Embedded Coplanar Interconnect for Impedance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency electrical systems are constrained by the characteristic impedance of off-the-shelf connectors, leading to signal integrity degradation and limited operating frequency ranges due to impedance discontinuities and physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
An embedded coplanar interconnect is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, allowing for customizable characteristic impedance and board-to-board connections without the need for bulky connector assemblies, using techniques like plasma etching and conductive patterning to form receptacles for antenna assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If off-the-shelf connectors are used, then mechanical and electrical coupling is provided, but characteristic impedance is constrained to fixed values (50 ohms or 75 ohms)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector functionality directly into the PCB assembly by embedding coplanar waveguide structures and conductive receptacles into the circuit board layers. This integration eliminates the need for separate off-the-shelf connector assemblies, allowing custom impedance values to be achieved through PCB material and geometric design rather than being constrained by standardized connector impedances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the characteristic impedance parameter from fixed standardized values to customizable values by controlling PCB parameters such as trace width, dielectric thickness, and conductor geometry. This allows the impedance to be precisely tuned to match specific antenna requirements (e.g., 300 ohms for dipole antennas) rather than being limited to common connector impedances.
2Reliability
If off-the-shelf connectors are used, then mechanical coupling is provided, but signal integrity degrades due to impedance discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the embedded coplanar waveguide structures to pre-establish impedance continuity between the PCB and antenna components. By embedding the connectors directly into the PCB with matched impedance characteristics, the design prevents impedance discontinuities and reflective losses before they can occur, rather than attempting to correct them after signal degradation begins.
3Area of stationary object
If off-the-shelf connectors are used, then electrical connection is provided, but circuit board area is consumed by connector housing and mechanical supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector functions (electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and signal transmission) directly into the PCB structure itself. The coplanar waveguide traces and conductive receptacles are embedded within the circuit board layers, eliminating the need for separate connector housings and mechanical support structures that would otherwise consume valuable board area.
4Area of stationary object
If off-the-shelf connectors are used, then connection is provided, but z-height constraints create keep out areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the z-height constraint issue by transitioning from three-dimensional connector assemblies to two-dimensional embedded planar structures. The coplanar waveguide and receptacle designs are integrated within the PCB layers, effectively moving the connection interface from the vertical dimension (where z-height constraints apply) to the horizontal plane, thereby eliminating keep out areas and improving component placement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A first printed circuit board (PCB) assembly can include an embedded electrical connector configured to be mechanically coupled to a corresponding tab-shaped portion of a second PCB assembly, such as to permit insertion of the tab-shaped portion of the second PCB assembly into the embedded electrical connector when the second PCB assembly is aligned in a specified orientation. In an example, the second PCB assembly can include an approximately planar conductive antenna.