans creating vibration within the system. This can cause wear on connectors over time.
EmbedTek’s Connector protection process protects against mechanical wear due to vibration in the system and oxidation over time. Here’s how we set out to solve this issue.
Proactive Research
Inconsistent connections can be caused by contamination, oxidation, or mechanical damage to the plated surfaces of contacts of embedded computer components such as video cards and memory modules.
- Contamination of the contacts by the component manufacturer and/or systems integrator
- Oxidation/corrosion of contacts caused by humidity, salt air, or other environmental conditions during storage and/or use
- Shock and vibration during transport to the site, or during operation
These field failures impact EmbedTek and its customers, whether through direct service costs or through lost revenue due to poor end customer experiences.
Setting the Standard
Our 4-step process protects connectors from the three main sources of damage. The process has been validated after hundreds of hours in controlled testing.
- Physical card retention to minimize movement during transit or operation
- Thorough cleaning to remove oxidation or contaminants at the time of assembly
- Enforcement of safe handling practices during assembly
- Careful application of a synthetic material to provide mechanical and oxidation protection after delivery
We now apply this overall process on systems and racks of systems with great success, and at no additional cost to our customers.
Download the full Case study below.
