VGA monitor emulating a printed circuit board

Abstract

The printed circuit board includes a substrate and resistors and electrical connections disposed on the substrate. The substrate couples to a video graphics array connector having pins including video pins and return pins. The video pins carry video signals, and the return pins provide ground for corresponding video pins. The substrate has openings, each opening capable of receiving a pin. The resistors and electrical connections couple to a subset of the pins to mimic an external video graphics array monitor. The resistors include a red connection resistor capable of coupling a red video pin to a red return pin, a green connection resistor capable of coupling a green video pin to a green return pin, and a blue connection resistor capable of coupling a blue video pin to a blue return pin.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to VGA accessories, and more particularly to VGA monitors that emulate printed circuit boards. [Background technology]

[0002] Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a video display controller and graphics standard that acts as an interface between a computer and a video monitor. A VGA cable is a compatible cable that connects a computer to a monitor to enable the computer to display graphics on the monitor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one particular embodiment, a printed circuit board includes a substrate and resistors and electrical connections disposed on the substrate. The substrate couples to a video graphics array connector having pins including video pins and return pins. The video pins carry video signals, and the return pins provide ground for corresponding video pins. The substrate has openings, each opening capable of receiving a pin. The resistors and electrical connections couple to a subset of the pins to mimic an external video graphics array monitor. The resistors include a red connection resistor capable of coupling a red video pin to a red return pin, a green connection resistor capable of coupling a green video pin to a green return pin, and a blue connection resistor capable of coupling a blue video pin to a blue return pin.

[0004] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features: each resistor has a resistance between 30 and 150 ohms; the axis of the aperture is set at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees relative to the axis of the corresponding pin; the axis of the aperture is translated 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters relative to the axis of the corresponding pin; the aperture has one or more protrusions configured to secure the pin; the protrusions may have angled edges facing the center of the aperture; and the substrate is sized and shaped to fit within a pin shield of a video graphics array connector.

[0005] In one particular embodiment, a printed circuit board includes a substrate and a set of resistors and a set of electrical connections disposed on the substrate. The substrate couples to a video graphics array connector having pins including video pins and return pins. The video pins carry video signals and the return pins provide ground for corresponding video pins. The substrate has openings, each opening capable of receiving a pin. The resistors and electrical connections couple to a subset of the pins to mimic an external video graphics array monitor. Each resistor can couple a video pin to a corresponding return pin.

[0006] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features: The set of resistors includes a red-connecting resistor capable of coupling a red video pin with a red return pin; The set of resistors includes a green-connecting resistor capable of coupling a green video pin with a green return pin; The set of resistors includes a blue-connecting resistor capable of coupling a blue video pin with a blue return pin; Each resistor has a resistance between 30 and 150 ohms; The axis of the opening is set at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees relative to the axis of the corresponding pin; The axis of the opening is translated 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters relative to the axis of the corresponding pin; The opening has one or more protrusions configured to secure the pin; The protrusions may have angled edges facing the center of the opening; The substrate is sized and shaped to fit within a pin shield of a video graphics array connector.

[0007] In one specific embodiment, a method for mimicking an external video graphics array monitor includes coupling a printed circuit board to a video graphics array connector having pins including video pins and return pins. The video pins carry video signals and the return pins provide ground to corresponding video pins. The printed circuit board includes a substrate and resistors and electrical connections disposed on the substrate. The substrate couples to the video graphics array connector. The substrate has openings, each capable of receiving a pin. The resistors and electrical connections couple to a subset of the pins to mimic the external video graphics array monitor. The resistors include a red connection resistor capable of coupling a red video pin to a red return pin, a green connection resistor capable of coupling a green video pin to a green return pin, and a blue connection resistor capable of coupling a blue video pin to a blue return pin.

[0008] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features: The axis of at least one aperture is set at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees relative to the axis of the corresponding pin; The axis of at least one aperture is translated 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters relative to the axis of the corresponding pin. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a printed circuit board (PCB) that can be used with a video graphics array (VGA) connector to emulate an external monitor, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an example of a VGA connector. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an example of a PCB with openings and resistors, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an example of a PCB that establishes a stable electrical and mechanical connection to a VGA connector, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an example of a PCB that establishes a stable electrical and mechanical connection to a VGA connector, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a PCB opening that establishes a stable electrical and mechanical connection with a VGA connector pin, according to a specific embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0013] Referring now to the description and drawings, exemplary embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are shown in detail. The description and drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or to otherwise limit the scope of the claims to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and disclosed in the description. While the drawings represent possible embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be simplified, exaggerated, omitted, or partially cut away in order to better illustrate the embodiments.

[0011] In certain situations, it may be necessary to emulate an external monitor so that the computer functions as if it were connected to an actual external monitor. For example, if a computer has two monitors connected and there is no external monitor emulation, if the VGA connection to one monitor is intermittently lost, the computer's operating system will instruct the graphics card to stop sending image signals to the monitor. The graphics card will then rearrange the display of the missing monitor to appear on the other monitor. When the connection to the monitor is restored, the display may not revert to its original arrangement, requiring the user to make adjustments. If the missing monitor were emulated while the connection was lost, the display would not be rearranged, eliminating the need for user adjustments.

[0012] Therefore, embodiments of the VGA monitor-emulating PCB ensure that the graphics card transmits a VGA image signal even when the VGA connection is lost or a VGA monitor is not present. The PCB can be attached to a standard VGA cable and is independent of the operating system. As such, the PCB can be used in a variety of applications that require a stable VGA connection or an external VGA monitor.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example printed circuit board (PCB) 10 that can be used with a video graphics array (VGA) connector 12, according to a specific embodiment. The PCB 10 can be plugged into the VGA connector 12 to mimic an external VGA monitor. The VGA connector 12 can transmit any suitable video signal. In this example, the VGA connector 12 transmits analog red, green, blue, horizontal sync, and vertical sync (RGBHV) video signals. The VGA connector 12 includes pins 14 and a pin shield 16. The pins 14 transmit the video signal and can also identify the attached device. The pins 14 include a video pin and a return pin, where the video pin transmits the video signal and the return pin provides ground for the corresponding video pin. The shield 16 protects the pins and can secure the connector 12 to an external monitor, which is typically a computer display.

[0014] The PCB 10 includes a substrate 19 configured to couple to the VGA connector 12. The substrate 19 can be a PCB board of any suitable size and shape. In this example, the substrate 19 is sized and shaped to fit within the pin shield 16 of the VGA connector 12, allowing for connection to an actual monitor. To provide the functionality of the PCB 10, electronic components (e.g., resistors) and electrical connections are disposed on the substrate 19. The substrate 19 has openings, each configured to receive a pin 14 of the VGA connector 12. A particular opening provides an electrical connection for the pin 14 within the opening to a particular electrical component on the substrate 19. A more detailed description of the components and connections is provided with reference to FIG. 3.

[0015] 2 illustrates an example VGA connector 12 with pins 14. Pins 14 may have any suitable function. An example of pin functions is described in Table 1.

[0016] [Table 1]

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an example PCB 10 with openings 20 and resistors 22 (22a, 22b, 22c) according to a specific embodiment. The PCB 10 provides a conductive path (e.g., metal) from selected pins 14 to resistors 22 and then to other selected pins 14 to mimic an external VGA monitor. When the PCB 10 is plugged into the VGA connector 12, the PCB 10 acts as a parallel connection such that the computer recognizes a resistance (e.g., approximately 75 ohms between pins 1 / 6 and / or pins 2 / 7 and / or 3 / 8) that causes the computer to identify the PCB 10 as a monitor. Any suitable resistor 22 can be used, such as an integrated resistor having a resistance in the range of 30-150 ohms, e.g., 50-100 ohms, e.g., 75 ohms.

[0018] One particular embodiment includes resistors 22a, 22b, and 22c, where red connection resistor 22a couples red video pin 1 to red return pin 6, green connection resistor 22b couples green video pin 2 to green return pin 7, and blue connection resistor 22c couples blue video pin 3 to blue return pin 8. In other embodiments, only one or two of the connections (e.g., green connection resistor 22b) may be sufficient, depending on the graphics card and operating system.

[0019] 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a PCB 10 that establishes a stable electrical and mechanical connection between the PCB 10 and the VGA connector 12, particularly when mated to a female VGA connector 18, according to certain embodiments. In the example, the axis 32 of at least one opening 20 (e.g., one, two, or three openings) is not aligned with the axis 30 of the corresponding pin 14. At least a portion of the surface of the opening 20 compresses the pin 14 to resist movement of the pin 14 out of the opening 20 to establish a stable connection between the opening 20 and the pin 14. In the illustrated example, the inner surfaces of the openings 20 and the inner surfaces of the holes in the female VGA connector 18, as well as the pin 14 of the VGA connector 12, comprise a conductive material, such as a metal.

[0020] In FIG. 4A, the aperture axis 32 is inclined at an angle relative to the pin axis 30. The inclination angle may have any suitable value, such as an angle in the range of 1 to 5, 5 to 15, and / or 15 to 20 degrees. In FIG. 4B, the aperture axis 32 is offset a distance relative to the pin axis 30. The offset distance may have any suitable value, such as a distance in the range of 0.01 to 0.05, 0.05 to 0.1, 0.1 to 0.3, and / or 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an opening 20 in a PCB 10 that establishes a stable electrical and mechanical connection with a pin 14 of a VGA connector 12, according to a specific embodiment. In this example, the opening 20 includes one, two, three, or more protrusions 34 extending into the opening 20. The protrusions 34 are sized and shaped to allow the pin 14 to enter the opening 20 and resist movement of the pin 14 out of the opening 20. For example, the protrusions 34 may have an angled edge facing the center of the opening that allows the pin 14 to enter the opening 20 and resists movement of the pin 14 out of the opening 20. The angle may have any suitable size, such as between 60 and 120 degrees, for example, 90 degrees.

[0022] Components of the systems and devices disclosed herein (e.g., a computer coupled to a VGA connector) may include interfaces, logic, and / or memory, any of which may include computer hardware and / or software. An interface can receive input to and / or send output from a component and is typically used to exchange information between, for example, software, hardware, peripherals, a user, and combinations thereof. A user interface is a type of interface that a user can use to communicate with a computer (e.g., send input to and / or receive output from a computer). Examples of user interfaces include a display, a graphical user interface (GUI), a touchscreen, a keyboard, a mouse, a gesture sensor, a microphone, and a speaker.

[0023] Logic can perform the operations of a component. Logic can include one or more electronic devices that process data, e.g., execute instructions to generate output from input. Examples of such electronic devices include computers, processors, microprocessors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), and computer chips. Logic can include computer software that encodes instructions executable by the electronic device to perform operations. Examples of computer software include computer programs, applications, and operating systems.

[0024] A memory can store information and may include a tangible, computer-readable, and / or computer-executable storage medium. Examples of memory include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital video or versatile discs (DVDs)), databases, network storage (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media. Certain embodiments may be directed to memory encoded with computer software.

[0025] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to certain embodiments, modifications of these embodiments (e.g., changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and / or other modifications) will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, modifications may be made to the systems and devices disclosed herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated, or the operations of the systems and devices may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. As another example, modifications may be made to the methods disclosed herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the methods may include more, fewer, or other steps, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0026] To assist the Patent Office and the reader in interpreting the claims, applicants note that unless the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim, applicants do not intend any claim or claim element to be covered by 35 U.S.C. 112(f). The use of other terms in the claims (e.g., "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor," or "controller") is understood by applicants to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and are not intended to be covered by 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. A printed circuit board comprising: a substrate configured to couple to a video graphics array connector, the video graphics array connector having a plurality of pins, the plurality of pins including a plurality of video pins and a plurality of return pins, the video pins configured to carry video signals and the return pins configured to provide ground to corresponding video pins, the substrate having a plurality of openings, each opening configured to receive one of the plurality of pins; a plurality of resistors and a plurality of electrical connections disposed on the substrate, the resistors and the electrical connections configured to couple to a subset of the plurality of pins to mimic an external video graphics array monitor, the resistors comprising: a red connection resistor configured to couple the red video pin to the red return pin; a green connection resistor configured to couple the green video pin to the green return pin; a blue connection resistor configured to couple the blue video pin to the blue return pin; a plurality of resistors and a plurality of electrical connections, A printed circuit board comprising:

2. 10. The printed circuit board of claim 1, wherein each resistor has a resistance between 30 and 150 ohms.

3. 2. The printed circuit board of claim 1, wherein the axis of at least one opening is set at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees relative to the axis of the pin.

4. 10. The printed circuit board of claim 1, wherein the axis of the at least one opening is translated 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters relative to the axis of the pin.

5. The printed circuit board of claim 1 , wherein at least one opening has one or more protrusions configured to secure a pin thereto.

6. The printed circuit board of claim 5 , wherein the protrusion has an angled edge facing the center of the opening.

7. 10. The printed circuit board of claim 1, wherein the board is sized and shaped to fit within a pin shield of the video graphics array connector.

8. 1. A printed circuit board comprising: a substrate configured to couple to a video graphics array connector, the video graphics array connector having a plurality of pins, the plurality of pins including a plurality of video pins and a plurality of return pins, the video pins configured to carry video signals and the return pins configured to provide ground to corresponding video pins, the substrate having a plurality of openings, each opening configured to receive one of the plurality of pins; a set of resistors and a set of electrical connections disposed on the substrate, the resistors and the electrical connections configured to couple to a subset of the set of pins to mimic an external video graphics array monitor, the set of resistors including one or more resistors, each resistor configured to couple a video pin with a corresponding return pin; A printed circuit board comprising:

9. One resistor of the set of resistors is a red connection resistor configured to couple the red video pin with the red return pin; The printed circuit board of claim 8 comprising:

10. One resistor of the set of resistors is a green connection resistor configured to couple the green video pin with the green return pin; The printed circuit board of claim 8 comprising:

11. One resistor of the set of resistors is a blue connection resistor configured to couple the blue video pin to the blue return pin; The printed circuit board of claim 8 comprising:

12. 9. The printed circuit board of claim 8, wherein each resistor has a resistance between 30 and 150 ohms.

13. 9. The printed circuit board of claim 8, wherein the axis of at least one opening is set at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees relative to the axis of the pin.

14. 9. The printed circuit board of claim 8, wherein the axis of the at least one opening is translated relative to the axis of the pin by 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters.

15. The printed circuit board of claim 8 , wherein at least one opening has one or more protrusions configured to secure a pin thereto.

16. The printed circuit board of claim 15 , wherein the protrusion has an angled edge facing the center of the opening.

17. 9. The printed circuit board of claim 8, wherein the board is sized and shaped to fit within a pin shield of the video graphics array connector.

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