Cable Plug Detection Circuit for Mismatched Multiwire Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit boards with multiple cable plugs face challenges in accurately determining mismatched connections of multiwire cables, leading to potential electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board apparatus with detection circuits that sense direct current signals across electrical contacts to identify matched and mismatched cable plugs, using pull-up voltage circuits and binary valued vectors to determine connection patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable plugs are used on circuit boards, then cable connection versatility is improved, but connection mismatch errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements detection circuits that automatically sense and identify cable connections by monitoring electrical continuity between corresponding electrical contacts on mating cable plugs. The system provides real-time feedback about connection status, enabling automatic detection of mismatched connections and eliminating manual verification errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification of cable connections with automated electrical detection. The detection circuits use electrical signals to identify connection patterns, substituting human inspection with electronic sensing that continuously monitors connection integrity and accuracy.
2Device complexity
If manual cable connection verification is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuits are integrated directly into the circuit boards, enabling the system to self-verify cable connections without external testing equipment. The circuits automatically sense connection patterns through electrical continuity detection, allowing the system to perform its own validation and reducing reliance on manual verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual or physical verification methods with automated electrical sensing. The detection circuits use electrical signals to identify connection patterns, providing precise detection of matched and mismatched connections that surpasses human capability while maintaining system integration.
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
Enables precise identification of matched and mismatched cable connections, reducing electrical errors by providing visual and automated feedback on connection status.
Implementation Method 1
the detection circuit being configured to obtain the information by sensing a pattern of direct current signals across a first subset of the electrical contacts of the one of the cable plugs of the first circuit board
Implementation Method 2
the first circuit board further includes a voltage pull-up circuit connecting a pull-up voltage source to the same first subset of the electrical contacts of each of the cable plugs of the first circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus include a first circuit board, which has a detection circuit. The first circuit board has a first plurality of cable plugs, wherein each of the cable plugs has an array of electrical contacts such that a same multiwire cable type is physically and electrically pluggable to the different cable plugs of the first plurality. The detection circuit is configured to obtain information indicative of whether, at least, one of the cable plugs is connected by a multiwire cable of the multiwire cable type to a matched cable plug of a second plurality of cable plugs on a second circuit board. The detection circuit is configured to obtain the information by sensing a pattern of direct current signals across a first subset of the electrical contacts of the one of the cable plugs of the first circuit board.