EHF Communication Link for Modular Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanical connectors in electronic systems introduce impedance discontinuities, leading to signal degradation, are bulky, prone to wear, and require precise alignment, making them unsuitable for high-frequency data transfer between printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

The use of Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communication units with transducers and integrated circuits in modular electronics systems, enabling contactless data transfer and power transmission between modules using EHF communication links, which are tolerant to alignment variations and do not require mechanical connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical connectors are used for data transfer between PCBs, then connection is established, but impedance discontinuities occur causing signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidconnector architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with electromagnetic field-based communication. Transducers on each PCB convert electrical signals to electromagnetic signals that propagate through air or vacuum, eliminating mechanical contact points that cause impedance discontinuities. This substitution maintains signal integrity while enabling connectorless architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between PCBs. Instead of direct electrical contact through mechanical connectors, the electromagnetic field serves as the mediator that carries information across the gap between boards, avoiding the harmful electrical discontinuities inherent in mechanical connector interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If mechanical connectors are used for connection between PCBs, then data transfer is enabled, but the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice bulkVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates bulky mechanical connector structures by substituting them with compact transducer elements that generate and detect electromagnetic fields. This reduction in physical infrastructure enables smaller form factors while maintaining or improving connection reliability through the robustness of field-based communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical connectors are used for data transfer, then connection is established, but wear and alignment issues occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with transducer-based electromagnetic communication that requires no physical contact or precise mechanical alignment. The transducers emit electromagnetic fields that can couple between PCBs with relaxed positioning tolerances, eliminating wear from repeated connection cycles and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of moving object

If conventional connectors are used between two internal circuits, then signal transmission is achieved, but significant bulk is added to the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice dimensionsVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes compact transducer elements for bulky mechanical connectors in internal circuit communications. The electromagnetic field-based transmission maintains signal integrity through controlled field propagation while occupying minimal space, enabling high-speed data transfer between internal circuits without significant volume penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides stable, high-bandwidth, and secure communication between electronic modules with improved wear characteristics and reduced bulk, facilitating easy assembly, customization, and environmental sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer configured to transmit and/or receive an extremely high frequency (EHF) electromagnetic signal, and to convert between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10523278B2Modular electronics

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 MOLEX INC

AI summary

A computing device includes an integrated unit having a plurality of functional components, and an extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit operatively coupled to the integrated unit. The EHF communication unit includes a transducer configured to transmit and receive EHF electromagnetic signals, and convert between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals. The computing device includes a transceiver operatively coupled to the transducer. The EHF communication unit may enable at least one of the functional components of the computing device to be supplemented by a functional component of an external computing device.