EHF Proximity Sensing Eliminates Connector Impedance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical connectors in electronic systems introduce impedance discontinuities, degrading signal quality and requiring expensive electronics to negotiate, while also being prone to wear and mechanical jostling.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a first amplifier to amplify an EHF frequency output signal, a transducer to convert the signal into an electromagnetic signal, and a proximity-sensing circuit to detect the presence of a nearby device by analyzing changes in the composite signal induced by the transducer field-modifying device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical connectors are used to connect PCBs, then electrical connection between boards is established, but impedance discontinuities occur degrading signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors with wireless electromagnetic coupling at EHF frequencies. The system uses a transducer to convert electrical signals to electromagnetic waves that propagate through air or vacuum to a receiving transducer, eliminating physical contact and associated impedance discontinuities entirely. This substitution of mechanical connection with electromagnetic field-based communication resolves the signal quality degradation caused by mechanical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates in the EHF frequency range (30-300 GHz), which represents a significant parameter change from conventional lower frequency operations. This frequency parameter change enables the use of wireless transmission instead of mechanical connectors, as the short wavelengths at EHF frequencies allow for compact antenna designs and precise beam forming, thereby achieving high-speed data transmission without the impedance issues of mechanical connectors.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical connectors are used, then board connection is achieved, but the connectors wear out over time and require precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical connectors with wireless EHF electromagnetic coupling, the patent eliminates wear and tear associated with mechanical contact. The electromagnetic fields couple between transmitting and receiving antennas without physical contact, ensuring indefinite durability. Additionally, the system uses signal processing and beam forming techniques to achieve robust coupling without requiring extremely precise mechanical alignment, thus resolving both durability and alignment precision issues.
3Reliability
If mechanical connectors are used for signal transmission, then electrical connection is established, but the connectors are susceptible to mechanical jostling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission through connectors with wireless electromagnetic field transmission. Since no physical contact is required, the system is completely immune to mechanical jostling, vibration, and stress that affect mechanical connectors. The electromagnetic fields propagate through air or vacuum and are not affected by mechanical disturbances, thereby ensuring stable signal transmission in dynamic environments.
4Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then board interconnection is achieved, but expensive electronics are required to negotiate impedance discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating mechanical connectors entirely and using wireless EHF electromagnetic coupling, the patent removes the source of impedance discontinuities. This eliminates the need for expensive impedance negotiation electronics that would otherwise be required to compensate for connector-induced signal degradation. The system achieves signal integrity through direct electromagnetic coupling without intermediate mechanical interfaces.
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 enhances signal security and integrity by ensuring proper alignment and reducing mechanical stress, while maintaining signal quality through wireless communication, thus addressing the limitations of conventional mechanical connectors.
Implementation Method 1
A transducer may be operatively coupled to the first amplifier for converting the amplified output signal into an electromagnetic signal having the EHF frequency
Implementation Method 2
responsive to a reference and a composite signal conducted between the first amplifier and the transducer, for sensing the proximity of a transducer field-modifying device proximate to the transducer. The composite signal may include the amplified output signal and any electromagnetic received signal received by the transducer and induced by the field-modifying device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensing proximity using EHF signals may include a communication circuit configured to transmit via a transducer an EM signal at an EHF frequency, and a proximity sensing circuit configured to sense a nearby transducer field-modifying object by detecting characteristics of a signal within the communication circuit. A system for determining distance using EHF signals may include a detecting circuit coupled to a transmitting communication circuit and a receiving communication circuit, both communication circuits being mounted on a first surface. The transmitting communication circuit may transmit a signal toward a second surface, and the receiving communication circuit may receive a signal relayed from the second surface. The detecting circuit may determine distance between the first surface and a second surface based on propagation characteristics of the signals.