Redundant printed circuit boards with built-in isolation

Abstract

A device for an electronic power steering system includes a printed circuit board and a first sensor. The printed circuit board includes: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap arranged between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 033,163, filed on June 1, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to printed circuit boards and, more particularly, to redundant printed circuit boards with built-in processing unit isolation. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles (such as automobiles, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, minivans, or other suitable vehicles) typically include power steering features such as electric power steering (EPS) systems. EPS systems are typically configured to provide steering assistance to an operator of the corresponding vehicle. For example, the EPS system can be configured to apply assist torque to an electric motor connected to a steering mechanism. When the operator interacts with a steering wheel or steering wheel (which is associated with the steering mechanism), the amount of force or torque applied by the operator on the steering wheel or steering wheel is assisted by the electric motor (e.g., reducing the amount of force or torque required by the operator to perform the corresponding steering operation).

[0005] Such steering systems increasingly require redundant features to prevent or mitigate loss of steering assistance. In addition, there is an increasing need to use redundant processors with isolation between the processors. This may include the use of separate circuit boards and interconnect systems to allow the processors to communicate, which may increase cost due to the use of additional hardware components. Additionally, in steering systems where the motor position sensor system includes multiple sensors at the end of the motor shaft, the sensor system may require one or more additional circuit boards or means for mounting and connecting the sensor system. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to electronics and processing components for electronic power steering systems.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a device. The device includes a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap. The device also includes a first sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The printed circuit board also includes a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface, and a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface. The printed circuit board also includes a gap, the gap is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the gap, and the gap defines a flexible section, the flexible section includes at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material. The printed circuit board may also include a first sensor, the first sensor is disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap, and the gap defining a flexible section, the flexible section including at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material. The steering system also includes a position sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap, the position sensor being configured to measure a position of an associated motor.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite the first direction on the second surface; and an isolation region including a slot disposed in the first surface and extending through the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the isolation region, the isolation region defining a flexible section, the flexible section including at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.

[0011] These and other aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure is best understood by the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, the sizes of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0013] Figure 1 A vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A plan view of a printed circuit board in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0015] Figure 3 An elevation view of a printed circuit board in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0016] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0017] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0018] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A printed circuit board in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted or otherwise used as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description has a wide range of applications, and the discussion of any embodiment is intended only to be an exemplary discussion of that embodiment, and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0020] As described above, vehicles (such as automobiles, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, minivans, or other suitable vehicles) typically include power steering features such as electric power steering (EPS) systems. EPS systems are typically configured to provide steering assistance to the driver of the corresponding vehicle. For example, the EPS system can be configured to apply assist torque to an electric motor connected to a steering mechanism. When an operator interacts with a steering wheel or steering wheel (which is associated with the steering mechanism), the amount of force or torque applied by the operator on the steering wheel or steering wheel is assisted by the electric motor (e.g., reducing the amount of force or torque required for the operator to perform the corresponding steering operation).

[0021] Typically, EPS systems include various redundancy features to prevent loss of assistance to the operator. There is an increasing need for such EPS systems to include redundant processors (e.g., or processor units) with isolation between different processors, which may include separate circuit boards and interconnect systems to allow the redundant processors to communicate. This typically increases manufacturing and production costs (e.g., due to additional circuit boards and interconnect systems).

[0022] Additionally, in EPS systems where the motor position sensor system is comprised of multiple sensors located on the end of an associated motor shaft, the motor position sensor system may require one or more additional circuit boards and / or devices for mounting and connecting the sensor system.

[0023] Therefore, systems and methods (such as those described herein) may be desirable that are configured to reduce the number of required circuit boards and interconnect systems for an EPS. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to place multiple processors, inter-processor communication circuits, and / or motor position sensors on a printed circuit board.

[0024] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide isolation between processors by providing circuitry for each processor that provides different area allocations for each respective processor on a printed circuit board. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide circuitry for each processor that allows each processor to occupy both sides of a printed circuit board as long as each processor operates within a defined area.

[0025] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide mechanical isolation by providing a void area between processors and between the top and bottom of the printed circuit board. The void area can include air, vacuum, elastomer, foam, any other suitable material, or a combination thereof to create isolation.

[0026] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide at least two flexible sections of a printed circuit board using gaps, which can be used for inter-processor communication, motor position sensing, any non-critical or single processor common circuits, or a combination thereof. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to use at least two flexible sections to create redundancy with mechanical isolation for sensing and communication systems. Although only two processors are described, the systems and methods described herein can include providing any suitable number of processors and corresponding gaps associated therewith.

[0027] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to reduce manufacturing costs and reduce reliability issues associated with separately assembled interconnect systems while providing motor position sensing without additional circuit boards. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide a convenient location for any isolation circuitry that may be associated with an inter-processor communication system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured such that at least one section can be dedicated to a first processor and another section can be dedicated to a second processor. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to include additional processors by including additional void areas (e.g., additional void areas in a plan view of a printed circuit board and / or additional voids in a front view of a printed circuit board).

[0029] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to allow diversity between the first processor and the second processor, which can provide improved security features. For example, the first processor and the second processor can include similar or substantially similar processors, the first processor and the second processor can include substantially different processors, or the first processor and the second processor can include processors with some similarities and / or differences.

[0030] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to include a printed circuit board and a first sensor. The printed circuit board may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The printed circuit board may also include a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface. The printed circuit board may also include a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface. The printed circuit board may also include a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the first processor section and the second processor section may be separated by the gap. The first sensor may be disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0031] In some embodiments, the void defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the void includes one or more of air, a vacuum, an elastomeric material, and a foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor includes a position sensor. In some embodiments, the device further includes a second sensor disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the void. In some embodiments, the portion of the void defined by the first surface includes at least one dielectric layer of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the portion of the void defined by the second surface includes at least one dielectric layer of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes an eight-layer printed circuit board.

[0032] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide improvements to EPS systems that reduce manufacturing and production costs and reliability issues associated with separately assembled interconnect systems. The systems and methods described herein can allow motor position sensing to occur without adding additional printed circuit boards. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide a convenient location for any isolation circuits that may be present in an inter-processor communication system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to encourage diversity between processors of a printed circuit board, which can provide additional security benefits. In some embodiments, all components are located on one printed circuit board, and the processors can have different layouts.

[0034] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is generally shown in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Vehicle 10 may include any suitable vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, minivan, crossover, any other passenger vehicle, any suitable commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. Although vehicle 10 is illustrated as a passenger vehicle having wheels and used on roads, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to other vehicles, such as airplanes, ships, trains, drones, or other suitable vehicles.

[0035] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 and a hood 14. A passenger compartment 18 is at least partially defined by the vehicle body 12. Another portion of the vehicle body 12 defines an engine compartment 20. The hood 14 may be removably attached to a portion of the vehicle body 12 such that the hood 14 provides access to the engine compartment 20 when the hood 14 is in a first position or an open position and covers the engine compartment 20 when the hood 14 is in a second position or a closed position. In some embodiments, the engine compartment 20 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle 10 (compared to what is generally shown).

[0036] The passenger compartment 18 may be disposed rearward of the engine compartment 20, but in embodiments where the engine compartment 20 is disposed in a rearward portion of the vehicle 10, the passenger compartment 18 may be disposed forward of the engine compartment 20. The vehicle 10 may include any suitable propulsion system, including an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors (e.g., an electric vehicle), one or more fuel cells, a hybrid (e.g., a hybrid vehicle) propulsion system (including a combination of an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors), and / or any other suitable propulsion system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a gasoline engine or a gasoline fuel engine, such as a spark ignition engine. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a diesel fuel engine, such as a compression ignition engine. The engine compartment 20 houses and / or surrounds at least some components of the propulsion system of the vehicle 10. Additionally or alternatively, a propulsion control device (such as an accelerator actuator (e.g., an accelerator pedal), a brake actuator (e.g., a brake pedal), a steering wheel, and other such components) are disposed in the passenger compartment 18 of the vehicle 10. The propulsion control device may be actuated or controlled by a driver of the vehicle 10 and may be directly connected to corresponding components of the propulsion system, such as a throttle, brake, axle, vehicle transmission, etc., respectively. In some embodiments, the propulsion control device may communicate a signal to a vehicle computer (e.g., drive-by-wire), which in turn may control corresponding propulsion components of the propulsion system. Thus, in some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission that communicates with the crankshaft via a flywheel or a clutch or a fluid coupling. In some embodiments, the transmission includes a manual transmission. In some embodiments, the transmission includes an automatic transmission. In the case of an internal combustion engine or a hybrid vehicle, the vehicle 10 may include one or more pistons that operate in conjunction with the crankshaft to generate force that is transmitted to one or more shafts through the transmission, which causes the wheels 22 to rotate. When the vehicle 10 includes one or more electric motors, the vehicle battery and / or fuel cell provides energy to the electric motors to rotate the wheels 22.

[0039] The vehicle 10 may include an automatic vehicle propulsion system, such as cruise control, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking control, other automatic vehicle propulsion systems, or combinations thereof. The vehicle 10 may be an automatic or semi-automatic vehicle, or other suitable type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 may include additional features or fewer features than those generally shown and / or disclosed herein.

[0040] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include an Ethernet component 24, a controller area network (CAN) bus 26, a media oriented system transport component (MOST) 28, a FlexRay component 30 (e.g., a wire control brake system, etc.), and a local interconnect network component (LIN) 32. The vehicle 10 may use the CAN bus 26, the MOST 28, the FlexRay component 30, the LIN 32, other suitable networks or communication systems, or combinations thereof to communicate various information from sensors, such as within or outside the vehicle, to various processors or controllers, such as within or outside the vehicle. The vehicle 10 may include additional features or fewer features than those generally shown and / or disclosed herein.

[0041] The vehicle 10 may include an electric power steering (EPS) system. The EPS system may be configured to assist and / or control the steering of the vehicle 10. The EPS system may include or communicate with various sensors configured to measure various aspects of the steering system of the vehicle 10. The EPS system may include one or more controllers, such as an EPS microcontroller unit (MCU), hereinafter referred to as a controller. The controller may include one or more processors and associated memory. The processor may include any suitable processor, such as those described herein. The memory may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., a hard disk drive), and include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory. In some embodiments, the memory may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, etc. The memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control at least various aspects of the EPS system. It should be understood that the EPS system may include any suitable number of controllers, processors, and memories.

[0042] The EPS system may include an EPS controller area network (CAN) bus. The EPS CAN bus may communicate with a vehicle CAN bus of the vehicle 10. The vehicle CAN bus may include features similar to the CAN bus 26 or other suitable features. The vehicle CAN bus may communicate with various sensors within the vehicle 10 and receive various measurements from the various sensors. For example, one or more sensors of the vehicle 10 may measure the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10, the vehicle yaw rate of the vehicle 10, the steering wheel or steering wheel angle of the vehicle 10, the wheel angle of the vehicle 10, other suitable measurements or combinations thereof. The vehicle CAN bus may receive one or more signals indicating various measurements from a controller of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle CAN bus may receive a vehicle speed signal indicating the measured vehicle speed of the vehicle 10. The vehicle CAN bus may communicate one or more signals to the EPS CAN bus. The EPS CAN bus may communicate one or more signals to the EPS controller.

[0043] The controller can determine various values ​​corresponding to one or more signals. For example, the controller can receive a vehicle speed signal (e.g., a first vehicle speed signal) and can determine a vehicle speed value (e.g., a first vehicle speed) based on the vehicle speed signal. The controller can determine one or more assist torque values ​​based on various values ​​determined from one or more signals. The one or more assist torque values ​​can correspond to the amount of torque provided to the EPS motor. The controller can selectively control the EPS motor using one or more assist torque values. The EPS motor can communicate with a steering system (such as a steer-by-wire system or other suitable steering system of the vehicle 10). When the EPS motor is controlled according to one or more assist torque values, steering assistance is provided to the steering assembly of the steering system of the vehicle 10. The steering assistance can reduce the amount of torque or force required for the operator of the vehicle 10 to perform the corresponding steering operation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to include a printed circuit board for EPS system controls, processors, memory, etc., such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 A printed circuit board (PCB) 100 is shown. PCB 100 may include any suitable printed circuit board and include any suitable material. For example, PCB 100 may include an eight-layer PCB, which includes any layer of a printed circuit board. However, it should be understood that PCB 100 may include any suitable number of layers and materials.

[0045] PCB 100 may include a first surface 102 and a second surface 104 opposite to first surface 102. PCB 100 may include a first processor section 106 extending on first surface 102 along a first direction away from boundary 110. Boundary 110 may include a logical boundary defining a spacing between first processor section 106 and other processor sections of first surface 102.

[0046] PCB 100 may include a second processor section 108 extending on second surface 104 in a second direction opposite to the first direction away from boundary 112. Boundary 112 may include a logical boundary defining a spacing between second processor section 108 and other processor sections of second surface 104. PCB 100 may include any suitable number of logically or physically separated processor sections other than those described herein. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be provided on first processor section 106 and one or more processors may be provided on second processor section 108. One or more processors of first processor section 106 may communicate with one or more processors of second processor section 108. Optionally, one or more processors of first processor section 106 may be completely or at least partially isolated from one or more processors of second processor section 108 (e.g., and not in direct and / or indirect communication with one or more processors of second processor section).

[0047] In some embodiments, PCB 100 may include a void 114 (e.g., the void may be referred to herein as an isolation region) disposed between first surface 102 and second surface 104. Void 114 may extend completely through PCB 100 or through a portion of PCB 100 extending from a first location on PCB 100 and terminating at a second location on PCB 100. In some embodiments, PCB 100 may include any suitable number of voids instead of or in addition to void 114. In some embodiments, void 114 includes at least one of air, a vacuum, an elastomeric material, a foam material, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the gap 114 may include a first slot disposed on the first surface 102 and a second slot disposed on the second surface 104, such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B. The first slot and the second slot may be arranged correspondingly, such that the first slot is arranged on the first surface 102 and is located directly above or substantially directly above the second slot on the second surface 104. The first slot and the second slot may define a channel (e.g., having an open side) defined by two sides and a bottom plate. In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot may be milled (e.g., removing material from the first surface 102 to define the first slot and removing material from the second surface 104 to define the second slot), or the first slot and the second slot may be manufactured using any suitable technique. In some embodiments, the first slot and / or the second slot may include a plurality of slots. For example, the first slot may include: a first slot portion extending from a first point on the first surface 102 and terminating at a second point on the first surface 102; and a second slot portion extending from a third point on the first surface 102 and terminating at a fourth point on the first surface 102. It should be understood that the PCB 100 may include any suitable number of slots.

[0049] In some embodiments, void 114 may include a slot extending from first surface 102 through second surface 104 (e.g., such that PCB 100 includes an opening through PCB 100). Additionally or alternatively, void 114 may include a plurality of slots. For example, the slot may include: a first slot portion extending from a first point on first surface 102 and terminating at a second point on first surface 102; and a second slot portion extending from a third point on first surface 102 and terminating at a fourth point on first surface 102. It should be understood that PCB 100 may include any suitable number of slots. In some embodiments, void 114 may be milled (e.g., removing material from PCB 100), or the void may be manufactured using any suitable technique.

[0050] In some embodiments, the gap 14 defines one or more flexible sections 122 of the PCB 100, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the void 114 can define two flexible sections 122. However, including and / or in addition to the void 114, the PCB 100 can include a plurality of voids defining any suitable number of flexible sections 122 or other suitable flexible sections.

[0051] In some embodiments, each flexible segment 122 may include a dielectric material and / or a conductor. Figure 41 , the flexible section 122 corresponding to the first surface 102 and the flexible section 122 corresponding to the second surface 104 may include a layer of dielectric material and a layer of conductive material. The dielectric material may include any suitable dielectric material, such as porcelain, mica, glass, plastic, one or more metal oxides, any other suitable dielectric material, or a combination thereof. The conductive material may include any suitable conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, iron, any other suitable conductive material, or a combination thereof. As described above, the PCB 100 may include an eight-layer PCB or any suitable PCB with any suitable number of layers.

[0052] In some embodiments, each flexible segment 122 may include two layers of dielectric material and two layers of conductor, such as Figure 5 106 and 108. As will be appreciated, the flexible segments 122 may include any suitable number of dielectric layers and any suitable number of conductors. By increasing or decreasing the number of dielectric layers and conductors of the flexible segments 122, the flexible segments 122 may provide more or less mechanical flexibility and more or fewer circuit layers within and between processors corresponding to respective ones of the first processor segment 106 and the second processor segment 108 (e.g., or any suitable processor segment). Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical isolation provided by the flexible segments 122 and / or the gaps 114 may reduce the occurrence of common cause failures. For example, stresses acting on the first surface 102 that may damage circuits connected to the first surface 102 may not damage circuits connected to the second surface 104 (e.g., due to the mechanical isolation caused by the gaps 114). Additionally or alternatively, stress acting on the first processor section 106 that may damage circuits connected to the first processor section 106 does not damage circuits connected to the second processor section 108 because the flexible section 122 can absorb the stress and prevent the stress from being transferred from one processor section to another.

[0053] In some embodiments, the gap 114 is disposed between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 between the two sensor circuits. Figure 2 and Figure 3As generally shown in FIG. 1 , a first sensor 118 may be disposed on a portion of the first surface 102 corresponding to the first processor section 106, and a second sensor 120 may be disposed on a portion of the second surface 104 corresponding to the second processor section 108. It should be understood that the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 may include any suitable sensor, such as a motor position sensor or other suitable sensor. For example, at least one of the first sensor 118 and the second sensor 120 may include a position sensor configured to measure or sense the position of a motor of an EPS system of the vehicle 10. The position of the motor of the EPS system may be used by a controller of the vehicle 10 to control various aspects of the vehicle 10, including aspects of steering the vehicle 10 using the EPS system. Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor 118 and the second sensor 120 may be different types of sensors.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 may include coaxial motor position sensors. The sensing magnet of the position sensor may include a single axis of rotation. Therefore, the sensing elements for one or more processors of the first processor section 108 and one or more processors of the second processor section 120 may be arranged on a common axis (e.g., which may provide symmetry about the sensing magnet axis). Additionally or alternatively, the PCB 100 may be arranged away from the sensing magnet of the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 (e.g., on or near one side of the motor). Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 may include off-axis sensors, and the first sensor 118 may be arranged on the first processor section 106 and the second sensor 120 may be arranged on the second processor section 108 (e.g., located on different parts of the annular magnet).

[0055] In some embodiments, PCB 100 may include one or more isolation devices (e.g., near gap 114) instead of or in addition to one or both of first sensor 118 and second sensor 120. As described, first sensor 118 may be isolated from second sensor 120 by gap 114. Additionally or alternatively, first sensor 118 and second sensor 120 may be mechanically isolated from each other by gap 114 and / or flexible section 122.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more components are functionally shared by a processor associated with first processor segment 106 and a processor associated with second processor segment 108 (e.g., in addition to or in lieu of first sensor 118 and / or second sensor 120). For example, one or more elements or components of inter-processor communication hardware (such as printed circuit traces, resistors, isolation circuits, etc.) may be physically located in void 114.

[0057] In some embodiments, a device includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap. The device also includes a first sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0058] In some embodiments, the gap defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the gap includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor includes a position sensor. In some embodiments, the device also includes a second sensor, which is disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes eight layers of printed circuit boards. In some embodiments, the gap extends from a first position on the printed circuit board to a second position on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board is associated with a steering system of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of the motor.

[0059] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The printed circuit board also includes a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface, and a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface. The printed circuit board also includes a gap, the gap is arranged between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the gap, and the gap defines a flexible section, the flexible section includes at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material. The printed circuit board also includes a first sensor, the first sensor is arranged on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0060] In some embodiments, the gap includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor includes a position sensor. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board also includes a second sensor, which is disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the gap extends from a first position on the printed circuit board to a second position on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of the motor.

[0061] In some embodiments, a steering system for a vehicle includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap, and the gap defining a flexible section, the flexible section including at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material. The steering system also includes a position sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap, the position sensor being configured to measure a position of an associated motor.

[0062] In some embodiments, a device includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap arranged between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap.

[0063] In some embodiments, the gap defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the gap includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of the motor. In some embodiments, the device further includes a second sensor disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the portion of the gap defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes eight layers of printed circuit boards. In some embodiments, the gap extends from a first position on the printed circuit board to a second position on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board is associated with a steering system of a vehicle.

[0064] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board includes: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending along a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and a gap arranged between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the gap, and the gap defines a flexible section, and the flexible section includes at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.

[0065] In some embodiments, the gap includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board further includes a first sensor, which is disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board further includes a second sensor, which is disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. In some embodiments, the gap extends from a first position on the printed circuit board to a second position on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board further includes at least one inter-processor communication mechanism, which is disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

[0066] In some embodiments, a steering system for a vehicle includes a printed circuit board having: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface; and an isolation region including a slot disposed in the first surface and extending through the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the isolation region, the isolation region defining a flexible section, the flexible section including at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.

[0067] The word "example" is used herein to mean used as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described as an "example" herein is not necessarily to be interpreted as being more preferred or advantageous than other aspects or designs. On the contrary, the use of the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific way. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified or clearly seen from the context, "X includes A or B" is intended to represent any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then "X includes A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing cases. In addition, the article "a / an" used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or more", unless otherwise specified or clearly pointed to the singular form from the context. In addition, unless so described, the use of the term "embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the text is not intended to represent the same embodiment or embodiment.

[0068] Implementations of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc. described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. Hardware may include, for example, a computer, an intellectual property (IP) core, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic array, an optical processor, a programmable logic controller, microcode, a microcontroller, a server, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other suitable circuit. In the claims, the term "processor" shall be understood to include any of the foregoing hardware, alone or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" may be used interchangeably.

[0069] As used herein, the term module may include a packaged functional hardware unit designed to be used with other components, a set of instructions executable by a controller (e.g., a processor executing software or firmware), a processing circuit configured to perform a specific function, and a self-contained hardware or software component that interfaces with a larger system. For example, a module may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an electrical circuit, a digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, gate circuits, and other types of hardware, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, a module may include a memory that stores instructions executable by a controller to implement the features of the module.

[0070] Furthermore, in one aspect, for example, the systems described herein may be implemented using a general purpose computer or general purpose processor with a computer program that, when executed, performs any corresponding method, algorithm, and / or instruction described herein. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a special purpose computer / processor may be utilized that may include other hardware for performing any method, algorithm, or instruction described herein.

[0071] In addition, all or part of the embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer usable or computer readable medium. A computer usable or computer readable medium may be, for example, any device that can tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport a program for use by or in conjunction with any processor. The medium may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic device, or a semiconductor device. Other suitable media may also be used.

[0072] The above embodiments, implementations and aspects have been described to allow easy understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures permitted by law.

Claims

1. A device for an electronic power steering system, comprising: A printed circuit board, the printed circuit board comprising: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending on the second surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as A gap is provided between the first surface and the second surface and extends from one side of the first surface to a side of the second surface facing the first surface, the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the gap, wherein the first processor section extends from a first boundary of the gap on the first surface along the first direction, and wherein the second processor section extends from a second boundary on the second surface along the second direction, the second boundary being located on an opposite side of the gap from the first boundary.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The void defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The void includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. 4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a first sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first sensor is configured to measure a position of a motor. 6 . The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a second sensor disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the void defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the void defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of dielectric material.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the void defined by the first surface includes at least one layer of conductive material.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the void defined by the second surface includes at least one layer of conductive material.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The printed circuit board includes an eight-layer printed circuit board.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The void extends from a first location on the printed circuit board to a second location on the printed circuit board.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The printed circuit board is associated with a steering system of a vehicle.

14. A printed circuit board, comprising: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending on the second surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as a gap disposed between the first surface and the second surface and extending from one side of the first surface to a side of the second surface facing the first surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the gap, and the gap defining a flexible section comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material, wherein the first processor section extends from a first boundary of the gap on the first surface along the first direction, and wherein the second processor section extends from a second boundary on the second surface along the second direction, the second boundary being located on an opposite side of the gap from the first boundary.

15. The printed circuit board according to claim 14, wherein: The void includes one or more of air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. 16 . The printed circuit board of claim 14 , further comprising a first sensor disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap. 17 . The printed circuit board of claim 16 , further comprising a second sensor disposed on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

18. The printed circuit board according to claim 14, wherein: The void extends from a first location on the printed circuit board to a second location on the printed circuit board.

19. The printed circuit board of claim 14, further comprising at least one inter-processor communication mechanism disposed on a portion of one of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the gap.

20. A steering system for a vehicle, comprising: A printed circuit board, the printed circuit board comprising: a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface; a second processor section extending on the second surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as an isolation region including a slot and extending from a side of the first surface to a side of the second surface facing the first surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the isolation region, the isolation region defining a flexible section including at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material, wherein the first processor section extends from a first boundary of the isolation region on the first surface along the first direction, and wherein the second processor section extends from a second boundary on the second surface along the second direction, the second boundary being located on an opposite side of the isolation region from the first boundary.

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