Inter-Circuit Board Connector Current Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring high amperage current between circuit boards, such as backplane and daughter boards, are inaccurate at low voltages and require invasive modifications to the conductive traces, making them impractical for high-current applications.
Innovation Solution
An inter-circuit board connector with integrated current sensors that measure current on a selected number of power pins, allowing calculation of total current transmitted between boards without modifying either board, using a ratio of total power pins to selected pins, and can be externally connected for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive modifications are made to conductive traces to measure current, then current measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current sensor as an intermediary component integrated into the connector, which indirectly measures current through magnetic field detection rather than requiring direct intrusion into conductive traces. This mediator approach enables accurate current measurement while preserving the integrity and simplicity of the original circuit board traces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive approach of modifying conductive traces with a non-contact magnetic field sensing method. The current sensor detects the magnetic field generated by current flow through the power pins, substituting physical trace modification with electromagnetic field measurement, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
2Measurement precision
If current sensors are integrated into the connector, then accurate current measurement is achieved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current sensing function with the existing connector structure by integrating the current sensor into the connector housing. This combination allows the connector to simultaneously perform its primary function of electrical connection and the secondary function of current measurement, achieving functional integration without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an electrical connection interface and as a platform for current measurement. The integrated current sensor enables the connector to universally handle both signal/power transmission and monitoring functions, reducing the need for additional separate components and minimizing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If all power pins are monitored for current, then total current accuracy is maximized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current measurement function by monitoring only a selected subset of power pins rather than all power pins. The controller calculates total current by summing the current measurements from the selected pins and multiplying by an appropriate factor, dividing the measurement task into manageable segments that reduce complexity while maintaining acceptable accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by monitoring only enough power pins to achieve sufficient measurement accuracy without the excessive complexity of monitoring all pins. The selected number of power pins is determined to be the minimum necessary to represent the total current distribution, avoiding unnecessary sensors and simplifying the system while still providing accurate enough measurements for the application.
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 accurate measurement of high amperage current without invasive modifications, reducing heat generation and maintaining connector functionality, particularly beneficial for high-current applications.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes a current sensor to measure current on a selected number of the power pins
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-circuit board connector connects a first circuit board to a second circuit board. The inter-circuit board connector includes power pins to transmit power from the first circuit board to the second circuit board. Each power pin provides an equal amount of current from the first circuit board to the second circuit board. The inter-circuit board connector includes a current sensor to measure current on a selected number of the power pins that can be less than a total number of the power pins.