Absorber Sheet Port Termination for Accurate Crosstalk Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring crosstalk in electronic circuits face challenges such as limited frequency bandwidth, resistor selection issues, soldering difficulties, and interference due to the use of matching resistors, especially with increasing port complexity in sophisticated circuits.
Innovation Solution
Employing an absorber sheet with specified electromagnetic characteristics to terminate unused ports in electronic circuits, absorbing electromagnetic signals and eliminating the need for soldering or coaxial terminations, thereby ensuring accurate and consistent crosstalk measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If matching resistors are used to terminate unused ports, then port termination is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference and signal reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes matching resistors from the measurement system entirely, replacing them with absorber material directly connected to unused ports. This extraction eliminates the source of interference and reflections that resistors introduce, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving port termination and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces absorber material as an intermediary between the unused ports and the measurement system. This absorber material serves as a superior mediator compared to matching resistors, effectively terminating ports without introducing interference or reflections that would degrade measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If conventional termination methods are used, then port termination is achieved, but device complexity increases due to soldering requirements and coaxial terminations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process and coaxial termination structures with a simpler absorber material placement method. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly steps while maintaining effective port termination, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable termination and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin absorber material films or sheets to terminate unused ports, replacing bulky coaxial terminations and complex soldered structures. This use of thin films simplifies the termination implementation while maintaining effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Reliability
If matching resistors are used for termination, then port termination is achieved, but frequency bandwidth is limited due to parasitic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts matching resistors from the system, eliminating the parasitic components (inductance, capacitance, resistance) that limit frequency bandwidth. By removing these restrictive elements and using absorber material instead, the system achieves both effective port termination and extended frequency bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the termination parameter from resistive matching (frequency-dependent due to parasitics) to absorptive termination (broadband effective). This parameter change enables the system to maintain port termination effectiveness across a wider frequency range, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The absorber sheet method minimizes reflections and interference, maintains signal integrity, and allows for accurate crosstalk measurement across various ports without separate test vehicles, enhancing measurement efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The ports of the electronic circuit determined to be terminated are covered with a piece of absorber sheet. Pressure is applied to the piece of absorber sheet to create a contact to the via structure associated with each of the ports determined to be terminated such that the piece of absorber sheet absorbs electromagnetic signals traveling into the ports determined to be terminated
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for measuring crosstalk in an electronic circuit having multiple ports comprises determining two ports of interest of the electronic circuit, in which crosstalk will be measured between. Furthermore, the method includes determining one or more ports of the electronic circuit to be terminated, independent from the ports of interest, so that signals of these ports do not interfere with measuring crosstalk between the two ports of interest. To terminate the ports determined to be terminated, a piece of absorber sheet is used to cover the ports determined to be terminated. Pressure is applied to the piece of absorber sheet such that the piece of absorber sheet makes a good contact and absorbs signals traveling into the ports determined to be terminated, thereby terminating the ports determined to be terminated so that crosstalk between the two ports of interest may be effectively measured.