Directional Coupling Communication Apparatus Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional coupling communication systems face challenges with signal reflection, increased costs due to numerous parts, and reduced signal energy due to complex impedance matching and crosstalk issues, particularly in high-speed data communication between modules.

Innovation Solution

A directional coupling communication apparatus is designed with a layered structure of couplers on insulating substrates, utilizing capacitive and inductive coupling to reduce the number of necessary parts, allowing for easier impedance matching and increased signal energy through differential signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors are used to connect signal wires between modules, then electrical connection is achieved, but signal reflection occurs due to characteristic impedance discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidsignal reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with electromagnetic field coupling (capacitive and inductive coupling) between transmission lines. This substitution eliminates the physical connector interface that causes impedance discontinuity, thereby reducing signal reflection while maintaining electrical connection functionality through field-based energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields (capacitive and inductive coupling fields) as intermediaries to transfer signals between modules. These field-based intermediaries provide continuous impedance matching without the discontinuities inherent in mechanical connectors, thus reducing signal reflection and improving transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the distance between connector terminals is reduced to increase signal capacity, then miniaturization is achieved, but crosstalk between signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of signalsVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connector terminals with distributed transmission lines that utilize electromagnetic field coupling. This approach allows multiple signals to be transmitted in close proximity without the concentrated crosstalk issues of traditional connectors, as the field-based coupling naturally isolates adjacent signal paths while maintaining high signal capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If sophisticated connector materials and manufacturing processes are used, then connection quality improves, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connection qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical connector assemblies with integrated transmission line structures that use standard PCB fabrication techniques. This substitution eliminates the need for sophisticated connector materials and complex assembly processes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection through electromagnetic field coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated assembly is implemented, then assembly speed increases, but connector reliability during assembly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnector engagement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connector engagement (which requires precise alignment and insertion forces that are difficult to automate reliably) with electromagnetic field coupling between transmission lines. This field-based approach is inherently more tolerant of positioning variations and can be easily integrated into automated PCB assembly processes, improving both assembly speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Reliability

If capacitive coupling and inductive coupling are used between transmission lines, then contactless communication is achieved, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless communication reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges capacitive coupling and inductive coupling mechanisms into a unified transmission line structure. By integrating both coupling modes into the same physical infrastructure (parallel transmission lines with appropriate spacing and grounding), the system achieves contactless communication without proportionally increasing the number of discrete parts, as the coupling mechanisms share common structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enhances communication reliability and speed by reducing signal reflection and increasing signal intensity, achieving broadband communication with improved noise resistance and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

signal coupling between a first coupler and a second coupler using capacitive coupling and inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

signal coupling between a first coupler and a second coupler using capacitive coupling and inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2884672B1Directional coupling communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 KEIO UNIV
  • EP2884672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2884672B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2884672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a directional coupling communication apparatus where the coupling impedance can be easily matched to reduce reflections, and thus, the speed of communication channels is increased as compared to that with inductive coupling, and at the same time, the reliability of communication is improved by increasing the signal intensity. Modules having a coupler where an input/output connection line is connected to a first end, and either a ground line or an input/output connection line to which an inverse signal of a signal to be inputted into the input/output connection line connected to the above-described first end is inputted is connected are layered on top of each other so that the couplers are couplers to each other using capacitive coupling and inductive coupling.