Method, device and connector for optically contacting a printed circuit board, computer program product, circuit board, electronic unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for optically contacting a printed circuit board (200), comprising: providing (110) a printed circuit board (200) with at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board layer (210; 210') for conducting optical signals and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the printed circuit board (200) to at least the first printed circuit board layer (210; 210'); providing (120) a connecting piece (300) for conducting the optical signals with a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is configured for optically contacting the first printed circuit board layer (210; 210') and the second section is configured for optically contacting a unit (200') for communicating the optical signals; inserting (130) the first section into the first opening such that the first section is connected to the first printed circuit board layer (210;210') is optically contacted and the second section extends away from the circuit board (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for optically contacting a printed circuit board, a computer program product, an electronic unit and a vehicle.

[0002] Current press-fit technologies are used to create solderless connections to printed circuit boards. For this purpose, metallized holes, known as through-holes, are provided on the circuit boards. The contact pins are pressed into these metallized holes during assembly. Recesses, interlocking, or other methods that create a spring effect ensure that a contact is secured in a metallized hole. The use of press-fit pins eliminates the need for additional mechanical fastening of the contacts. Furthermore, it is possible to assemble a large number of individual press-fit pins at the same time in a single work step. This is particularly advantageous in series production.

[0003] There are now a large number of different pin geometries. The pin geometry can include a connector in the form of a square wire, which is adjusted and formed to the desired length. Press-in contacts are often silver-plated, gold-plated, or galvanized.

[0004] Press-fit technology is an established and widespread technology in electronics production. Until now, this technology has been reserved exclusively for electrical data transmission or electrical power and voltage supply. Optical data transmission is not yet possible.

[0005] Optically conductive data paths have the advantage of higher bandwidth compared to electrically conductive data paths. Furthermore, heat generation is reduced. Due to advancing digitalization, it is therefore desirable to be able to provide larger bandwidths.

[0006] WO 2004 / 010191 A1 shows a connection to an optical backplane. US Pat. No. 7,149,389 B2 shows an optical circuit board system with a tapered waveguide. EP 2 577 371 B1 shows an optical circuit board with an optical coupling device.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device that at least improve one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to optically connect and / or contact a printed circuit board quickly and cost-effectively in order to form at least one optical data path thereto.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a method for optically contacting a printed circuit board. The method comprises: - Providing a printed circuit board with at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board level for conducting optical signals and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the printed circuit board to at least the first printed circuit board level; - Providing a connector for conducting the optical signals with a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is designed for optically contacting the first circuit board level and the second section is designed for optically contacting a unit communicating the optical signals; - Inserting the first section into the first opening such that the first section is optically contacted with the first circuit board level and the second section extends away from the circuit board.

[0009] The optically conductive connecting piece can be an optically conductive press fit. The connecting piece enables optical through-plating of optical connections, in particular optically conductive circuit board levels of a circuit board. The connecting piece is characterized in that it can be easily inserted, in particular pressed, into the provided opening. This makes it possible to create a solderless optical connection that can be integrated with other press fits in the same work process. For this purpose, it is necessary that the connecting piece and the optically conductive circuit board level are designed for optical transmission and / or communication of the optical signals. Known and / or already used connecting pieces, in particular press fits, comprise one or more electrically conductive materials. This material(s) can be replaced and / or supplemented by optically conductive materials.

[0010] This allows the light pulses to be guided through the press fits and circuit boards, especially PCBs.

[0011] The circuit board may further comprise at least one second electrically conductive circuit board level for conducting electrical signals. The circuit board may comprise two, three, or more first optically conductive circuit board levels. Furthermore, the circuit board may comprise two, three, or more second electrically conductive circuit board levels. The second electrically conductive circuit board level may be arranged at and / or on the first circuit board level and / or connected to it. The first opening may extend to at least the second circuit board level or through it.

[0012] The circuit board may further comprise at least one non-conductive circuit board level. In particular, the circuit board may comprise two non-conductive circuit board levels, with the first and / or second circuit board levels arranged between them. The non-conductive circuit board levels may be electrically and / or optically insulating.

[0013] The first opening may extend through the circuit board such that it extends at least partially through the first circuit board level.

[0014] The procedure can be a press-fit procedure.

[0015] The first opening and any further opening may extend through at least one or more circuit board levels of the circuit board. The first opening and any further opening may be a through-opening and may, in particular, extend through the circuit board.

[0016] The first and second sections may be formed adjacent to one another and / or connected to one another. The connecting piece may consist of the first and second sections.

[0017] Optical contacting can involve bringing the connecting piece into contact with the first circuit board level, so that in particular the optical signals can be conducted from the connecting piece to the first circuit board level and / or from the first circuit board level to the connecting piece. Alternatively, the optical contacting can be designed such that the optical signals can be transmitted from the connecting piece to the first circuit board level and / or from the first circuit board level to the connecting piece. For this purpose, the connecting piece, in particular the first section, and the first circuit board level can be spaced apart. The advantage of optical signals is that they can also be transmitted via an air gap between the connecting piece and the first circuit board level, so that direct physical contact can be dispensed with.Thus, optical contacting can mean that the connector and the first circuit board level are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the optical signals can, for example, exit the connector along a propagation direction of the optical signals. The first circuit board level can be arranged in such a way that it is aligned along the propagation direction and can thus receive the optical signals.

[0018] Communicating can be or include sending and / or receiving the respective signals.

[0019] The circuit board may be or include a chipset, a PCB or the like.

[0020] The unit may be another printed circuit board with at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board level and / or at least one second electrically conductive printed circuit board level. Alternatively or additionally, the second unit may be or comprise a chipset, a PCB, or the like.

[0021] According to the invention, the first opening has a first diameter and the first section has a second diameter. According to the invention, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. According to the invention, inserting the first section into the first opening further comprises canting the first section with the first opening.

[0022] The first section can have a clamping geometry for canting the first section with the first opening. The clamping geometry can be designed such that it can be inserted into the first opening, in particular without canting. The clamping geometry can then be rotated to provide the canting. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping geometry can be designed such that it cants with the first opening simply upon insertion into the opening. The clamping geometry can provide a firm hold in the opening.

[0023] The method may further comprise connecting the connector to the circuit board and / or fusing the connector to the circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise attaching the connector to the circuit board. The fusing may comprise treating the connector and / or the circuit board with heat.

[0024] The second section can have a limiting geometry that is connected to the first section. Consequently, the limiting geometry can form an end section of the second section that adjoins the first section. For this purpose, the second section can have a limiting section that is formed on and / or in which the limiting geometry is formed. The limiting geometry can be designed to limit an insertion depth of the connecting piece into the first opening such that the first section can be optically contacted and / or contacted with the first circuit board level by insertion. The limiting geometry can be selected such that further insertion is not possible or is blocked. For this purpose, the limiting geometry can have a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter.Alternatively or additionally, the boundary geometry can be cuboid, cubic, hemispherical, spherical and / or cylindrical.

[0025] The first opening and any additional openings can extend along an insertion axis. If the connecting piece, in particular the first section, is inserted into the first opening along the insertion axis, the boundary geometry can extend at least partially along an axis different from the insertion axis. The different axis can be perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0026] Consequently, insertion of the connector may result in the boundary geometry resting on a surface of the circuit board, thus blocking further insertion.

[0027] A length of the first section may be predetermined based on an insertion depth along the insertion axis at least up to the first circuit board level.

[0028] The connecting piece can further be designed to conduct the electrical signals and the first section can further be designed to make electrical contact with the second circuit board level. For this purpose, the connecting piece can be designed to be electrically and optically conductive. The connecting piece can comprise an at least partial sheath made of electrically conductive material, for example copper, and an optical fiber within the sheath. The sheath can be partially interrupted so that the optical signals can enter and / or exit the connecting piece, in particular the first section. The interruption can be arranged such that it is at the same insertion depth as the first circuit board level after the first section has been inserted into the circuit board. The unit can further be designed to communicate, in particular by means of an electrically conductive unit section mentioned below, of the electrical signals.Furthermore, the unit can be configured for communication, in particular by means of an optically conductive unit section, as mentioned below, for the optical signals. Thus, both electrical and optical contact can be established using a single connecting piece. The first opening can extend at least as far as the second circuit board level. The first section can be inserted into the first opening such that the first section is electrically contacted with the second circuit board level.

[0029] The insertion may further comprise at least partially passing the first section through the circuit board, so that the first section protrudes at least partially from the circuit board at the first opening in the form of a through opening.

[0030] The method may further comprise providing the unit, wherein the unit has at least one optically conductive unit section and a second opening. The second opening may extend at least as far as the optically conductive unit section. Furthermore, the second opening may extend at least as far as the electrically conductive unit section and / or at least partially through it. The unit may be a or the further printed circuit board, wherein the unit section is a or the first optically conductive printed circuit board level of the printed circuit board. The method may further comprise inserting the second section into the second opening such that the second section is optically contacted with the optically conductive unit section. Consequently, an optical connection between the printed circuit board and the unit can be provided by means of the one connecting piece.Alternatively, the further unit can be configured to transmit and / or receive the optical signals, and the connecting piece, in particular the second section, can be contacted with the unit in such a way that communication of the optical signals is enabled. Consequently, the unit does not need to include a further opening and can, for example, have a contact section for optical contact with the connecting piece.

[0031] Furthermore, the unit can comprise an electrically conductive unit section, in particular the second electrically conductive circuit board level. The second section can be inserted into the second opening such that the second section is electrically contacted with the electrically conductive unit section, in particular the electrically conductive circuit board level.

[0032] The invention is not limited to two elements, here the circuit board and the unit. The first and / or second openings can be through-holes, and the connecting piece can be configured such that it protrudes through them. Thus, further circuit boards and / or units can be optically and / or electrically connected by means of the protruding portions.

[0033] The first section may comprise a first deflection unit and / or the second section may comprise a second deflection unit. The first and / or second deflection units may be arranged and configured to modify an optical propagation direction of the optical signals communicated via the connecting section. The first and / or second deflection units may comprise or be at least partially reflective mirrors.

[0034] The first section, the second section, the optically conductive unit section, and / or the first optically conductive circuit board level of the circuit board may comprise an optical element. The optical element may be a lens. The optical element can be used to adjust the beam path of the optical signals.

[0035] The second portion may have a fourth diameter and the second opening of the unit may have a fifth diameter, wherein the fourth diameter is greater than the fifth diameter. Inserting the second portion into the second opening may further comprise canting the second portion with the second opening.

[0036] The second section may have a clamping geometry for canting the second section with the second opening.

[0037] The method may include connecting the connector to the unit and / or fusing the connector to the unit.

[0038] The second section can have a further limiting geometry that is spaced from or connected to the first limiting geometry. The further limiting geometry can be configured to limit an insertion depth of the connecting piece into the second opening, such that the second section can be optically or electrically contacted with the optically conductive and / or electrically conductive unit section upon insertion. Similar to the first limiting geometry, an insertion depth of the connecting piece, in particular of the second section, into the unit can thus be adjusted.

[0039] The connector can be a press-fit pin.

[0040] The connecting piece may comprise or consist of a light-conducting material, in particular a light guide. Furthermore, the connecting piece may comprise and / or consist of an electrically conductive material.

[0041] Providing the printed circuit board and / or providing the unit may further comprise creating the first and / or second openings. Creating may comprise or be punching, drilling, and / or ablation, in particular by means of a laser.

[0042] The method may further comprise optically and / or electrically through-connecting the first and / or second openings, in particular such that the first and / or second openings form optically and / or electrically conductive through-connections. The through-connection may improve the optical and / or electrical contacting by means of the connecting piece.

[0043] The method may be a computer-implemented method.

[0044] The connecting piece can be at least partially cylindrical, straight, polygonal, pigtail-shaped, curled, spring-shaped, and / or arc-shaped. The shape of the connecting piece can be predetermined and / or configured depending on the arrangement of the circuit board and unit to be connected. If the circuit board and the unit are arranged one above the other and, in particular, the first and second holes can be connected by a straight line, the connecting piece can have a rectilinear shape. If the circuit board and the unit are arranged side by side, the connecting piece can have a U-shape.

[0045] It is thus possible to manufacture and / or provide the connecting piece in various designs. The connecting piece can be elastic and / or flexible. Alternatively, the connecting piece can be rigid.

[0046] The connector can be arranged at least partially with another electrically conductive connector in a connector housing. Alternatively, the optically conductive connector can be arranged at least partially in a single connector housing.

[0047] The connection of the connector to the circuit board can be a positive, non-positive and / or material connection.

[0048] The connecting piece can be designed to be at least partially permeable to optical signals. If two or more connecting pieces for a circuit board are inserted into respective openings provided, the two connecting pieces can optically contact the same and / or different first optically conductive circuit board levels of the circuit board. Furthermore, one of the two connecting pieces can extend through one of the optically conductive circuit board levels and optically contact an optically conductive circuit board level located below or above it. In this case, this circuit board level can allow optical signals from the second circuit board levels that are different from the circuit board levels located below and / or above it to pass through. Thus, there is no optical interruption of a first optically conductive circuit board level by the connecting piece.

[0049] The material(s) of the connecting element can be light-conducting materials, which can, in particular, conduct visible and / or non-visible light. The material(s) can vary depending on the application, as the optical signals can have different wavelengths. The material(s) can be flexible. The shape of the connecting element can be adapted to the transmission of the optical signals, such that, in particular, the optical signals can be transmitted reliably and with high quality.

[0050] Optically conductive circuit board levels may be referred to as first circuit board levels and electrically conductive circuit board levels may be referred to as second circuit board levels.

[0051] The object is achieved according to a second aspect by a device for optically contacting a printed circuit board, comprising: - means for providing a printed circuit board with at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board level for conducting optical signals and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the printed circuit board to at least the first printed circuit board level; - means for providing a connector for conducting the optical signals with a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is designed for optically contacting the first circuit board level and the second section is designed for optically contacting a unit communicating the optical signals; - means for inserting the first portion into the first opening such that the first portion is optically contacted with the first circuit board level and the second portion extends away from the circuit board, wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, wherein the insertion of the first portion into the first opening further comprises canting the first portion with the first opening.

[0052] The means for providing the circuit board may further provide the circuit board with at least one second electrically conductive circuit board level for conducting electrical signals.

[0053] The device may comprise further means for creating the first and / or second openings and / or through-plating the first and / or second openings. The device may comprise further means for carrying out further steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0054] The object is achieved according to a third aspect by a computer program product comprising instructions which cause the device according to the second aspect to carry out the method steps according to the first aspect.

[0055] The object is achieved according to a fourth aspect by a connector for optically contacting a printed circuit board. The connector has a first section and a second section for conducting optical signals, the first section being designed for optically contacting an optically conductive circuit board level of a printed circuit board and the second section being designed for optically contacting a unit that communicates the optical signals. The first section can be inserted into a first opening in the printed circuit board, which opening extends at least as far as the optically conductive circuit board level, such that the first section can be optically contacted with the optically conductive circuit board level and the second section extends away from the printed circuit board. The first opening has a first diameter and the first section has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.The first section can be inserted into the first opening in such a way that the first section is canted with the first opening.

[0056] The object is achieved according to a fifth aspect by a printed circuit board comprising: - at least one first optically conductive circuit board level; - at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the circuit board to at least the first circuit board level; - a connecting piece according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first section is inserted and / or insertable into the first opening of the circuit board in such a way that the first section is optically contacted and / or contactable with the first optically conductive circuit board level and the second section extends away from the circuit board, wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first section has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, wherein the first section is inserted into the first opening in such a way that the first section is canted with the first opening.

[0057] The circuit board may further comprise at least a second electrically conductive circuit board level.

[0058] According to a sixth aspect, the object is achieved by an electronic unit comprising a connector according to the fourth aspect and / or a circuit board according to the fifth aspect. The electronic unit may further comprise a processor, a memory, a network card, a graphics card, and / or the like. The electronic unit may be a computer or comprise one.

[0059] The object is achieved according to a seventh aspect by a vehicle comprising a connector according to the fourth aspect, a printed circuit board according to the fifth aspect and / or an electronic unit according to the sixth aspect.

[0060] Features embodied in relation to the method according to the first aspect may be embodied as features of the device according to the second aspect, the connector according to the fourth aspect, the circuit board according to the fifth aspect, the electronic unit according to the sixth aspect, and the vehicle according to the seventh aspect.

[0061] Preferred embodiments are explained using the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method for optically contacting a printed circuit board; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a printed circuit board optically contacted by means of a connecting piece; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a printed circuit board optically contacted by means of two connecting pieces; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of two printed circuit boards which are optically contacted with each other by means of a connecting piece; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of shapes of a connecting piece; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a circuit board with a chip optically contacted by means of a connector; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a printed circuit board optically contacted by means of a connecting piece with a deflection unit and an optical unit; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a device for optically contacting a printed circuit board; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of an electronic unit with an optically contacted circuit board; and Fig. 10 a vehicle with an optically contacted circuit board.

[0062] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a method 100, in particular a computer-implemented method 100, which can be stored in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product can be stored on a memory, for example, a device 400, an electronic unit 500, and / or a vehicle 600.

[0064] The method 100 comprises providing 110 a printed circuit board 200 having at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board level 210 for conducting optical signals, at least one optional second electrically conductive printed circuit board level 220 for conducting electrical signals, and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the printed circuit board 200 to at least the first printed circuit board level 210.

[0065] The method 100 further comprises providing 120 a connector 300 for conducting the optical signals, comprising a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for optically contacting the first circuit board level 210, and the second section is configured for optically contacting a unit that communicates the optical signals. The unit can, for example, be another circuit board 200' and can be arranged at a distance from the circuit board 200.

[0066] The method 100 further comprises inserting 130 the first portion into the first opening such that the first portion is optically contacted with the first circuit board level 210 and the second portion extends away from the circuit board 200.

[0067] The connector can be a press-fit pin 300 and the method a press-fit method 100. Thus, it is possible to optically contact optically conductive circuit board levels 210 of a circuit board 200 using the optically conductive connectors 300. A particular advantage of the method 100 is that, with the press-fit method, multiple pins can be inserted into multiple openings in the circuit board or even multiple circuit boards in one step to enable fast and easy production of contacted circuit boards. Furthermore, there is no need to translate optical signals into electrical signals, since the optical signals can be optically transmitted using the connector. This further provides a higher bandwidth and lower heat generation.

[0068] The method 100, the circuit board 200 and the connector 300 are further explained by way of example with reference to the following figures.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a printed circuit board 200 with two second electrically conductive printed circuit board levels 220, 220' and a first optically conductive printed circuit board level 210 arranged between them. The printed circuit board 200 further has at least one, here two, non-conductive printed circuit board levels 250, 250', with the first and second printed circuit board levels 210, 220, 220' being arranged between them. The non-conductive printed circuit board levels 250, 250' can be electrically and / or optically insulating. In the further figures, an illustration of the at least one or more non-conductive printed circuit board levels 250, 250' is omitted. However, the embodiments shown can have at least one, in particular two, non-conductive printed circuit board levels. Advantageously, the first and / or second printed circuit board levels 210, 220 can be arranged between the non-conductive printed circuit board levels 250, 250'.

[0070] The printed circuit board 200 has in the Fig. 2 has a through-hole as an opening. Alternatively, the opening can extend at least to the first circuit board level 210, which is to be optically contacted. Alternatively, the opening can extend at least partially through the first circuit board level 210.

[0071] The connector 300 is pin-shaped and / or has a clamping geometry 310, which is encompassed by a first portion of the connector 300. The first portion of the connector 300 can be a portion of the connector 300 that is guided into and / or through the circuit board 200. Furthermore, the connector 300 has a second portion that adjoins the first portion and extends away from the circuit board 200. Consequently, the second portion is the portion that is not inserted into the circuit board 200.

[0072] The clamping geometry 310 is configured such that it can be inserted into the through-hole and canted with the circuit board 200 in the through-hole. This canting can provide physical contact, in particular with the first circuit board level 210.

[0073] Furthermore, the connecting piece 300 has a limiting geometry 320, which is encompassed by the second section. The through-opening has a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of the limiting geometry 320. When the connecting piece 200 is inserted into the through-opening, the limiting geometry 320 limits the insertion depth into the through-opening. For this purpose, the limiting geometry 320 can be configured such that it rests on the circuit board 200, here the upper non-conductive circuit board level 250, from a predetermined insertion depth and blocks further insertion into the through-opening.

[0074] The dashed lines shown in Fig. FIG. 2 represent communication paths of the optical signals. The optical signals can be transmitted and / or received, so that the arrows point in both directions.

[0075] Fig. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a printed circuit board 200, which has a further first optically conductive printed circuit board layer 210' compared to the printed circuit board 200 shown in Fig. FIG. 2.

[0076] The printed circuit board 200 of Fig. FIG. 3 further has a second through-opening into which a second connecting piece 300' is inserted. The connecting piece 300 optically contacts the first printed circuit board layer 210 and the connecting piece 300' optically contacts the first printed circuit board layer 210'.

[0077] Furthermore, at least the connecting piece 300' is configured such that the optical signals that are routed into the first circuit board level 210 by means of the connecting piece 300 can be routed through the connecting piece 300'. Consequently, the optical signals communicated in the first circuit board level 210 are not interrupted by the further connecting piece 300'.

[0078] Furthermore, a connector 300 can be configured to optically contact two or more first optically conductive circuit board levels of a circuit board and thus provide communication of optical signals with the two or more first circuit board levels. For this purpose, an opening in the circuit board provided for the connector 300 can extend at least as far as the two or more first optically conductive circuit board levels. Thus, optical contacting of two or more first optically conductive circuit board levels can be achieved using a single connector 300.

[0079] To conduct the optical signals, the connector 300 may be made of or comprise a light-conducting material. For example, the connector 300 may comprise or be an optical fiber.

[0080] Additionally, the connector 300 can be configured to conduct electrical signals. For this purpose, the connector 300 can comprise an electrically conductive material. For example, a lateral surface of the connector 300 can be made of an electrically conductive metal, such as copper, and an interior volume of the connector can be made of an optical fiber.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of two printed circuit boards 200, 200', each with two second electrically conductive printed circuit board levels and a first optically conductive printed circuit board level located between them. Both printed circuit boards 200, 200' each have a through-opening into which the shown connecting piece 300 is inserted. Consequently, the second section is designed to be insertable into the through-opening of the printed circuit board 200'. By means of the connecting piece 300, the respective first optically conductive printed circuit board levels of the printed circuit boards 200, 200' can be optically contacted and connected to one another via the connecting piece 300. According to the Fig. 4, the connecting piece 300 has a U-shaped structure.

[0082] Furthermore, the connecting piece 300, in particular the second section of the connecting piece 300 in the Fig. 4 engages another clamping geometry and another limiting geometry to provide optical contacting of the first optically conductive layer plane of the circuit board 200' and / or a corresponding bevelling as well as limiting the insertion depth of the connecting piece 300 into the through-opening of the circuit board 200'. The clamping geometries and / or limiting geometries of the circuit boards 200, 200' can be at least partially identical and / or different from each other. The clamping geometries and / or the limiting geometries can be determined based on the openings, here the through-openings of the respective circuit board 200, 200'.

[0083] Fig. 5 schematically shows further shapes of a connecting piece 300', 300'', 300'''. The connecting piece 300' is spring-shaped and / or pigtail-shaped, the connecting piece 300'' is rectilinear, and the connecting piece 300''' is formed with at least one edge and / or one corner. The shape of a connecting piece 300 can be adapted to the respective requirements.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a printed circuit board 200 in which a chip 230 is arranged on the upper second printed circuit board level 220. The chip 230 is designed to communicate the optical signals. For this purpose, the second printed circuit board level 220 has an opening and / or a breakthrough through the second electrically conductive printed circuit board level 220. Furthermore, this opening or breakthrough can be filled with a light-conducting material and / or the first optically conductive printed circuit board level 210. The optical signals can be communicated to and / or from the connecting piece 300 via the first optically conductive printed circuit board level 210. The second section of the connecting piece 300 can, for example, be connected to another printed circuit board in such a way that a further first optically conductive printed circuit board level of the further printed circuit board is contacted there by means of the first connecting piece 300.Accordingly, the optical signals can be communicated between the two printed circuit boards.

[0085] Fig. FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a printed circuit board 200 with a through-opening, which is formed here in the form of a via 240. The via 240 can be formed to be at least optically conductive. Additionally, the via 240 can be formed to be electrically conductive.

[0086] The first section of the connector 300 has a deflecting unit 330 and an optical unit 340 to further improve the optically conductive properties of the connector 300. The deflecting unit 330 can be at least a partially reflective mirror. The deflecting unit 330 is configured to change a propagation direction of the optical signals.

[0087] The optical unit 340 may be a lens to further improve input and / or output of the optical signals between connector 300 and the first circuit board level 210.

[0088] If the opening is provided in the form of a through-hole plating, a clamping and / or limiting geometry can be omitted. The through-hole plating can be designed such that it cants with the connecting piece 300 during insertion. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting piece 300 can be welded and / or glued.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a device 400 for optically contacting a circuit board 200. The device 400 may include the memory on which the computer program product is stored. Furthermore, the device 400 may be configured to execute the computer program product, for example, by means of a processor and the means 410, 420, 430 mentioned below.

[0090] The device 400 comprises the means 410 for providing a circuit board 200 with at least one first optically conductive circuit board level 210 for conducting optical signals, at least one optional second electrically conductive circuit board level 220 for conducting electrical signals, and at least one first opening. The first opening extends through the circuit board 200 to at least the first circuit board level 210.

[0091] The device 400 further comprises means 420 for providing a connector 300 for conducting the optical signals, having a first section and a second section. The first section is designed for optically contacting the first circuit board level 210, and the second section is designed for optically contacting a unit communicating the optical signals, for example, a second circuit board.

[0092] Furthermore, the device 400 comprises the means 430 for inserting the first portion into the first opening such that the first portion is optically contacted with the first circuit board level 210 and the second portion extends away from the circuit board 200.

[0093] Fig. 9 shows an electronic unit, here a computer 500, with a circuit board 200 and a connector 300 that optically contacts the circuit board 200, in particular a first optically conductive circuit board level 210 of the circuit board 200. The electronic unit, in particular the computer 500, can further comprise a processor, a memory, a graphics card, and / or the like.

[0094] Fig. 10 shows a vehicle 600 with a circuit board 200 and a connector 300 which optically contacts the circuit board 200, in particular a first optically conductive circuit board level 210 of the circuit board 200.

[0095] Optical signals can be communicated via the circuit boards 200 and the connectors 300 of the electronic unit 500 and the vehicle 600, thus providing a higher bandwidth compared to purely electrically conductive connections. Heat generation is also reduced. Reference symbol 100 methods for optically contacting a printed circuit board 110 Providing a circuit board 120 Providing a connector 130 Inserting the first section into the first opening 200 circuit boards 210, 210' first optically conductive circuit board level 220, 220' second electrically conductive circuit board level 230 chips 240 vias 250, 250' non-conductive circuit board level 300, 300', 300'' connector 310 clamping geometry 320 Boundary geometry 330 deflection unit 340 optical unit 400 Device for optical contacting of a printed circuit board 410 Means for providing a printed circuit board 420 Means for providing a connecting piece 430 Means for inserting the first section into the first opening 500 electronic units 600 vehicles

Claims

[1] Method (100) for optically contacting a printed circuit board (200), comprising: Providing (110) a printed circuit board (200) having at least one first optically conductive printed circuit board level (210; 210') for conducting optical signals and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the printed circuit board (200) to at least the first printed circuit board level (210; 210'); Providing (120) a connector (300) for conducting the optical signals, comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured for optically contacting the first circuit board level (210; 210') and the second portion is configured for optically contacting a unit (200') communicating the optical signals; inserting (130) the first portion into the first opening such that the first portion is optically contacted with the first circuit board level (210; 210') and the second portion extends away from the circuit board (200), wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, wherein inserting (130) the first portion into the first opening further comprises canting the first portion with the first opening. [2] The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the first portion has a clamping geometry (310) for canting the first portion with the first opening. [3] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Connecting the connector (300) to the circuit board (200) and / or melting the connector (300) to the circuit board (200). [4] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section has a boundary geometry (320) connected to the first section, wherein the limiting geometry (320) is designed to limit an insertion depth of the connecting piece (300) into the first opening, such that the first section can be optically contacted and / or is contacted with the first circuit board level (210; 210') by the insertion. [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit board (200) is provided with at least one second electrically conductive circuit board level (220; 220') for conducting electrical signals, wherein the connecting piece (300) is further designed to conduct the electrical signals and the first section is further designed to electrically contact the second circuit board level (220; 220'), wherein the first opening extends further at least to the second circuit board level (220; 220'), wherein the first section is inserted into the first opening such that the first section is electrically contactable and / or contacted with the second circuit board level (220; 220'). [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Providing the unit (200'), the unit (200') having at least one optically conductive unit portion and a second opening; Inserting the second portion into the second opening such that the second portion is optically contactable and / or contacted with the optically conductive unit portion. [7] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section comprises a first deflection unit (330) and / or the second section comprises a second deflection unit, wherein the first and / or second deflection units (330) are arranged and designed to modify an optical propagation direction of the optical signals communicated by means of the connecting piece (300). [8] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting piece (300) is a press-fit pin, and / or wherein the connecting piece (300) comprises or consists of a light-conducting material, in particular a light guide. [9] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein providing (110) the circuit board (200) and / or providing the unit (200') further comprises creating the first and / or second opening. [10] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: optical and / or electrical through-contacting of the first and / or second openings, in particular such that the first and / or second openings form optically and / or electrically conductive through-contacts (240). [11] Device (400) for optically contacting a printed circuit board (200), comprising: Means (410) for providing a circuit board (200) having at least one first optically conductive circuit board level (210; 210') for conducting optical signals and at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the circuit board (200) to at least the first circuit board level (210; 210'); Means (420) for providing a connector (300) for conducting the optical signals having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured for optically contacting the first circuit board level (210; 210') and the second portion is configured for optically contacting a unit (200') communicating the optical signals; Means (430) for inserting the first section into the first opening such that the first section is optically contacted with the first circuit board level (210; 210') and the second section extends away from the circuit board (200), wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, wherein inserting the first portion into the first opening further comprises canting the first portion with the first opening. [12] A computer program product comprising instructions causing the apparatus (400) of claim 11 to perform the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 10. [13] Connector (300) for optically contacting a printed circuit board (200), wherein the connecting piece (300) for conducting optical signals has a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is designed for optically contacting an optically conductive circuit board plane (210; 210') of a circuit board (200) and the second section is designed for optically contacting a unit (200') communicating the optical signals, wherein the first section is insertable into a first opening of the circuit board (200) which extends at least as far as the optically conductive circuit board plane (210; 210'), such that the first section is optically contactable and / or contacted with the optically conductive circuit board plane (210; 210') and the second section extends away from the circuit board (200), wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, wherein the first portion is insertable into the first opening such that the first portion is canted with the first opening. [14] Printed circuit board (200) comprising: at least one first optically conductive circuit board level (210; 210'); at least one first opening, wherein the first opening extends through the circuit board (200) to at least the first circuit board level (210; 210'); a connector (300) according to claim 13, wherein the first portion is inserted into the first opening of the circuit board (200) such that the first portion is optically contacted with the first optically conductive circuit board plane (210; 210') and the second portion extends away from the circuit board (200), wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the first portion has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, wherein the first portion is inserted into the first opening such that the first portion is canted with the first opening. [15] Electronic unit (500) comprising a connector (300) according to claim 13 and / or a printed circuit board (200) according to claim 14. [16] A vehicle (600) comprising a connector (300) according to claim 13, a printed circuit board (200) according to claim 14 and / or an electronic unit (500) according to claim 15.

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