EHF Contactless Communication Units Replace Mechanical Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-frequency communication systems require mechanical connectors and cables for data transfer, limiting flexibility and efficiency, and existing wireless solutions face challenges in establishing low-latency, high-bandwidth connections without interference.

Innovation Solution

The development of Extremely High Frequency (EHF) contactless communication systems using POC state machines that establish links through close proximity coupling, eliminating the need for mechanical connectors and cables, and utilizing a wake-up loop for communication between EHF units to manage state transitions and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connectors and cables are used for data transfer, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity and flexibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors and cables with electromagnetic field-based communication at EHF frequencies. The system uses wireless electromagnetic signals to establish data transfer links between devices, eliminating the need for physical connectors, cables, and associated mechanical assembly/disassembly operations. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through stable electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical connectors and cables are used for data transfer, then connection stability is improved, but flexibility and efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is used to eliminate mechanical connectors, then flexibility is improved, but interference and latency issues are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes Extremely High Frequency (EHF) electromagnetic waves in the 30-300 GHz range, specifically targeting frequencies around 60 GHz. This parameter change in operating frequency provides several advantages: the short wavelength enables precise directional beamforming that reduces interference, the high frequency allows for large bandwidth transmission with low latency, and the atmospheric absorption characteristics at these frequencies naturally limit propagation distance, reducing interference with other wireless systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If EHF contactless communication is implemented, then bandwidth and speed are improved, but power consumption and complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a wake-up loop mechanism where EHF communication units operate in low-power states and only activate full communication functionality when needed. The system uses a simplified wake-up protocol that consumes minimal power to establish initial contact, then transitions to full EHF communication mode only when data transfer is required. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve high bandwidth and speed when active while significantly reducing average power consumption through periodic low-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 flexible, low-latency, and high-bandwidth data transfer with reduced power consumption and complexity, while minimizing interference and allowing for broadband communication across a common carrier frequency, thus improving communication efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

Extremely high frequency (EHF) contactless communication units establish communication links with one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11013057B2Extremely high frequency systems and methods of operating the same

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 MOLEX INC

AI summary

Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for establishing EHF contactless communications links. The EHF contactless communication link may serve as an alternative to conventional board-to-board and device-to-device connectors. The link may be a low-latency protocol-transparent communication link capable of supporting a range of data rates. The link may be established through a close proximity coupling between devices, each including at least one EHF communication unit. Each EHF unit involved in establishing an EHF communication link may progress through a series of steps before data can be transferred between the devices. These steps may be controlled by one or more state machines that are being implemented in each EHF communication unit.