Standardized Cable Adapter for Pin Grid Array Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Specialty electronic devices with pin grid array connectors lack standardization, requiring custom-built multi-conductor cables that cannot be standardized due to varying connector types, making it impossible to use a single type of cable across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-conductor cable apparatus that includes a first PCB with surface-mounted connectors mated to a second PCB with a socket grid array, allowing the same cable to connect to different devices with pin grid array connectors by using a customizable connector interfacing PCB, which can accommodate various pin configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built multi-conductor cables are used for each pin grid array connector type, then connector compatibility is achieved, but cable standardization is lost and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a standardized cable assembly with fixed PCB and surface-mounted connector, and a connector interfacing PCB that adapts to different pin grid array connector types. This segmentation allows the cable portion to remain standardized while the interfacing portion handles the variability of different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector interfacing PCB acts as an intermediary component between the standardized cable assembly and the various pin grid array connectors. This intermediary PCB provides the adaptation layer that enables compatibility with different connector types without requiring custom cables for each type.
2Reliability
If custom cables are built for each connector type, then direct mating with pin grid array connectors is achieved, but labor time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is pre-configured with a standardized PCB and surface-mounted connector in a factory setting, eliminating the need for custom cable building in the field. The connector interfacing PCB is also pre-managed and can be selected based on the specific pin grid array connector type, reducing on-site manufacturing time and labor costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized cable terminating connectors are used, then cable production is simplified, but direct mating with pin grid array connectors is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a dimensional layer to the connection system by introducing a connector interfacing PCB as an intermediate adaptation layer. This additional dimension allows the standardized cable assembly to connect to various pin grid array connector types through the interfacing PCB, which provides the necessary electrical and mechanical adaptation without compromising the standardization of the cable itself.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting a multi-conductor cable (20) of a first device (100) to a pin grid array connector (10) of a second device (200), wherein said apparatus comprises a first printed circuit board (PCB) (26) for terminating the conductors (24) of the cable (20), which are connected to a first PCB surface mounted connector (22) mounted on the first PCB (26). The first PCB surface mounted connector (22) is mated with a second PCB surface mounted connector (32) mounted on a second PCB (36), on which a PCB surface mounted socket grid array (33) is also mounted for mating to the pin grid array connector (10) of the second device (200). This apparatus allows the same (i.e., standardized) multi-conductor cable (20) with the same first PCB (26) and the same first PCB surface mounted connector (22) to be used regardless of what style connector is used by the second device (200).