Embedded Impedance-Checking Circuit Using Reflected Bus Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the impedance of communication buses in electronic circuits are lengthy, tedious, and can only be performed on a single batch of printed circuits, failing to provide comprehensive impedance checks on all manufactured circuits.

Innovation Solution

An electronic circuit and method utilizing a microcontroller, transceiver, or network switch, with transmitting and measuring means, and a reference impedance, to perform rapid impedance checks by sending predefined voltage signals and measuring reflected signals, allowing automated and embedded impedance verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional impedance measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the measurement process is very long and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates impedance checking functionality directly into the electronic circuit components themselves, allowing impedance measurements to be performed preliminarily during manufacturing or testing phases. The measuring means are embedded within the circuit, enabling rapid automated measurements without requiring external equipment or manual procedures, thus achieving both accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual impedance measurement systems with an automated electronic measurement system. The measuring means use electrical signals to automatically detect impedance characteristics, eliminating the need for manual operations and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision through automated data processing.

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

2Device complexity

If impedance measurement is performed on a single batch of printed circuits, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement is only representative of one manufacturing batch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidmeasurement coverage across manufacturing batches
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the measuring means with universal applicability across multiple manufacturing batches. The embedded impedance checking circuitry can be integrated into different production batches, and the system can store and compare impedance data from multiple batches against reference values, enabling comprehensive quality control across all production runs rather than limiting measurements to a single batch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where impedance measurements from each batch are compared against predetermined reference ranges. The system provides feedback on whether impedance values fall within acceptable tolerances, enabling continuous monitoring and adjustment across manufacturing batches. This ensures that each batch can be independently verified while maintaining consistency with overall production standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated embedded impedance checking is implemented, then measurement speed and comprehensiveness are improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance checking speedVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the impedance checking functionality directly into the existing electronic circuit components. The measuring means are integrated within the circuit itself, combining multiple functions (signal transmission, reflection detection, impedance calculation) into a unified embedded system. This approach increases productivity by enabling rapid automated measurements while managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate external measurement equipment.

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

Enables rapid, automated impedance verification on each printed circuit, providing comprehensive diagnosis and fine-tuned frequency adjustments, while ensuring impedance adherence within tolerance ranges.

Implementation Method 1

measuring means for measuring a reflected voltage signal coming from the bus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250321255A1Electronic circuit for embedded impedance checking and impedance checking method
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US20250321255A1 patent drawing
  • US20250321255A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electronic circuit (10) having a first component (12), a second component (14) and an electronic bus (16) capable of setting up a communication between the first component (12) and the second component (14),the first component (12) comprising:transmitting means (20) for transmitting a voltage, andmeasuring means (22) for measuring a voltage;the second component (14) having:a reference impedance (26), andswitching means (28),the electronic circuit (10) further having a nominal state, a test state in which:the transmitting means (20) are configured to send a predefined voltage signal (30) on the bus,the switching means (28) are configured in the connected state, andthe measuring means (22) are configured to measure a reflected voltage signal (32) coming from the bus.