Integrated Cable Detection Circuit With RF Path Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of cables for RF signal transmission between antennas in electronic devices due to advanced mobile communication technology leads to a space constraint for mounting multiple detection circuits on printed circuit boards, and signal interference between antennas is a concern.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit design that uses capacitive elements and isolation circuits to detect cable connectivity with a single detection circuit, minimizing interference by isolating RF signals and allowing DC voltage transmission through multiple cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of cables for RF signal transmission is increased to support advanced mobile communication technology, then the RF signal transmission capability is improved, but the space for mounting detection circuits on the printed circuit board is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF signal transmission capabilityVSAvoidspace for mounting detection circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection circuits into a single integrated detection circuit that can detect connectivity status of multiple cables simultaneously. The detection circuit includes multiple detection units that share common components (power supply unit, ground unit, detection processor), allowing one circuit to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate circuits, thus saving PCB space while maintaining the ability to monitor all cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit is designed with multi-functional capability where a single circuit can detect the connectivity status of multiple different cables (e.g., first cable connecting first antenna to first communication circuit, second cable connecting second antenna to second communication circuit). Each detection unit within the circuit can independently monitor specific cable connections while sharing common infrastructure, making the circuit universal for monitoring multiple cable types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection circuits are mounted on the printed circuit board to detect cable connectivity, then the cable connection detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit board complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated circuit structure. Instead of having separate detection circuits for each cable (which would increase complexity), the invention creates one detection circuit with multiple detection units that share common power supply, ground connections, and processing resources. This maintains detection accuracy for each individual cable while reducing overall circuit board complexity through component sharing and integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit is segmented into multiple independent detection units, each responsible for monitoring specific cable connections. These units are organized within a single integrated circuit structure, allowing modular detection of different cables while maintaining a unified control and processing architecture. This segmentation enables precise individual cable monitoring without requiring separate physical circuits for each cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If isolation circuits are added to minimize signal interference between antennas, then the signal interference is reduced, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference between antennasVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isolation circuits as intermediary elements between different antenna systems and communication circuits. These isolation circuits act as mediators that prevent RF signal interference from propagating between different antenna paths while still allowing the detection circuit to monitor cable connectivity. The isolation circuits are strategically placed at key connection points to block harmful interference without disrupting the detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation circuits are applied locally at specific interference-prone connection points rather than throughout the entire circuit board. By placing isolation components only where needed (e.g., between antenna connections and communication circuits), the patent minimizes signal interference in critical areas while avoiding unnecessary complexity in regions where interference is not an issue. This localized approach optimizes the balance between interference reduction and device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enables efficient detection of cable connectivity with reduced space requirements and minimized signal interference between antennas, optimizing circuit board layout and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitive element arranged on the first path, a second capacitive element arranged on the second path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an isolation circuit arranged on a third path that connects one point between the second point and the first capacitive element to one point between the fourth point and the second capacitive element, and wherein the isolation circuit electrically connects the detection circuit to the ground unit through the first cable and the second cable, passes, through the third path, a direct current, DC, voltage transmitted from the voltage application unit through the first cable, in a direction of the second cable, and blocks a radio frequency, RF, signal from the third path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4187270B1Detection circuit, and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4187270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged to be spaced apart from the first substrate, a first cable electrically connecting a first point on the first substrate and a second point on the second substrate, and a second cable electrically connecting a third point on the first substrate and a fourth point on the second substrate. The first substrate may include a first communication circuit, a second communication circuit, a detection circuit, a voltage application unit, and a ground unit, and a second substrate may include a first antenna, a first capacitive element, a second antenna, a second capacitive element, and an isolation circuit. The isolation circuit may isolate a radio frequency (RF) signal between the first path and the second path, and electrically connect the detection circuit to the ground unit through the first cable and the second cable.