Redundant circuit board with integrated insulation and steering system for one vehicle

Abstract

Device comprising: a printed circuit board (100) with: a first surface (102) and a second surface (104) which is opposite to the first surface (102); a first processor section (106) which extends in a first direction on the first surface (102); a second processor section (108) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface (104); and a cavity (114) arranged between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) and extending from one side of the first surface (102) to one side of the second surface (104) facing the side of the first surface (102), wherein the first processor section (106) and the second processor section (108) are separated by the cavity (114), wherein the first processor section (106) extends from a first boundary (110) of the cavity (114) in the first direction on the first surface (102), and wherein the second processor section (108) extends from a second boundary (112) on a side of the cavity (114) opposite the first boundary (110) in the second direction on the second surface (104).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure relates to printed circuit boards and, in particular, to redundant printed circuit boards with built-in insulation of the processing unit for vehicle steering systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicles, such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, minivans, or other suitable vehicles, typically have power steering capabilities, such as an electronic power steering system (EPS system). The EPS system is typically configured to provide steering assistance to the driver of such a vehicle. For example, the EPS system may be configured to apply assistive torque to an electric motor connected to a steering mechanism. When the driver interacts with a handwheel or steering wheel connected to the steering mechanism, the amount of force or torque applied by the driver to the handwheel or steering wheel is assisted by the electric motor (e.g., reducing the amount of force or torque required by the driver to perform a corresponding steering maneuver).

[0003] Increasingly, such steering systems require redundancy functions to prevent or mitigate the loss of power steering. There is also a growing need to use redundant processors with isolation between them. This may involve the use of separate circuit boards and an interconnect system to allow the processors to communicate, which can increase costs due to the additional hardware components. Additionally, in steering systems where a motor position sensor system incorporates 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 interconnecting the sensor system.

[0004] US 2019 / 0067245A1 discloses a semiconductor arrangement comprising a substrate with a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity is located on a first side of the substrate and the second cavity is located on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side. A first chip is arranged in the first cavity, and a second chip is arranged above the first chip and attached to the substrate in the circumferential region of the first cavity. Similarly, a third chip is arranged in the second cavity, and a fourth chip is arranged above the third chip and attached to the substrate. Further prior art is known from EP 3489808A1 and DE 102018218375A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device, an improved circuit board and an improved steering system for a vehicle.

[0006] To solve the problem, a device with the features of claim 1, a printed circuit board with the features of claim 14, and a steering system with the features of claim 20 are provided. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] This disclosure relates generally to electronic and processing components for electronic power steering systems.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments comprises a device. The device comprises a printed circuit board with: 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 cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, extending from one side of the first surface to a side of the second surface facing the side of the first surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity, the first processor section extending from a first boundary of the cavity in the first direction on the first surface, and the second processor section extending from a second boundary on a side of the cavity opposite the first boundary in the second direction on the second surface. The device may also include a first sensor arranged on a portion of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments comprises a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The printed circuit board also comprises a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface and a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface.The printed circuit board also includes a cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, extending from one side of the first surface to one side of the second surface facing the side of the first surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity and define 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 cavity in the first direction on the first surface, and wherein the second processor section extends from a second boundary on a side of the cavity opposite the first boundary in the second direction on the second surface.The circuit board may also include a first sensor located on a part of either the first processor section or the second processor section that corresponds to the cavity.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments comprises a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system comprises a printed circuit board according to claim 14, wherein the cavity comprises an insulating area that includes a slot arranged in the first surface and extending through the second surface.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the attached claims and the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The revelation is best understood by means of the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, in accordance with usual practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of clarity. Fig. Figure 1 generally shows a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows a general top view of a printed circuit board according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 shows a general elevation view of a printed circuit board according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows a general cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 shows a general cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B generally shows a printed circuit board according to the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following discussion relates to various embodiments of the 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 disclosure, including the claims. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application and that the discussion of any one embodiment is intended only as an example of that embodiment and is not meant to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0014] As described, vehicles such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, minivans, or other suitable vehicles typically have power steering capabilities, such as an electronic power steering system (EPS system). The EPS system is typically configured to provide steering assistance to the driver of such a vehicle. For example, the EPS system may be configured to apply assistive torque to an electric motor connected to a steering mechanism. When the driver interacts with a handwheel or steering wheel connected to the steering mechanism, the amount of force or torque applied by the driver to the handwheel or steering wheel is assisted by the electric motor (e.g., reducing the amount of force or torque required by the driver to perform a corresponding steering maneuver).

[0015] Typically, EPS systems incorporate various redundant functions to prevent any loss of driver assistance. Increasingly, there is a requirement for such EPS systems to include redundant processors (e.g., multiple processors or processor units) with isolation between them. This may involve separate circuit boards and an interconnect system to allow the redundant processors to communicate. This typically increases manufacturing and production costs (e.g., due to the additional circuit boards and interconnect system).

[0016] Additionally, in EPS systems where a motor position sensor system consists of multiple sensors at the end of an associated motor shaft, the motor position sensor system may require one or more additional circuit boards and / or means for mounting and connecting the sensor system.

[0017] Accordingly, systems and methods such as those described here, which are configured to reduce the number of printed circuit boards and interconnect systems required for an EPS, may be desirable. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described here may be configured to accommodate multiple processors, interprocessor communication circuits, and / or a motor position sensor on a single printed circuit board.

[0018] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide isolation between the processors by providing circuitry for each processor that has a unique area allocation on the printed circuit board for each individual processor. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide circuitry for each processor that allows each processor to occupy both sides of the printed circuit board, as long as each processor operates within a defined area.

[0019] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured for mechanical isolation by providing a cavity between the processors and between the top and bottom surfaces of the printed circuit board. The cavity can contain air, a vacuum, an elastomer, a foam, any other suitable material, or a combination thereof to provide the isolation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide, using the cavity, at least two flexible sections of the printed circuit board that can be used for communication between the processors, motor position sensing, any non-critical circuitry, circuitry common to the separate processors, or a combination thereof. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to use the at least two flexible sections to create redundancy with mechanical isolation for the sensing and communication systems. Although only two processors are described, the systems and methods described herein can include any suitable number of processors and corresponding associated cavities.

[0021] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to reduce manufacturing costs and reliability problems associated with separately mounted connection systems, while simultaneously providing motor position sensing without additional printed circuit boards. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide a suitable location for an isolation circuit that can be connected to the interprocessor communication system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured such that at least one section is assigned to a first processor and the other section to a second processor. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to include additional processors by incorporating additional cavity areas (e.g., additional cavity areas in the top view of the printed circuit board and / or additional cavities in a top view of the printed circuit board).

[0023] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to allow diversity between the first and second processors, which can provide enhanced security features. For example, the first and second processors can contain similar or substantially similar processors, the first and second processors can contain substantially different processors, or the first and second processors can contain processors that exhibit some similarities and / or differences.

[0024] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a first sensor. The PCB can have a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The PCB can also include a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface. The PCB can also include a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface. The PCB can also include a cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the first processor section and the second processor section can be separated by the cavity.The first sensor can be located on a part of either the first processor section or the second processor section that corresponds to the cavity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cavity defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the cavity comprises one or more of the following materials: air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises a position sensor. In some embodiments, the device also comprises a second sensor located on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the first surface contains at least one dielectric layer of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the second surface contains at least one dielectric layer of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board comprises an eight-layer board.

[0026] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide improvements to EPS systems that reduce the manufacturing and production costs and reliability issues associated with separately mounted interconnect systems. The systems and methods described herein can enable motor position sensing without the addition of extra printed circuit boards. The systems and methods described herein can be configured to provide a suitable location for any isolation circuitry that may be present in the interprocessor communication system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described here can be configured to promote differences between the processors on the circuit board, which can offer additional security benefits. In some embodiments, all components are located on a single circuit board, and the processors can have different layouts.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 in general, in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. The vehicle 10 may include any suitable vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a sports utility vehicle, a minivan, a crossover, any other passenger vehicle, any suitable commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. While the vehicle 10 is presented as a wheeled passenger car for use on roads, the principles of this disclosure may also apply to other vehicles, such as airplanes, boats, trains, drones, or other suitable vehicles.

[0029] The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 12 and an engine hood 14. A passenger compartment 18 is defined, at least in part, by the vehicle body 12. Another part of the vehicle body 12 defines an engine compartment 20. The engine hood 14 can be movably attached to a part of the vehicle body 12 such that the engine hood 14 provides access to the engine compartment 20 when the engine hood 14 is in a first or open position, and the engine hood 14 covers the engine compartment 20 when the engine hood 14 is in a second or closed position. In some embodiments, the engine compartment 20 can be located at a rear part of the vehicle 10, unlike the generally depicted configuration.

[0030] The passenger compartment 18 can be located behind the engine compartment 20, but in embodiments where the engine compartment 20 is located in the rear of the vehicle 10, it can be located in front of the engine compartment 20. The vehicle 10 can comprise 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 propulsion system (e.g., a hybrid vehicle) comprising a combination of an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors, and / or any other suitable propulsion system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may contain a gasoline or spark-ignition engine, e.g., a spark-ignition engine. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may contain a diesel engine, such as a compression-ignition engine. The engine compartment 20 houses and / or encloses at least some components of the vehicle 10's drive system. Additionally or alternatively, drive controls, such as an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a steering wheel, and other such components, are arranged in the passenger compartment 18 of the vehicle 10. The drive controls can be operated or controlled by a driver of the vehicle 10 and can be directly connected to corresponding components of the drive system, such as a throttle valve, a brake, a vehicle axle, a vehicle transmission, and the like. In some embodiments, the drive controls can transmit signals to a vehicle computer (e.g., a speedometer).(Drive-by-wire), which in turn can control the corresponding drive component of the drive system. Thus, in some embodiments, vehicle 10 can be an autonomous vehicle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission connected to a crankshaft via a flywheel, clutch, or fluid coupling. In some embodiments, the transmission is a manual transmission. In some embodiments, the transmission is 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 work in concert with the crankshaft to generate a force that is transmitted via the transmission to one or more axles that rotate the wheels 22. If the vehicle 10 includes one or more electric motors, a vehicle battery and / or a fuel cell provides energy to the electric motors to rotate the wheels 22.

[0033] Vehicle 10 may include automatic vehicle propulsion systems, such as cruise control, adaptive cruise control, automatic brake control, other automatic vehicle propulsion systems, or a combination thereof. Vehicle 10 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, or another suitable type of vehicle. Vehicle 10 may have additional or fewer features than those generally described and / or disclosed herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include an Ethernet component 24, a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus) 26, a Media Oriented Systems Transport component (MOST component) 28, a FlexRay component 30 (e.g., a brake-by-wire system and the like), and a Local Interconnect Network component (LIN component) 32. The vehicle 10 may use the CAN bus 26, the MOST component 28, the FlexRay component 30, the LIN component 32, other suitable networks or communication systems, or a combination thereof, to transmit various information from, for example, sensors inside or outside the vehicle to, for example, various processors or controllers inside or outside the vehicle. The vehicle 10 may have additional or fewer features than those generally described and / or disclosed herein.

[0035] Vehicle 10 may include an electronic power steering system (EPS system). The EPS system may be configured to assist and / or control the steering of Vehicle 10. The EPS system may include or be connected to various sensors configured to measure different aspects of Vehicle 10's steering system. The EPS system may include one or more controllers, such as an EPS microcontroller unit (MCU), referred to below as the controller. The controller may include one or more processors and associated memory. The processor(s) may include any suitable processor, such as those described herein. The memory may consist of a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard disks) and includes a memory management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory.In some embodiments, the memory may include flash memory, solid-state memory, or similar technology.

[0036] The memory can consist of random-access memory (RAM), fixed-order memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory can contain instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control at least various aspects of the EPS system. It is understood that the EPS system can contain any suitable number of controllers, processors, and memories.

[0037] The EPS system may include an EPS Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus). The EPS CAN bus may communicate with a vehicle CAN bus of the vehicle 10. The vehicle CAN bus may have similar characteristics to the CAN bus 26 or other suitable characteristics. The vehicle CAN bus may communicate with various sensors within the vehicle 10 and receive various measurements from these sensors. For example, one or more sensors of the vehicle 10 may measure the vehicle speed, yaw rate, handwheel or steering wheel angle, road wheel angle, other suitable measurements, or a combination thereof. The vehicle CAN bus may receive one or more signals from a controller of the vehicle 10 indicating the various measurements.For example, the vehicle CAN bus can receive a vehicle speed signal indicating the measured vehicle speed of vehicle 10. The vehicle CAN bus can then forward one or more of these signals to the EPS CAN bus. The EPS CAN bus can then forward one or more of these signals to the ESP control unit.

[0038] The controller can determine various values ​​corresponding to one or more signals. For example, the controller can receive a vehicle speed signal (e.g., an initial vehicle speed signal) and determine a vehicle speed value (e.g., an initial vehicle speed) based on the vehicle speed signal. The controller can determine one or more auxiliary torque values ​​based on the various values ​​determined from the one or more signals. The one or more auxiliary torque values ​​can correspond to a torque quantity to be supplied to an EPS motor. The controller can selectively control the EPS motor using the one or more auxiliary torque values. The EPS motor can communicate with the 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 auxiliary torque values, it provides steering assistance to steering components of the vehicle's steering system 10. The steering assistance can reduce the amount of torque or force required by the driver of the vehicle 10 to perform a corresponding steering maneuver.

[0039] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to include a printed circuit board for the EPS system controllers, processors, memory, and the like, such as the printed circuit board (PCB) 100, as described in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. The printed circuit board 100 can comprise any suitable circuit board and be made of any suitable material. For example, the printed circuit board 100 can contain an eight-layer circuit board, encompassing all layers of the circuit board. However, it is understood that the printed circuit board 100 can contain any suitable number of layers and materials.

[0040] The printed circuit board 100 can have a first surface 102 and a second surface 104 opposite the first surface 102. The printed circuit board 100 can contain a first processor section 106 that extends from a boundary 110 in a first direction on the first surface 102. The boundary 110 can include a logical boundary that defines a separation between the first processor section 106 and other processor sections of the first surface 102.

[0041] The printed circuit board 100 can contain a second processor section 108 extending from a boundary 112 in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface 104. The boundary 112 can include a logical boundary that defines a separation between the second processor section 108 and other processor sections of the second surface 104. The printed circuit board 100 can contain any suitable number of logically or physically separated processor sections other than those described here. In some embodiments, one or more processors can be arranged on the first processor section 106 and one or more processors on the second processor section 108. The one or more processors of the first processor section 106 can communicate with the one or more processors of the second processor section 108.Alternatively, the one or more processors of the first processor section 106 can be completely or at least partially isolated from the one or more processors of the second processor section 108 (e.g., and not in direct and / or indirect communication with them).

[0042] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 100 may include a cavity 114 (which may be referred to here, for example, as an insulating region) located between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104. The cavity 114 may extend completely through the printed circuit board 100 or through a portion of the printed circuit board 100 extending from a first location on the printed circuit board 100 and terminating at a second location on the printed circuit board 100. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 100 may have any number of cavities instead of, or in addition to, the cavity 114. In some embodiments, the cavity 114 comprises at least one of the following materials: air, a vacuum, an elastomeric material, a foam material, another suitable material, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cavity 114 may comprise a first slot arranged on the first surface 102 and a second slot arranged on the second surface 104, as shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B is generally shown. The first slot and the second slot can be arranged relative to each other such that the first slot on the first surface 102 is located directly or substantially directly above the second slot on the second surface 104. The first slot and the second slot can define channels defined by two sides and a bottom (e.g., with one open side). In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot can be milled (e.g., by removing material from the first surface 102 to define the first slot and by removing material from the second surface 104 to define the second slot) or produced by any suitable technique. In some embodiments, the first slot and / or the second slot can comprise a plurality of slots.For example, the first slot can comprise a first slot segment extending from a first point on the first surface 102 and ending at a second point on the first surface 102, and a second slot segment extending from a third point on the first surface 102 and ending at a fourth point on the first surface 102. It is understood that the printed circuit board 100 can contain any suitable number of slots.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cavity 114 may include a slot extending from the first surface 102 through the second surface 104 (e.g., such that the printed circuit board 100 includes an opening extending through the printed circuit board 100). Additionally or alternatively, the cavity 114 may include a plurality of slots. For example, the slot may include a first slot segment 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 segment extending from a third point on the first surface 102 and terminating at a fourth point on the first surface 102. It is understood that the printed circuit board 100 may contain any suitable number of slots. In some embodiments, the cavity 114 may be milled (e.g.,by removing material from the printed circuit board (100) or by using a suitable technique.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cavity 114 defines one or more flexible sections 122 of the printed circuit board 100, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 is generally shown. As shown, the cavity 114 can define two flexible sections 122. However, the printed circuit board 100 can contain a plurality of cavities, including and / or in addition to the cavity 114, thereby defining any suitable number of flexible sections 122 or other suitable flexible sections.

[0046] In some embodiments, each flexible section 122 can contain a dielectric material and / or a conductor. For example, as in Fig. As generally shown, a flexible section 122 corresponding to the first surface 102 and a flexible section 122 corresponding to the second surface 104 comprise a layer of dielectric material and a layer of conductive material. The dielectric material can comprise any suitable dielectric material, such as porcelain, mica, glass, plastic, one or more metal oxides, another suitable dielectric material, or a combination thereof. The conductive material can comprise any suitable conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, iron, any other suitable conductive material, or a combination thereof. As described, the printed circuit board 100 can comprise an eight-layer printed circuit board or any suitable printed circuit board with any suitable number of layers.

[0047] In some embodiments, each flexible section 122 can contain two layers of dielectric material and two layers of conductors, as shown in Fig. 5 is generally shown. It is understood that the flexible sections 122 can contain 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 sections 122, the flexible sections 122 can provide more or less mechanical flexibility and more or fewer circuit layers both within and between the processors, corresponding to the first processor section 106 and the second processor section 108 (e.g., or any suitable processor section). Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical insulation provided by the flexible sections 122 and / or the cavity 114 can reduce the occurrence of common-cause faults.For example, a load acting on the first surface 102 that could damage a circuit connected to the first surface 102 cannot damage the circuit connected to the second surface 104 (e.g., due to the mechanical isolation provided by the cavity 114). Additionally or alternatively, a load acting on the first processor section 106 that could damage a circuit connected to the first processor section 106 cannot damage the circuit connected to the second processor section 108, because the flexible sections 122 can absorb the load and prevent it from being transferred from one processor section to the other.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cavity 114 is arranged between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104, between two sensor circuits. For example, as in Fig. 2 and Fig.Figure 3 generally shows that a first sensor 118 may be arranged on a portion of the first surface 102 corresponding to the first processor section 106, and a second sensor 120 may be arranged on a portion of the second surface 104 corresponding to the second processor section 108. It is understood that the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 may comprise any suitable sensor, such as a motor position sensor or any other suitable sensor. For example, the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 may comprise a position sensor configured to measure or detect the position of a motor of the vehicle 10's EPS system. The position of the EPS system's motor may be used by a controller of the vehicle 10 to control various aspects of the vehicle 10, including, using the EPS system, aspects of the vehicle 10's steering.Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor can be 118 different types of sensors and the second sensor can be 120 different types.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 can include a motor position sensor on an axis. A sensor magnet of the position sensor can encompass a single axis of rotation. Sensor elements for the one or more processors of the first processor section 108 and for the one or more processors of the second processor section 120 can accordingly be arranged on a common axis (which can, for example, ensure symmetry about the axis of the sensor magnets). Additionally or alternatively, the circuit board 100 can be arranged remotely from the sensor magnet of the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 (e.g., on or near one side of a motor).Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120 can contain a sensor not lying on an axis, and the first sensor 118 can be arranged on the first processor section 106 and the second sensor 120 can be arranged on the second processor section 108 (e.g. lying over different parts of a ring magnet).

[0050] In some embodiments, the circuit board 100 can include one or more isolation devices instead of, or in addition to, one or both of the first sensor 118 and the second sensor 120 (e.g., near the cavity 114). As described, the first sensor 118 can be isolated from the second sensor 120 by the cavity 114. Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor 118 and the second sensor 120 can be mechanically isolated from each other by the cavity 114 and / or the flexible sections 122.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more components can be functionally shared by a processor assigned to the first processor section 106 and a processor assigned to the second processor section 108 (e.g., in addition to or instead of the first sensor 118 and / or the second sensor 120). For example, one or more elements or components of the interprocessor communication hardware, such as conductor tracks, resistors, isolation circuits, and the like, can be physically located in the cavity 114.

[0052] In some embodiments, a device comprises a printed circuit board with: 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 to the first direction on the second surface; and a cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, the first processor section and the second processor section being separated by the cavity. The device also comprises a first sensor arranged on a portion of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cavity defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the cavity comprises one or more of the following materials: air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises a position sensor. In some embodiments, the device also comprises a second sensor located on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the first surface contains at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the second surface contains at least one layer of dielectric material.In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the first surface contains at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the second surface contains at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises an eight-layer board. In some embodiments, the cavity extends from a first location on the circuit board to a second location on the circuit board. In some embodiments, the circuit board is connected to a vehicle's steering system. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of a motor.

[0054] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The PCB also includes a first processor section extending in a first direction on the first surface and a second processor section extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface. The PCB also includes a cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity and define a flexible section comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.The circuit board also contains a first sensor, which is located on a part of either the first processor section or the second processor section that corresponds to the cavity.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cavity comprises one or more of the following materials: air, a vacuum, an elastomeric material, and a foam material. In some embodiments, the first sensor includes a position sensor. In some embodiments, the circuit board also includes a second sensor located on a portion of the other of the first processor section and the second processor section, corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity extends from a first location on the circuit board to a second location on the circuit board. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of a motor.

[0056] In some embodiments, a steering system for a vehicle comprises a printed circuit board with: 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 cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity and define a flexible section comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.The steering system also includes a position sensor located on a part of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity, the position sensor being configured to measure the position of an associated motor.

[0057] In some embodiments, a device comprises a printed circuit board with: 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 cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cavity defines a flexible section of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the cavity comprises one or more of the following materials: air, vacuum, elastomeric material, and foam material. In some embodiments, the device also includes a first sensor located on a portion of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to measure the position of a motor. In some embodiments, the device also includes a second sensor located on a portion of the other of the first and second processor sections corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the first surface contains at least one layer of dielectric material.In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the second surface contains at least one layer of dielectric material. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the first surface contains at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, a portion of the cavity defined by the second surface contains at least one layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises an eight-layer board. In some embodiments, the cavity extends from a first location on the circuit board to a second location on the circuit board. In some embodiments, the circuit board is connected to a vehicle's steering system.

[0059] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board comprises 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 cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the cavity and define a flexible section comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cavity comprises one or more of the following materials: air, a vacuum, an elastomeric material, and a foam material. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board also includes a first sensor located on a portion of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board also includes a second sensor located on a portion of the other of the first and second processor sections corresponding to the cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity extends from a first location on the printed circuit board to a second location on the printed circuit board.In some embodiments, the printed circuit board also includes at least one interprocessor communication mechanism located on a part of either the first processor section or the second processor section corresponding to the cavity.

[0061] In some embodiments, a steering system for a vehicle comprises a printed circuit board with: 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 insulating region comprising a slot arranged in the first surface and extending through the second surface, wherein the first processor section and the second processor section are separated by the insulating region, the insulating region defining a flexible section comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material.

[0062] The word "example" is used here to serve as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be understood as preferential or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to illustrate concepts in a concrete way. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." That is to say, unless otherwise stated or evident from the context, "X includes A or B" means any of the natural inclusive permutations. 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 each of the aforementioned cases.Furthermore, the articles “one / an” as used in this application and the attached claims are generally to be interpreted as meaning “one or more”, unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they refer to a singular form. In addition, the use of the term “an implementation” or “the one implementation” throughout is not to mean the same embodiment or implementation unless described as such.

[0063] Implementations of the systems, algorithms, procedures, instructions, etc., described herein may be realized in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The hardware may include, for example, computers, intellectual property (IP) cores, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, optical processors, programmable logic controllers, microcode, microcontrollers, servers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, or any other suitable circuitry. In these claims, the term "processor" shall be understood to encompass any of the aforementioned hardware, either individually or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" are used interchangeably.

[0064] As used herein, the term module can encompass a packaged functional hardware unit designed for use with other components, a set of instructions that can be executed by a controller (such as a processor running software or firmware), processing circuitry configured to perform a particular function, and a standalone hardware or software component that provides an interface to a larger system. For example, a module might include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a circuit, a digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, gates, and other types of hardware, or a combination thereof.In other embodiments, a module may contain a memory that stores instructions that can be executed by a controller to implement a function of the module.

[0065] In one aspect, the systems described herein can also be implemented, for example, with a general-purpose computer or a general-purpose processor running a computer program that, when executed, performs the respective procedures, algorithms, and / or instructions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a dedicated computer / processor can be used, which may contain other hardware for executing the procedures, algorithms, or instructions described herein.

[0066] Furthermore, all or part of the implementations of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product that can be accessed, for example, from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any device that can, for example, contain, store, communicate, or transport the program in a tangible manner for use by or in conjunction with any processor. The medium may, for example, be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor device. Other suitable media are also available.

[0067] The embodiments, implementations, and aspects described above have been included to facilitate a simple understanding of the present disclosure and do not limit it. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, the scope being interpreted as broadly as possible to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as permitted by law.

Claims

[1] Device comprising: a printed circuit board (100) with: a first surface (102) and a second surface (104) which is opposite to the first surface (102); a first processor section (106) which extends in a first direction on the first surface (102); a second processor section (108) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface (104); and a cavity (114) arranged between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) and extending from one side of the first surface (102) to one side of the second surface (104) facing the side of the first surface (102), wherein the first processor section (106) and the second processor section (108) are separated by the cavity (114), wherein the first processor section (106) extends from a first boundary (110) of the cavity (114) in the first direction on the first surface (102), and wherein the second processor section (108) extends from a second boundary (112) on a side of the cavity (114) opposite the first boundary (110) in the second direction on the second surface (104). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (114) defines a flexible section (122) of the printed circuit board (100). [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (114) comprises one or more of the following materials: air, a vacuum, an elastomer material and a foam material. [4] Device according to claim 1, further comprising a first sensor (118) arranged either on a section of the first processor section (106) or of the second processor section (108) corresponding to the cavity (114). [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the first sensor (118) is configured to measure a position of a motor. [6] Device according to claim 4, further comprising a second sensor (120) arranged on a section of the other of the first processor section (106) and the second processor section (108) corresponding to the cavity (114). [7] Device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the cavity (114) defined by the first surface (102) contains at least one layer of dielectric material. [8] Device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the cavity (114) defined by the second surface (104) contains at least one layer of dielectric material. [9] Device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the cavity (114) defined by the first surface (102) contains at least one layer of conductive material. [10] Device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the cavity (114) defined by the second surface (104) contains at least one layer of conductive material. [11] Device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board (100) comprises a circuit board with eight layers. [12] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (114) extends from a first location on the circuit board (100) to a second location on the circuit board (100). [13] Device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board (100) is connected to a steering system of a vehicle (10). [14] Printed circuit board (100), comprising: a first surface (102) and a second surface (104) opposite to the first surface (102); a first processor section (106) which extends in a first direction on the first surface (102); a second processor section (108) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second surface (104); and a cavity (114) arranged between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) and extending from one side of the first surface (102) to one side of the second surface (104) facing the side of the first surface (102), wherein the first processor section (106) and the second processor section (108) are separated by the cavity (114) and define a flexible section (122) comprising at least one layer of dielectric material and at least one layer of conductive material, wherein the first processor section (106) extends from a first boundary (110) of the cavity (114) in the first direction on the first surface (102), and wherein the second processor section (108) extends from a second boundary (112) on a side of the cavity (114) opposite the first boundary (110) in the second direction on the second surface (104). [15] Printed circuit board (100) according to claim 14, wherein the cavity (114) comprises one or more of the following materials: air, a vacuum, an elastomer material and a foam material. [16] Printed circuit board (100) according to claim 14, further comprising a first sensor (118) arranged on a part of either the first processor section (106) or the second processor section (108) corresponding to the cavity (114). [17] Printed circuit board (100) according to claim 16, which further comprises a second sensor (120) arranged on a part of the other of the first processor section (106) and the second processor section (108) corresponding to the cavity (114). [18] Printed circuit board (100) according to claim 14, wherein the cavity (114) extends from a first location on the printed circuit board (100) to a second location on the printed circuit board (100). [19] Printed circuit board (100) according to claim 14, which further comprises at least one interprocessor communication mechanism arranged on a part of either the first processor section (106) or the second processor section (108) corresponding to the cavity (114). [20] Steering system for a vehicle comprising a printed circuit board (100) according to claim 14, wherein the cavity (114) comprises an insulating area comprising a slot arranged in the first surface (102) and extending through the second surface (104).

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