Auxiliary Power Connector PCB for PCI-e Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting a Peripheral Connect Interface Express (PCI-e) card's auxiliary power connector to a motherboard require an extra step of hand soldering lead wires, which slows down production, introduces human error, and risks damage to the motherboard due to high electrical currents.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board (PCB) with a PCI-e Graphics (PEG) connector mounted perpendicularly, eliminating the need for soldered wires by using a set of connectors to connect the PEG connector to the main PCB, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lead wires are hand soldered to connect the PEG connector to the main PCB, then the auxiliary power connection can be established, but the production process is slowed down and human error is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical soldering process with an automated PCB-mounted connector system. The PEG connector is pre-mounted on a separate PCB assembly that connects to the main PCB through standardized connectors, eliminating the need for hand soldering of thick lead wires and enabling automated assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If high heat soldering elements are used to solder thick lead wires, then the PEG connector can be connected, but the main PCB and its components are at risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector connectionVSAvoidPCB damage from heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the auxiliary power connection into a separate PCB assembly with the PEG connector pre-mounted. This separation allows the connector to be attached using lower-heat methods suitable for the connector PCB, avoiding the need to apply high-heat soldering directly to the main PCB and its sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If thick lead wires are used to support large electrical currents, then the power transmission capability is sufficient, but the soldering process becomes more difficult and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidsoldering process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary PCB assembly that acts as a bridge between the PEG connector and the main PCB. This intermediary structure provides a dedicated platform for mounting the connector and routing power traces, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the ability to handle large electrical currents through properly designed PCB traces and connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11695229B1Auxiliary power connector PCB

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 XILINX INC

AI summary

Auxiliary power connector PCBs are described. In one example, an auxiliary power connector is described. The auxiliary power connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a PCI express graphics (PEG) connector mounted to the PCB, the PEG connector configured to connect to an auxiliary power source. The auxiliary power connector further includes a set of connectors provided on the PCB, the set of connectors configured to connect the PCB to a main PCB of a device.