Home appliance including printed circuit board including signal branch structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a home appliance which comprises: a display connected to a processor and a communication circuit; and a signal branching unit configured to transmit a signal generated from the processor to first and second interfaces by using first and second communication methods, respectively, and branch and output the signal to one of the first or second interface. The signal branching unit includes a link portion which electrically connects, by means of a via hole, a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board stacked thereon, connects a first signal transmission line to a second transmission line in response to the communication method being the first communication method, and connects the first signal transmission line to a third signal transmission line, disposed on the second printed circuit board, in response to the communication method being the second communication method.

Description

Home appliances including a printed circuit board including a signal branching structure

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a home appliance, and more specifically, to a home appliance having a signal branching section which is a signal branching structure.

[0002] Today, various types of electrical components can be mounted inside various types of home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, clothes dryers, electric ovens, and microwave ovens. These electrical components may include integrated circuits (ICs) formed by integrating passive and / or active components.

[0003] Among the various types of electrical components mentioned above, a display device is an output device that converts electrical information into visual information and displays it to the user. Recently, display devices have become miniaturized and modularized, and can be included in various types of home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, clothes dryers, electric ovens, and microwave ovens.

[0004] In addition, different types of communication methods may be used between the various types of electrical components included in home appliances.

[0005] To enable communication between electrical components that support different types of communication methods, various signal branching methods can be considered to implement multi-interface functionality. For example, a method of branching signals using components such as multiplexer (MUX) circuits can be considered, but this may incur costs due to the addition of separate components. Additionally, a method of branching signals by simply branching transmission lines can be considered, but signal stability may decrease due to the occurrence of stubs during the transmission line matching process.

[0006] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0007] A printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a signal branching structure that branches electrical signals communicating in different ways by placing passive components on the printed circuit board.

[0008] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor, a communication circuit, a display operatively connected to the at least one processor and the communication circuit, a first interface for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor using a first communication method, a second interface for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and a signal branching unit formed to branch and output an electrical signal input from the at least one processor to either the first interface or the second interface. The above signal branching unit comprises a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board disposed to be laminated with the first printed circuit board and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board by a via hole, a first signal transmission line disposed on the first printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method, a second signal transmission line disposed on the first printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method when connected from the first signal transmission line, a third signal transmission line disposed on the second printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the second communication method when connected from the first signal transmission line, and a first state in which the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line are electrically connected in correspondence with the first communication method being a communication method supported for the display, or a second state in which the first signal transmission line and the third signal transmission line are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method being a communication method supported for the display. It may include a linkage part that forms a single state.

[0009] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor, a communication circuit, a display operatively connected to the at least one processor and the communication circuit, a first interface for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor using a first communication method, a second interface for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and a signal branching unit configured to branch and output an electrical signal input from the at least one processor to either the first interface or the second interface. The above signal branching unit comprises a printed circuit board, a first signal transmission line disposed on the printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in a first communication method, a second signal transmission line disposed on the printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method, a third signal transmission line disposed in parallel with the second signal transmission line on the printed circuit board and forming a path for transmitting a signal in a second communication method different from the first communication method, a bridge transmission line disposed on the printed circuit board and branching from the first signal transmission line to the second signal transmission line or branching from the first transmission line to the third signal transmission line, and a first state in which the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line are electrically connected in correspondence with the first communication method that is supported for the display (3000), or the first signal transmission line and the third signal transmission line are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method that is supported for the display (3000). It may include a linkage part positioned to be placed in any one of the second states of connection.The above link portion may include a first link portion connecting the first transmission line and the bridge transmission line, and a second link portion connecting the bridge transmission line and the second transmission line or the bridge transmission line and the third transmission line.

[0010] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0011] A printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can minimize signal delay when branching high-speed signals and provide stability in signal transmission.

[0012] A printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can easily provide signal transmission between electrical components that support different communication methods.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3a is a block diagram of an electronic device in a first state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3b is a block diagram of an electronic device in a second state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4a is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5a is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6a is a perspective view schematically illustrating a third type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a third type of signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a washing machine including a signal branching structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] In addition, terms such as "~part," "~unit," "~block," "~part," and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the above terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0026] Hereinafter, in this document, "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" may be used based on the illustrated drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by this.

[0027] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components.

[0028] The electronic device described below (e.g., the home appliance (1) of FIG. 1) is to be understood as being illustrative for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present disclosure and may be implemented in various modified forms. Additionally, some of the attached drawings may not be drawn to actual scale and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 can be understood as a functional block diagram illustrating an electronic device from a functional perspective.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device may include various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include various types of electrical components and may support a method of communication between said components. For example, the electronic device may be implemented as various types of home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, electric ovens, microwave ovens, and air conditioners. For example, the electronic device may include smartphones, tablet PCs, computers, laptops, and wearable devices. For example, the electronic device may include various forms such as monitors, portable multimedia devices, and portable communication devices, and may be implemented as various devices that visually display images.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include various types of electronic components. For example, the electronic components may include a display (e.g., the display (3000) of FIG. 1). The various types of electronic components may be placed inside the electronic device or implemented as a configuration separate from the electronic device and electrically connected by an input / output interface (e.g., interface (4000)) included in the electronic device.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a controller (1000), a transceiver (2000), a display (3000), and an interface (4000).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (2000) may support the transmission and reception of signals between electrical components included within an electronic device, or support the transmission and reception of signals with the outside. For example, the communication unit (2000) may receive and / or transmit wired and wireless signals between an external wired and wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired and wireless communication protocol.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (2000) may include a wired communication module that supports wired communication and a wireless communication module that supports wireless communication. The wired communication module and the wireless communication module may be implemented in the form of separate communication circuits (2001) or may be implemented as a communication circuit (2001) that is integrally combined.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (2000) may support communication with external devices and servers based on wired or wireless communication methods. The communication unit (2000) may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an IR (infrared) module, a LAN (local area network) module, an Ethernet module, etc. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. In addition to the communication methods described above, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, USB (universal serial bus), MIPI CSI (mobile industry processor interface camera serial interface), 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project), LTE (long term evolution), LTE-A (LTE advanced), 4G (4th generation), 5G (5th generation), etc. However, this is merely one embodiment, and the communication unit (2000) may use at least one communication module among the various communication modules.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a communication module supporting communication with an external device and a communication module supporting communication with a server may be implemented as different modules. For example, a processor (1100) may receive image information from an external device or server through a communication unit (2000). The processor (1100) may obtain information regarding the resistance value or unique information of a specific component (or module) from at least one of an electronic device, various electrical components included in the electronic device, an external device, or an external server through the communication unit (2000).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the display (3000) may be composed of a plurality of display modules. The display (110) may be configured in a form assembled by connecting a plurality of display modules. At least one additional display module may be connected to the display (110) composed of a plurality of display modules. For example, at least one additional display module may be mounted on a frame on which a plurality of display modules are mounted. The plurality of display modules may be individually detachable from the frame and may form at least one sub-screen.

[0039] Although not illustrated, the electronic device may further include a driving device for driving the display (3000) under the control of the processor (1100). Various hardware designs may be applied to the driving device to drive the display module. For example, the driving device may include hardware devices and circuits for driving the display module.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the driving device may apply a driving voltage to the display module or allow a driving current to flow in order to drive a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED pixel) included in the display module under the control of the processor (1100).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the driving device may be placed inside an electronic device and may be included in any one of a plurality of display modules.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the interface (4000) can form a path for performing communication between an electronic device and an external device connected to the electronic device based on a predetermined communication method supported by the communication unit (2000).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the interface (4000) may be implemented as a port provided in an electronic device. For example, the interface (4000) may be implemented as a port that can communicate with an external device by connecting an input / output interface such as a USB cable. However, it is not limited thereto, and the interface (4000) may form a communication path for communicating with an external device through a low voltage differential signals (hereinafter referred to as LVDS) cable, a DVI (digital visual interface) cable, a DSI (digital serial interface) cable, a MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) cable, a D-SUB (D-subminiature) cable, a VGA (video graphics array) cable, a V-by-One cable, or an optical cable.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the interface (4000) may include a first interface (4100) (e.g., the first interface (31) of FIG. 2) and a second interface (4200) (e.g., the second interface (33) of FIG. 2). The first interface (4100) and the second interface (4200) can be understood as interfaces using different types of communication methods. For example, the first interface (4100) and the second interface (4200) can be implemented as interfaces using different types of communication methods among the various types of communication methods described above. Unless otherwise noted, for convenience of explanation, it will be assumed that the first interface (4100) is MIPI and the second interface (4200) is LVDS.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the control unit (1000) can control the overall operation and function of the electronic device. For example, the control unit (1000) can generate control commands for the electronic device and receive information for control commands. The control unit (1000) may include a processor (1100) and a memory (1200).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the processor (1100) is connected to the configuration of an electronic device including a memory (1200), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (1200) as described above.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the processor (1100) can be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (1100) can be implemented as at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), or a digital signal processor (DSP). For example, the processor (1100) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) with a built-in processing algorithm, as a large-scale integration (LSI), or as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor (1100) can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory (1200).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processor (1100) can function as a signal source (e.g., the signal source (10) of FIG. 2) for generating a control signal. For example, the processor (1100) can generate a control signal for controlling various electrical components included in an electronic device.

[0049] According to one embodiment, an electrical signal transmitted within the electronic device or transmitted and / or received by the electronic device with an external device may include a high-speed signal. The high-speed signal may be, for example, an electrical signal having a frequency of 100 MHz to 1000 GHz.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the memory (1200) may store at least one instruction regarding an electronic device. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the memory (1200) may store various software programs or applications for the operation of the electronic device. In addition, the memory (1200) may include semiconductor memory such as flash memory or magnetic storage media such as a hard disk.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the memory (1200) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in an electronic device or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the electronic device, depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the electronic device may be stored in a memory embedded in the electronic device, and data for the expansion function of the electronic device may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the electronic device. Meanwhile, memory embedded in an electronic device may be implemented as at least one of non-volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Memory that is detachable from an electronic device may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0052] The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a signal branching part (e.g., the signal branching part (20) of FIG. 2) described below. The signal branching part (20) may be formed to branch an electrical signal generated from a signal generating part (e.g., the processor (1100) of FIG. 1 or the signal generating part (10) of FIG. 2). For example, the signal branching part (20) may branch an electrical signal output from the signal generating part (10) to form a transmission path that is input to either the first interface (4100) or the second interface (4200).

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device (e.g., the home appliance (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 3a is a block diagram of an electronic device in a first state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 3b is a block diagram of an electronic device in a second state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b can be understood as block diagrams illustrated in terms of the transmission path of an electrical signal generated in an electronic device. Accordingly, some of the configurations of the electronic device in FIG. 2 may correspond to the electronic device in FIG. 1.

[0057] The embodiments of FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device may include a signal generating unit (10), a signal branching unit (20), and an interface (30) (e.g., the interface (4000) of FIG. 1).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the signal generator (10), the signal branching unit (20), and the interface (30) may be physically and / or electrically connected by signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4). The signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) may form a path through which an electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) is transmitted. For example, the signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) may be composed of a conductive material.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) may include a first signal transmission line (L1), a second signal transmission line (L2), a third signal transmission line (L3), and a fourth signal transmission line (L4). For example, the first signal transmission line (L1) may form a path for transmitting an electrical signal between a signal generator (10) and a signal branching unit (20). For example, the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) may form a path for transmitting an electrical signal between a signal branching unit (20) and an interface (30). The second signal transmission line (L2) may form a path for transmitting an electrical signal between a signal branching unit (20) and a first interface (31), for example. The third signal transmission line (L3) and the fourth signal transmission line (L4) can form a path for transmitting an electrical signal between, for example, the signal branching section (20) and the second interface (33). For example, the third signal transmission line (L3) can form a path for an electrical signal branched from the signal branching section (20) to the second interface (33) to be input to a converter (32). For example, the fourth signal transmission line (L4) can form a path for an electrical signal output from the converter (32) and converted in communication mode to be input to the second interface (33).

[0061] According to one embodiment, signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) can form a path for high-speed differential signals to travel. For example, the frequency of the electric signal traveling along the signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) may be a relatively high-frequency electric signal ranging from 100 MHz to 100 GHz.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when an electronic device transmits an electrical signal generated from a signal generator (10), it may form a transmission path that branches to either a first interface (31) (e.g., the first interface (4100) of FIG. 1) or a second interface (33) (e.g., the second interface (4200) of FIG. 1).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the signal generating unit (10) can function as a source for generating electrical signals, including control signals. For example, the signal generating unit (10) may correspond to a processor included in an electronic device (e.g., the processor (1100) of FIG. 1). However, it is not limited thereto, and the signal generating unit (10) may correspond to a component that generates electrical signals (e.g., an electrical component) in addition to the processor (1100).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the signal branching unit (20) may form a signal transmission path that branches an electrical signal generated from the signal generating unit (10). The signal branching unit (20) may be physically and / or electrically connected to the signal generating unit (10) by a first signal transmission line (L1).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the signal branching section (20) may be implemented as a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) comprising at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The signal branching section (20) may include signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) forming a path through which an electrical signal can travel, and a link section for branching the electrical signal (e.g., the link section (110) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b). The signal transmission lines and the link section (110) may be disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the interface (30) may be physically and / or electrically connected to the signal branching section (20) by the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the interface (30) may include a first interface (31), a second interface (33), and a converter (32).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first interface (31) and the second interface (33) may communicate using different types of communication methods. For example, the first interface (31) may communicate based on MIPI (mobile industry processor interface, hereinafter referred to as MIPI), which is an interface protocol required for connecting components within a mobile device. For example, the second interface (33) may communicate based on low-voltage differential signaling (referred to as LVDS). However, this is merely exemplary, and the first interface (31) and the second interface (33) may communicate based on various types of input / output interface communication methods described in FIG. 1.

[0069] For example, the electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) may be an electrical signal using a first communication method. Accordingly, when the electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) is transmitted to the first interface (31) by the signal branching unit (20), the electrical signal can be transmitted from the signal branching unit (20) to the first interface (31) without separate conversion between communication methods (converting).

[0070] For example, when an electrical signal generated from a signal generator (10) is transmitted to a second interface (33) by a signal branching unit (20), the converter (32) may be configured to convert from a first communication method to a second communication method.

[0071] According to one embodiment, an electrical signal of the first communication method that has passed through the converter (32) can be converted into the second communication method and input to the second interface (33) along the fourth signal transmission line (L4).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the converter (32) may be implemented as a separate converter circuit (converter IC) or integrated with the interface (30).

[0073] Although not illustrated, the interface (30) may further include at least one third interface (not illustrated), including the first interface (31) and the second interface (33). The third interface may communicate using the same communication method as either the first interface (31) and the second interface (33), or using a different communication method as each of the first interface (31) and the second interface (33). For example, if the third interface uses the same communication method as the second interface (33), the interface (30) may include a converter positioned between the signal branching section (30) and the third interface. The converter may be configured to convert an electrical signal in the same manner as the converter (32) connected to the input terminal of the second interface (33). For example, if the third interface uses a different communication method as both the first interface (31) and the second interface (33), the interface (30) may include a converter positioned between the signal branching section (30) and the third interface. The above converter is implemented differently from the converter (32) connected to the input terminal of the second interface (33), and can convert the electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) in correspondence with the communication method used by the third interface.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to branch a signal from the signal generator (10) to either the first interface (31) or the second interface (33) by means of the arrangement structure of the link portion (110) included in the signal branching unit (20). Hereinafter, in this document, the state in which the signal branching unit (20) included in the electronic device branches a signal to transmit (e.g., output) an electrical signal to the first interface (31) will be referred to as the "first state," and the state in which the signal branching unit (20) included in the electronic device branches a signal to transmit (e.g., output) an electrical signal to the second interface (33) will be referred to as the "second state." For example, when the signal branching unit (20) forms the first state, an electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) may be input to the first interface (31) via the signal branching unit (20). For example, when the signal branching unit (20) forms a second state, the electrical signal generated from the signal generator (10) can pass through the signal branching unit (20), have its communication method converted at the converter (32), and be input to the second interface (33). FIG. 3a schematically illustrates the flow of the electrical signal when the signal branching unit (20) forms a first state, and FIG. 3b schematically illustrates the flow of the electrical signal when the signal branching unit (20) forms a second state.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the signal branching unit (20) may include a linkage part (110) that forms a transmission path to branch an electrical signal generated from a signal generating unit (10) to either a first interface (31) or a second interface (33).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the link portion (110) is positioned on the signal branching portion (20) to electrically connect the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2), or to electrically connect the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3). The link portion (110) may be composed of a conductive material.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3a, in the first state, one end (e.g., input end) of the link portion (110) is connected to the output end of the first signal transmission line (L1), and the other end (e.g., output end) of the link portion (110) can be connected to the input end of the second signal transmission line (L2). As a result, in the first state, an electrical signal generated from the signal generator can be branched from the signal branching portion to the first interface (31).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3b, in the second state, one end (e.g., input end) of the link portion (110) is connected to the output end of the first signal transmission line (L1), and the other end (e.g., output end) of the link portion (110) can be connected to the input end of the third signal transmission line (L3). As a result, in the second state, an electrical signal generated from the signal generator can be branched from the signal branching portion to the second interface (33).

[0079] In FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b below, when the signal branching section (20) forms either a first state or a second state, a branching structure (100) (e.g., the branching structure (100) of FIG. 2) formed by the signal branching section (20) will be described. For convenience of explanation below, when the branching structure (100) forms a first state, it will be referred to as the first branching structure (100a), and when the branching structure (100) forms a second state, it will be referred to as the second branching structure (100b). The branching structure (100) can form a path for branching an electrical signal by the arrangement structure of the link section (110) in each of the first branching structure (100a) and the second branching structure (100b).

[0080] FIG. 4a is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first branch structure (100a) of a first type according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 4b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second branch structure (100b) of a first type according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] The first branch structure (100a) of the first type and the second branch structure (100b) of the first type can be defined as a double-sided branching method in which the second signal transmission line (L2) (e.g., the second signal transmission line (L2) of FIG. 2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) (e.g., the third signal transmission line (L3) of FIG. 2) are placed on different layers.

[0083] The embodiments of FIGS. 4a and 4b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may include a first printed circuit board (101), a second printed circuit board (102), a first signal transmission line (L1) (e.g., the first signal transmission line (L1) of FIG. 2), a signal branch section (20), a second signal transmission line (L2), and a third signal transmission line (L3).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (101) and the second printed circuit board (102) may be stacked in an up-and-down direction. For example, the first printed circuit board (101) may be placed on the upper side of the second printed circuit board (102).

[0086] According to one embodiment, a first printed circuit board (101) and a second printed circuit board (102) may be electrically connected. For example, the first printed circuit board (101) and the second printed circuit board (102) may be electrically connected by via holes (131, 133). The via holes (131, 133) may include a first via hole (131) and a second via hole (133).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the upper end (1311) of the first via hole (131) may be connected to the first printed circuit board (101), and the lower end (1312) of the first via hole (131) may be connected to the second printed circuit board (102).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the upper end (1331) of the second via hole (133) may be connected to the first printed circuit board (101), and the lower end (1312) of the first via hole (131) may be connected to the second printed circuit board (102).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first signal transmission line (L1), the second signal transmission line (L2), and the third signal transmission line (L3) may each include two signal transmission lines arranged in parallel. For example, the first signal transmission line (L1) may include a first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and a first-2 signal transmission line (L12). For example, the second signal transmission line (L2) may include a second-1 signal transmission line (L21) and a second-2 signal transmission line (L22). For example, the third signal transmission line (L3) may include a third-1 signal transmission line (L31) and a third-2 signal transmission line (L32). Although not illustrated, the fourth signal transmission line (L4) may include a fourth-1 signal transmission line and a fourth-2 signal transmission line.

[0090] According to one embodiment, each of the first to third signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3) is implemented as two signal transmission lines, thereby enabling a differential signaling system in which an electrical signal having a different voltage level is transmitted to each of the signal transmission lines. Accordingly, the first to third signal transmission lines (L1, L2, L3) enable the implementation of a differential signaling system and can reduce electromagnetically generated noise and power consumption.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a first signal transmission line (L1) may be placed on a first printed circuit board (101). A first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and a first-2 signal transmission line (L12) may be placed in parallel and on the first printed circuit board (101).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the output terminal of the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) may be connected to the first-1 conductive pad (P11). The output terminal of the first-2 signal transmission line (L21) may be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21). For example, the first-1 conductive pad (P11) and the first-2 conductive pad (P12) may be composed of a conductive material. For example, the first-1 conductive pad (P11) and the first-2 conductive pad (P12) may be implemented with various types of solder.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first-1 conductive pad (P11) and the first-2 conductive pad (P12) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (101).

[0094] For example, the first-1 conductive pad (P11) may be formed as an output terminal of the first-1 signal transmission line (L11), or the first-1 conductive pad (P11) may be implemented separately from the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first-1 signal transmission line (L11).

[0095] For example, the first-2 conductive pad (P12) may be formed as an output terminal of the first-2 signal transmission line (L12), or the first-2 conductive pad (P12) may be implemented separately from the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first-2 signal transmission line (L12).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the second signal transmission line (L2) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (101). The second-1 signal transmission line (L21) and the second-2 signal transmission line (L22) may be placed in parallel and on the first printed circuit board (101).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the input end of the second-1 signal transmission line (L21) may be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21). The output end of the second-2 signal transmission line (L22) may be connected to the second-2 conductive pad (P22). For example, the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22) may be composed of a conductive material. For example, the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the first-2 conductive pad (P22) may be implemented with various types of solder.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (101).

[0099] For example, the second-1 conductive pad (P21) may be formed as an input terminal of the second-1 signal transmission line (L21), or the second-1 conductive pad (P21) may be implemented separately from the second-1 signal transmission line (L21) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the second-1 signal transmission line (L21).

[0100] For example, the second-2 conductive pad (P22) may be formed as an input terminal of the second-2 signal transmission line (L22), or the second-2 conductive pad (P22) may be implemented separately from the second-2 signal transmission line (L22) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the second-2 signal transmission line (L22).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the third signal transmission line (L3) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (102). The third-1 signal transmission line (L31) and the third-2 signal transmission line (L32) may be placed in parallel and on the second printed circuit board (102).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the input end of the third-1 signal transmission line (L31) may be connected to the bottom (1312) of the first via hole (131). The input end of the third-2 signal transmission line (L32) may be connected to the bottom (1332) of the second via hole (133). By connecting the third-1 signal transmission line (L31) and the third-2 signal transmission line (L32) to the respective bottoms (1312, 1332) of the first and second via holes (131, 132), the third signal transmission line (L3) may be electrically connected to a specific area of ​​the first printed circuit board (101).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the top (1311) of the first via hole (131) may be connected by a third-1 conductive pad (P31) and a first connecting member (121). The third-1 conductive pad (P31) and the first connecting member (121) may be placed on a first printed circuit board (101).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the top (1331) of the second via hole (133) may be connected by a third-second conductive pad (P32) and a second connecting member (123). The third-second conductive pad (P32) and the second connecting member (123) may be placed on a first printed circuit board (101).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the third-1 conductive pad (P31) and the third-2 conductive pad (P32) can be implemented with various types of solder.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the link portion (110) may include a first link portion (111) and a second link portion (113). The first link portion (111) and the second link portion (113) may be placed on a first printed circuit board (101).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the link portion (110) may be arranged to connect the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2), or to connect the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3). For example, the first link portion (111) may be arranged to connect the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and the second-1 signal transmission line (L21), or to connect the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and the third-1 signal transmission line (L31). For example, the second link portion (113) may be arranged to connect the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and the second-2 signal transmission line (L22), or to connect the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and the third-2 signal transmission line (L32).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) can form a signal transmission path of either the first branch structure (100a) or the second branch structure (100b) by the arrangement structure and arrangement method of the link portion (110).

[0109] According to one embodiment, one end of the first link portion (111) may be connected to the first-1 conductive pad (P11). One end of the second link portion (113) may be connected to the first-2 conductive pad (P12). For example, the other end of the first link portion (111) and the other end of the second link portion (113) may each be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22), respectively, to form a first branch structure (100a). For example, the other end of the first link portion (111) and the other end of the second link portion (113) may each be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22), respectively, to form a second branch structure (100b).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 4a, the other end of the first link portion (111) and the other end of the second link portion (113) can each be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22), respectively, to form a first branch structure (100a).

[0111] According to one embodiment, in the first branch structure (100a), the link portion (110) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2), so that the signal branch portion (e.g., the signal branch portion (20) of FIG. 2) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generation portion (10) to the first interface (e.g., the first interface (31) of FIG. 2).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4b, the other end of the first link portion (111) and the other end of the second link portion (113) are each connected to the second-1 conductive pad (P21) and the second-2 conductive pad (P22), respectively, to form a second branch structure (100b).

[0113] According to one embodiment, in the second branch structure (100b), the link portion (110) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3), so that the signal branch portion (20) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generation portion (10) to the second interface (e.g., the second interface (33) of FIG. 2).

[0114] According to one embodiment, in the first branch structure (100a), the angle formed by the link portion (110) with the first signal transmission line (L1) is defined as the first angle, and in the second branch structure (100b), the angle formed by the link portion (110) with the second signal transmission line (L2) is defined as the second angle, and the first angle and the second angle may be different from each other. For example, in the first branch structure (100a), the first angle may be 0 degrees, and in the second branch structure (100b), the second angle may be 30 to 60 degrees.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the branching structure (100a, 100b) of FIGS. 4a and 4b can selectively branch to either the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) placed on different layers. In addition, the branching structure (100a, 100b) of FIGS. 4a and 4b has the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) placed on different layers, thereby lowering the integration density of the signal transmission lines mounted on a single printed circuit board and minimizing interference between lines caused by the signal transmission lines being placed in close proximity.

[0116] FIG. 5a is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first branch structure (100a) of a second type according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIG. 5b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second branch structure (100b) of a second type according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] The first branch structure (100a) of the second type and the second branch structure (100b) of the second type can be defined as a double-sided branching method in which the second signal transmission line (L2) (e.g., the second signal transmission line (L2) of FIG. 2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) (e.g., the third signal transmission line (L3) of FIG. 2) are placed on different layers, and differ from the first type in the structure in which the link portion (110) (e.g., the link portion (110) of FIG. 3a) connects the first signal transmission line (L1) (e.g., the first signal transmission line (L1) of FIG. 2) and the third signal transmission line (L3). That is, FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are extended embodiments of FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b; therefore, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are omitted, and the differences are explained mainly.

[0119] The embodiments of FIGS. 5a and 5b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the third-third conductive pad (P33) (e.g., the third-first conductive pad (P31) of FIGS. 4a and 4b) and the third-fourth conductive pad (P34) (e.g., the third-second conductive pad (P32) of FIGS. 4a and 4b) each can be directly connected to the first via hole (131) (e.g., the first via hole (131) of FIGS. 4a and 4b) and the second via hole (133) (e.g., the second via hole (133) of FIGS. 4a and 4b).

[0121] For example, the third-3rd conductive pad (P33) may be positioned to overlap the top (1311) of the first via hole (131). Alternatively, the third-1st conductive pad (P33) may be formed integrally with the top (1311) of the first via hole (131).

[0122] For example, the third-fourth conductive pad (P34) may be positioned to overlap the top (1331) of the second via hole (133). Alternatively, the third-fourth conductive pad (P34) may be formed integrally with the top (1331) of the second via hole (133).

[0123] According to one embodiment, in the first branch structure (100a), the link portion (110) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2), so that the signal branch portion (e.g., the signal branch portion (20) of FIG. 2) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generation portion (10) to the first interface (e.g., the first interface (31) of FIG. 2).

[0124] In the second branch structure (100b), the link portion (110) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3), so that the signal branch portion (20) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generation portion (10) to the second interface (e.g., the second interface (33) of FIG. 2).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the branching structure (100a, 100b) of FIGS. 5a and 5b can selectively branch to either the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) placed on different layers. In addition, the branching structure (100a, 100b) of FIGS. 5a and 5b has the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) placed on different layers, thereby lowering the integration density of the signal transmission lines mounted on a single printed circuit board and minimizing interference between lines caused by the signal transmission lines being placed in close proximity.

[0126] FIG. 6a is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first signal branch structure (100a-1) of a third type according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the first signal branch structure (100a) of FIG. 3a).

[0127] FIG. 6a is a schematic perspective view illustrating a third type second signal branch structure (100b-1) (e.g., the second signal branch structure (100b) of FIG. 3b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] The first branch structure (100a-1) of the third type and the second branch structure (100b-1) of the third type can be defined as a cross-sectional branching method in which the second signal transmission line (L2) (e.g., the second signal transmission line (L2) of FIG. 2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) (e.g., the third signal transmission line (L3) of FIG. 2) are placed on the same layer.

[0129] The embodiments of FIGS. 6a and 6b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b.

[0130] According to one embodiment, a branch structure (100) (e.g., the branch structure (100) of FIG. 2) may include a printed circuit board (103), a first signal transmission line (L1) (e.g., the first signal transmission line (L1) of FIG. 2), a signal branching section (20), a second signal transmission line (L2), a third signal transmission line (L3), a bridge transmission line (230), and a link section (110) (e.g., the link section (110) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first signal transmission line (L1), the second signal transmission line (L2), and the third signal transmission line (L3) may each include two signal transmission lines arranged in parallel. For example, the first signal transmission line (L1) may include a first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and a first-2 signal transmission line (L12). For example, the second signal transmission line (L2) may include a second-1 signal transmission line (L21) and a second-2 signal transmission line (L22). For example, the third signal transmission line (L3) may include a third-1 signal transmission line (L31) and a third-2 signal transmission line (L32).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the first signal transmission line (L1), the second signal transmission line (L2), and the third signal transmission line (L3) can each be placed on a printed circuit board (103).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) may each be arranged in parallel. The second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) may be formed with the same length.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the branching structure (100) may include a bridge transmission line (230). The bridge transmission line (230) may be positioned between the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second and third signal transmission lines (L2, L3) to form a path for branching electrical signals by the arrangement structure of the link portion (110).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the bridge transmission line (230) may include a first bridge transmission line (231), a second bridge transmission line (233), and a third bridge transmission line (235). For example, the first bridge transmission line (231), the second bridge transmission line (233), and the third bridge transmission line (235) may be arranged in parallel.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a second-1 conductive pad (Q21) positioned to be electrically connected to one end (e.g., input end) of the first bridge transmission line (231), and a third-1 conductive pad (Q31) positioned to be electrically connected to the other end (e.g., output end) of the first bridge transmission line (231).

[0137] For example, the second-1 conductive pad (Q21) may be formed as an input terminal of the first bridge transmission line (231), or the second-1 conductive pad (Q21) may be implemented separately from the first bridge transmission line (231) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first bridge transmission line (231).

[0138] For example, the third-1 conductive pad (Q31) may be formed as an output terminal of the first bridge transmission line (231), or the third-1 conductive pad (Q31) may be implemented separately from the first bridge transmission line (231) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first bridge transmission line (231).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a second-2 conductive pad (Q22) positioned to be electrically connected to one end (e.g., input end) of the second bridge transmission line (233), and a third-2 conductive pad (Q32) positioned to be electrically connected to the other end (e.g., output end) of the second bridge transmission line (233).

[0140] For example, the second-2 conductive pad (Q22) may be formed as an input terminal of the second bridge transmission line (233), or the second-2 conductive pad (Q22) may be implemented separately from the second bridge transmission line (233) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the second bridge transmission line (233).

[0141] For example, the third-2 conductive pad (Q32) may be formed as an output terminal of the second bridge transmission line (233), or the third-2 conductive pad (Q32) may be implemented separately from the second bridge transmission line (233) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the second bridge transmission line (233).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a second-third conductive pad (Q23) positioned to be electrically connected to one end (e.g., input end) of the third bridge transmission line (235), and a third-third conductive pad (Q33) positioned to be electrically connected to the other end (e.g., output end) of the third bridge transmission line (235).

[0143] For example, the second-third conductive pad (Q23) may be formed as an input terminal of the third bridge transmission line (235), or the second-third conductive pad (Q23) may be implemented separately from the third bridge transmission line (235) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the third bridge transmission line (235).

[0144] For example, the second-third conductive pad (Q23) may be formed as an output terminal of the third bridge transmission line (235), or the second-third conductive pad (Q23) may be implemented separately from the third bridge transmission line (235) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the third bridge transmission line (235).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a first-1 conductive pad (Q11) and a first-2 conductive pad (Q12) arranged to be electrically connected to a first signal transmission line (L1).

[0146] For example, the first-1 conductive pad (Q11) may be formed as the output terminal of the first-1 signal transmission line (L11), or the first-1 conductive pad (Q11) may be implemented separately from the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first-1 signal transmission line (L11).

[0147] For example, the first-2 conductive pad (Q12) may be formed as the output terminal of the first-2 signal transmission line (L12), or the first-2 conductive pad (Q12) may be implemented separately from the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the first-2 signal transmission line (L12).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a 4-1 conductive pad (Q41) and a 4-2 conductive pad (Q42) arranged to be electrically connected to a second signal transmission line (L2).

[0149] For example, the 4-1 conductive pad (Q41) may be formed as the output terminal of the 4-1 signal transmission line (L41), or the 4-1 conductive pad (Q41) may be implemented separately from the 2-1 signal transmission line (L21) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the 4-1 signal transmission line (L41).

[0150] For example, the 4-2 conductive pad (Q42) may be formed as the output terminal of the 4-2 signal transmission line (L42), or the 4-2 conductive pad (Q42) may be implemented separately from the 2-2 signal transmission line (L22) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the 2-2 signal transmission line (L22).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) may further include a fourth-third conductive pad (Q43) and a fourth-fourth conductive pad (Q44) arranged to be electrically connected to a third signal transmission line (L3).

[0152] For example, the 4-3 conductive pad (Q43) may be formed as the output terminal of the 3-1 signal transmission line (L31), or the 4-3 conductive pad (Q43) may be implemented separately from the 3-1 signal transmission line (L31) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the 3-1 signal transmission line (L31).

[0153] For example, the 4-4 conductive pad (Q44) may be formed as the output terminal of the 3-2 signal transmission line (L32), or the 2-2 conductive pad (Q44) may be implemented separately from the 3-2 signal transmission line (L32) and arranged to be electrically connected to the output terminal of the 3-2 signal transmission line (L32).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the conductive pads (Q11, Q12, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q31, Q32, Q33, Q41, Q42, Q43, Q44) can be implemented with various types of solder.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the link portion (110) may include a first link portion (211, 213) formed to electrically connect a first signal transmission line (L1) and a bridge transmission line (230), and a second link portion (221, 223) formed to electrically connect the bridge transmission line (230) and a second signal transmission line (L2), or to electrically connect the bridge transmission line (230) and a third signal transmission line (L3).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first link portion (211, 213) may include a first-1 link portion (211) and a first-2 link portion (213). The second link portion (221, 223) may include a second-1 link portion (221) and a second-2 link portion (223).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the branch structure (100) can form a signal transmission path of either the first branch structure (100a-1) or the second branch structure (100b-1) by the arrangement structure and arrangement method of the first link portion (211, 213) and the second link portion (221, 223).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 6a, the first-1 link portion (211) can electrically connect the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and the first bridge transmission line (231). For example, one end of the first-1 link portion (211) can be connected to the first-1 conductive pad (Q11). For example, the other end of the first-1 link portion (211) can be connected to the second-1 conductive pad (Q21).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first-2 link portion (213) can electrically connect the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and the second bridge transmission line (233). For example, one end of the first-2 link portion (213) can be connected to the first-2 conductive pad (Q12). For example, the other end of the first-2 link portion (213) can be connected to the second-2 conductive pad (Q22).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the second-1 link portion (221) can electrically connect the first bridge transmission line (231) and the second-1 signal transmission line (L21). For example, one end of the second-1 link portion (221) can be connected to the third-1 conductive pad (Q31). For example, the other end of the second-1 link portion (221) can be connected to the fourth-1 conductive pad (Q41).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the second-2 link portion (223) can electrically connect the second bridge transmission line (233) and the second-2 signal transmission line (L22). For example, one end of the second-2 link portion (223) can be connected to the third-2 conductive pad (Q32). For example, the other end of the second-2 link portion (223) can be connected to the fourth-2 conductive pad (Q42).

[0162] According to one embodiment, by the arrangement structure of the first link portion (211, 213) and the second link portion (221, 223), the link portion (110) in the first branching structure (100a-1) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2), so that the signal branching portion (e.g., the signal branching portion (20) of FIG. 2) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generating portion (10) to the first interface (e.g., the first interface (31) of FIG. 2).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 6b, the first-1 link portion (211) can electrically connect the first-1 signal transmission line (L11) and the second bridge transmission line (233). For example, one end of the first-1 link portion (211) can be connected to the first-1 conductive pad (Q11). For example, the other end of the first-1 link portion (211) can be connected to the second-2 conductive pad (Q22).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first-2 link portion (213) can electrically connect the first-2 signal transmission line (L12) and the third bridge transmission line (235). For example, one end of the first-2 link portion (213) can be connected to the first-2 conductive pad (Q12). For example, the other end of the first-2 link portion (213) can be connected to the second-3 conductive pad (Q23).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the second-1 link portion (221) can electrically connect the second bridge transmission line (233) and the third-1 signal transmission line (L31). For example, one end of the second-1 link portion (221) can be connected to the third-2 conductive pad (Q32). For example, the other end of the second-1 link portion (221) can be connected to the fourth-3 conductive pad (Q43).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the second-2 link portion (223) can electrically connect the second bridge transmission line (233) and the third-2 signal transmission line (L32). For example, one end of the second-2 link portion (223) can be connected to the third-3 conductive pad (Q33). For example, the other end of the second-2 link portion (223) can be connected to the fourth-4 conductive pad (Q44).

[0167] According to one embodiment, by the arrangement structure of the first link portion (211, 213) and the second link portion (221, 223), the link portion (110) in the second branching structure (100b-1) electrically connects the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3), so that the signal branching portion (e.g., the signal branching portion (20) of FIG. 2) can branch the electrical signal generated from the signal generating portion (10) to the second interface (e.g., the second interface (33) of FIG. 2).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the branching structure (100a-1, 100b-1) of FIGS. 6a and 6b is placed on the same layer (e.g., printed circuit board (103)) and can selectively branch to either a second signal transmission line (L2) or a third signal transmission line (L3), the length of which is substantially the same. Additionally, the branching structure (100a-1, 100b-1) of FIGS. 6a and 6b can improve the degradation of electrical signal integrity by providing branching to the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) placed on the same printed circuit board (103).

[0169] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a washing machine (700) (e.g., the home appliance (1) of FIG. 1) including a signal branching structure (720) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] FIG. 7 can be understood as a block diagram illustrating that a washing machine (700) is configured to branch signals in response to different communication methods by including the signal branching structure of FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 (e.g., signal generator (10), signal branching unit (20), and interface (30)).

[0171] The embodiment of FIG. 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 6.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine (700) may include a control unit (710) (e.g., the control unit (1000) of FIG. 1), a signal branching structure (720), a first display (750) and a second display (760) (e.g., the display (3000) of FIG. 1), a drive motor (770), and a water supply pump (780).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) may include a first processor (711) and a second processor (713). The first processor (711) and the second processor (713) may be implemented as separate components so that the first processor (711) and the second processor (713) are electrically connected, or may be configured as a single control circuit.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first processor (711) and the second processor (713) may generate different control signals. For example, the first processor (711) may generate control signals for the first display (751) and the second display (753) included in the washing machine (700). For example, the second processor (713) may generate control signals for other components included in the washing machine (700). For example, the second processor (713) may generate control signals for a drive motor (755) for rotating a drum rotatably placed inside the washing machine (1). For example, the second processor (713) may generate control signals for a water supply pump (757) configured to supply wash water to the drum. Although not illustrated, the second processor (713) may also generate control signals for components for driving the washing machine (700), including a water supply valve, a drain pump, and a drain valve.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the first display (751) and the second display (753) may be different displays. For example, the first display (751) may be configured to display status information about the washing machine (700) or information about the washing process in progress with relatively high image quality. For example, the second display (753) may be configured to display status information about the washing machine (700) or information about the washing process in progress with relatively low image quality.

[0176] According to one embodiment, signals may be transmitted between the first display (751) and the second display (753) by different communication methods. For example, as the first display (751) is implemented with high definition, data may be transmitted via the MIPI method. For example, as the second display (753) is implemented with low definition, data may be transmitted via the LVDS method.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the drive motor (755) and the water supply pump (757) may transmit data through a method different from the above method. For example, the drive motor (755) and the water supply pump (757) may transmit data through a pulse width modulation method, a UART method, or an I2C method.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the signal branching structure (720) may include a signal branching section (730) and a plurality of interfaces (741, 743, 745). The plurality of interfaces (741, 743, 745) may include a first interface (741), a second interface (743), and a third interface (745).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the signal branching structure (720) may include a signal branching section (730) (e.g., the signal branching section (20) of FIG. 2) and first to third interfaces (741, 743, 745). Although not illustrated, the signal branching section (730) may further include a link section (e.g., the link section (110) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b) for branching an electrical signal generated from a first processor (711) or a second processor (713).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the signal branching structure (720) can branch the control signal generated from the first processor (711) and / or the second processor (713) to correspond to a communication method applicable to each component included in the washing machine (700).

[0181] For example, the signal branching section (730) may be configured to branch to a first interface (741) that forms a communication path using the MIPI method, so that a first display (751) capable of communicating using the MIPI method is branched to a first interface (741).

[0182] For example, the signal branching section (730) may be configured to branch to a first interface (741) that forms a communication path using the MIPI method, so that a second display (753) capable of communicating using the LVDS method is branched to a first interface (741).

[0183] For example, the signal branching section (730) may be configured to branch to a third interface (745) that forms a communication path using the PWM method, such that a driving motor (755) and a water pump (757) capable of communicating using the PWM method are branched.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the signal branching section (730) may be implemented as a branching circuit with a double-sided branching or single-sided branching method as shown in FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6b.

[0185] According to one embodiment, since the washing machine (700) includes the signal branching structure (720) of the present disclosure, the washing machine (700) can branch signals through a single signal branching structure (720) to configurations that support different communication methods. Although not illustrated, various types of home appliances may include the signal branching structure (720) of the present disclosure. For example, the various types of home appliances may include a dryer, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and a cooking appliance. The various types of home appliances may include the signal branching structure (720) for branching and transmitting data between electrical components that support different communication methods. The signal branching structure (720) may include a signal branching section (e.g., the signal branching section (20) of FIG. 2) implemented as a branching circuit of a double-sided branching or single-sided branching method as illustrated in FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b.

[0186] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the home appliance (1) of FIG. 1) can branch electrical signals that communicate in different ways by placing passive components on a printed circuit board.

[0187] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide signal branching without a separate electrical component (e.g., a multiplexer (MUX) circuit) for signal branching by forming a branching structure (100) using only passive components.

[0188] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can support an input / output interface between differential signals using one or two printed circuit boards.

[0189] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a signal branching structure (100) implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC).

[0190] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a branch structure (100) that improves integrity due to signal delay or interference between signals.

[0191] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0192] A home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor (1100), a communication circuit (2001), a display (3000) operatively connected to the at least one processor (1100) and the communication circuit (2001), a first interface (31) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) using a first communication method, a second interface (33) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and a signal branching unit (20) formed to branch an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) to either the first interface (31) or the second interface (33) in correspondence with a communication method that the communication circuit (2001) can support for the display (3000).The signal branching section (20) comprises a first printed circuit board (101), a second printed circuit board (102) arranged to be laminated with the first printed circuit board (101) and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (101) by via holes (131, 133), a first signal transmission line (L1) arranged on the first printed circuit board (101) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method, a second signal transmission line (L2) arranged on the first printed circuit board (101) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method when connected from the first signal transmission line (L1), a third signal transmission line (L3) arranged on the second printed circuit board (102) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the second communication method when connected from the first signal transmission line (L1), and communication capable of supporting the display (3000). It may include a linkage part (110) that forms either a first state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2) are electrically connected in correspondence with the first communication method, or a second state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3) are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method that is a communication method supported for the display (3000).

[0193] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal branching portion (20) may further include a conductive member (121, 123) that is disposed on the first printed circuit board (101) and electrically connected to the via hole (131, 133). When the link portion (110) is in the second state, one end of the link portion (110) is connected to the first signal transmission line (L1), and the other end of the link portion (110) may be disposed to be directly connected to the via hole (131, 133), or may be disposed to be electrically connected to the via hole (133, 133) by being connected to the conductive member (121, 123).

[0194] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the link portion (110) is in the first state, one end of the link portion (110) may be connected to the first signal transmission line (L1), and the other end of the link portion (110) may be connected to the second signal transmission line (L2).

[0195] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the link portion (110) is in the first state, the first angle formed by the first signal transmission line (L1) and the link portion (110) and the second angle formed by the first signal transmission line (L1) and the link portion (110) when the link portion (110) is in the second state may be different from each other.

[0196] A home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a converter (32) which is connected to the output terminal of the third signal transmission line (L3) and arranged to be connected to the input terminal of the second interface (33).

[0197] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the converter (32) may be configured to convert an electrical signal of the first communication method into an electrical signal of the second communication method.

[0198] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lengths of the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) may be different.

[0199] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication method may be MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) and the second communication method may be LVDS (low voltage differential signaling).

[0200] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal generating unit (10) may include an application processor (AP).

[0201] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric signal may be an electric signal having a frequency of 100 MHz to 100 GHz.

[0202] A home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor (1100), a communication circuit (2001), a display (3000) operatively connected to the at least one processor (1100) and the communication circuit (2001), a first interface (31) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) using a first communication method, a second interface (33) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and a signal branching unit (20) formed to branch an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) to either the first interface (31) or the second interface (33) in correspondence with a communication method that the communication circuit (2001) can support for the display (3000).The above signal branching section (20) comprises a printed circuit board (103), a first signal transmission line (L1) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in a first communication method, a second signal transmission line (L2) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in the first communication method, a third signal transmission line (L3) disposed in parallel with the second signal transmission line (L2) on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in a second communication method different from the first communication method, a bridge transmission line (230) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and branching from the first signal transmission line (L1) to the second signal transmission line (L2) or branching from the first transmission line (L1) to the third signal transmission line (L3), and corresponding to the fact that the communication method supported for the display (3000) is the first communication method, the A linkage part (110) may be included that is positioned in either a first state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2) are electrically connected, or a second state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3) are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method that is supported for the display (3000). The linkage part (110) may include a first linkage part (211, 213) that connects the first transmission line (L1) and the bridge transmission line (230), and a second linkage part (211, 213) that connects the bridge transmission line (230) and the second transmission line (L2) or the bridge transmission line (230) and the third transmission line (L3).

[0203] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first transmission line (L1), the second transmission line (L2), and the third transmission line (L3) may include two transmission lines arranged in parallel. The bridge transmission line (230) may include a first bridge transmission line (231), a second bridge transmission line (233), and a third bridge transmission line (235) arranged in parallel.

[0204] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first link portion (211, 213) may each include a first-1 link portion (211) and a first-2 link portion (213) arranged in parallel. Either of the first-1 link portion (211) and the first-2 link portion (213) may be arranged to be connected to the second bridge transmission line (233).

[0205] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second link portion (221, 223) may each include a second-1 link portion (221) and a second-2 link portion (223) arranged in parallel. In the first state, the second-1 link portion (221) and the second-2 link portion (223) may each be arranged to be connected to the second transmission line (L2).

[0206] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second link portion (221, 223) may each include a second-1 link portion (221) and a second-2 link portion (223) arranged in parallel. In the second state, the second-1 link portion (221) and the second-2 link portion (223) may each be arranged to be connected to the third transmission line (L3).

[0207] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lengths of the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) may be the same.

[0208] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication method may be MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) and the second communication method may be LVDS (low voltage differential signaling).

[0209] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor (1100) may include an application processor (AP).

[0210] In a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric signal may be an electric signal having a frequency of 100 MHz to 100 GHz.

Claims

1. In the home appliance (1), At least one processor (1100); Communication circuit (2001); At least one processor (1100) and a display (3000) operatively connected to the communication circuit (2001); A first interface (31) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from at least one processor (1100) using a first communication method; A second interface (33) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from at least one processor (1100) using a second communication method different from the first communication method; and The communication circuit (2001) includes a signal branching unit (20) formed to branch an electrical signal generated from the at least one processor (1100) to either the first interface (31) or the second interface (33) in correspondence with a communication method that the communication circuit (2001) can support for the display (3000). The above signal branching section (20) is, First printed circuit board (101); A second printed circuit board (102) arranged to be laminated with the first printed circuit board (101) and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (101) by via holes (131, 133); A first signal transmission line (L1) disposed on the first printed circuit board (101) and forming a path for transmitting a signal using the first communication method; A second signal transmission line (L2) that is placed on the first printed circuit board (101) and forms a path for transmitting a signal using the first communication method when connected from the first signal transmission line (L1); A third signal transmission line (L3) disposed on the second printed circuit board (102) and, when connected from the first signal transmission line (L1), forms a path for transmitting a signal using the second communication method; and A home appliance (1) comprising a linkage part (110) that forms either a first state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2) are electrically connected in correspondence with the first communication method supported for the display (3000), or a second state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3) are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method supported for the display (3000).

2. In Paragraph 1, The signal branching section (20) further includes a conductive member (121, 123) disposed on the first printed circuit board (101) and electrically connected to the via hole (131, 133). When the link portion (110) is in the second state, one end of the link portion (110) is connected to the first signal transmission line (L1), and the other end of the link portion (110) is arranged to be directly connected to the via hole (131, 133) or is arranged to be electrically connected to the via hole (133, 133) by being connected to the conductive member (121, 123), a home appliance (1).

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, A home appliance (1) arranged such that when the link portion (110) is in the first state, one end of the link portion (110) is connected to the first signal transmission line (L1) and the other end of the link portion (110) is connected to the second signal transmission line (L2).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, A home appliance (1) in which the first angle formed by the first signal transmission line (L1) and the link part (110) when the link part (110) is in the first state and the second angle formed by the first signal transmission line (L1) and the link part (110) when the link part (110) is in the second state are different from each other.

5. In Paragraph 1, A home appliance (1) further comprising a converter (32) which is connected to the output terminal of the third signal transmission line (L3) and arranged to be connected to the input terminal of the second interface (33).

6. In Paragraph 5, The above converter (32) is a home appliance (1) configured to convert an electrical signal of the first communication method into an electrical signal of the second communication method.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The lengths of the second signal transmission line (L2) and the third signal transmission line (L3) are different, in a home appliance (1).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, A home appliance (1), wherein the first communication method is MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) and the second communication method is LVDS (low voltage differential signaling).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above at least one processor (1100) is a home appliance (1) including an application processor (AP).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above electrical signal is an electrical signal having a frequency of 100 MHz to 100 GHz, a home appliance (10).

11. In the home appliance (1), At least one processor (1100); Communication circuit (2001); At least one processor (1100), and a display (3000; 751) operatively connected to the communication circuit (2001); A first interface (31) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from at least one processor (1100) using a first communication method; A second interface (33) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from at least one processor (1100) using a second communication method different from the first communication method; and It includes a signal branching unit (20) configured to branch and output an electrical signal input from at least one processor (1100) to either the first interface (31) or the second interface (33). The above signal branching section (20) is, Printed circuit board (103); A first signal transmission line (L1) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal in a first communication method; A second signal transmission line (L2) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal using the first communication method; A third signal transmission line (L3) arranged in parallel with the second signal transmission line (L2) on the printed circuit board (103) and forming a path for transmitting a signal using a second communication method different from the first communication method; A bridge transmission line (230) disposed on the printed circuit board (103) and branching from the first signal transmission line (L1) to the second signal transmission line (L2) or branching from the first transmission line (L1) to the third signal transmission line (L3); and It includes a linkage part (110) arranged to be placed in either a first state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the second signal transmission line (L2) are electrically connected in correspondence with the first communication method supported for the display (3000), or a second state in which the first signal transmission line (L1) and the third signal transmission line (L3) are electrically connected in correspondence with the second communication method supported for the display (3000). The above link portion (110) comprises a first link portion (211, 213) connecting the first transmission line (L1) and the bridge transmission line (230), and a second link portion (211, 213) connecting the bridge transmission line (230) and the second transmission line (L2) or the bridge transmission line (230) and the third transmission line (L3), in a home appliance (1).

12. In Paragraph 11, Each of the first transmission line (L1), the second transmission line (L2), and the third transmission line (L3) comprises two transmission lines arranged in parallel, and The above bridge transmission line (230) comprises a first bridge transmission line (231), a second bridge transmission line (233), and a third bridge transmission line (235) arranged in parallel, in a home appliance (1).

13. In Paragraph 12, The first link portion (211, 213) each includes a first-1 link portion (211) and a first-2 link portion (213) arranged in parallel, and A home appliance (1) in which either of the first-1 link portion (211) and the first-2 link portion (213) is arranged to be connected to the second bridge transmission line (233).

14. In Paragraph 13, The above second link portions (221, 223) each include a second-1 link portion (221) and a second-2 link portion (223) arranged in parallel, and A home appliance (1), wherein when in the first state, the second-1 link portion (221) and the second-2 link portion (223) are each arranged to be connected to the second transmission line (L2).

15. In Paragraph 13, The above second link portions (221, 223) each include a second-1 link portion (221) and a second-2 link portion (223) arranged in parallel, and A home appliance (1), wherein when in the second state, the second-1 link portion (221) and the second-2 link portion (223) are each arranged to be connected to the third transmission line (L3).

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