Dimensionally Flexible Sparse Matrix Topology for High-Frequency Signal Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional switch matrices are expensive, inefficient for high-frequency signal transmission, and lack versatility in connecting ports, as they require simultaneous energization for row-to-row or column-to-column connections and introduce capacitive load and signal reflections due to unused trace portions.
Innovation Solution
A dimensionally flexible sparse switch matrix using interconnected universal switches with at least three terminals, allowing independent switching to connect any subset of ports to any other subset, enabling row-to-row, column-to-column, or both connections without simultaneous energization, and minimizing signal stubs for efficient high-frequency signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a full matrix topology with a switch at every row-column crosspoint is used, then any row can connect to any column simultaneously, but the cost is high due to requiring a switch or relay for every crosspoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full matrix into multiple sparse sub-matrices arranged in a block structure. Each sub-matrix handles a specific subset of row-to-column connections, allowing the system to achieve full matrix connectivity functionality while using significantly fewer switches overall. The segmentation divides the connectivity space into manageable blocks that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal switches that can operate in multiple modes: as single-pole single-throw switches for standard row-to-column connections, as single-pole double-throw switches for row-to-row or column-to-column connections, and as multi-pole switches for more complex routing. This multi-functionality allows a single switch type to replace what would traditionally require multiple different switch types, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a full switch matrix is used for high frequency signals, then connectivity is achieved, but the unused portion of connected traces adds capacitive load and signal stubs resulting in reflections that distort and attenuate the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful unused trace portions from the signal path by implementing a sparse matrix topology where only the necessary connections are physically present. By taking out the unnecessary horizontal and vertical traces that would otherwise remain connected and create stubs, the design eliminates the source of signal reflections and capacitive loading while maintaining full connectivity functionality through the block matrix structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching within each block matrix to activate only the specific row-to-column connections needed for the current signal routing requirement. This dynamic activation ensures that at any given time, only the minimal necessary traces are energized and carrying signals, while other traces remain inactive and disconnected, thereby minimizing capacitive load and signal stubs dynamically adapted to the current operational state.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a full blocking matrix is used to trim excess stubs, then signal quality improves, but row-to-row or column-to-column connectivity is not possible without simultaneously energizing a column or row
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal switches within each block matrix that can dynamically reconfigure their pole configurations based on the required connection type. When row-to-row or column-to-column connections are needed, the switches operate as single-pole double-throw switches that can route signals between rows or columns without requiring simultaneous energization of both row and column lines. This multi-functional switching capability provides both stub elimination and versatile connectivity options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the connectivity by implementing time-division multiplexing across the block matrices. Instead of requiring all connection types to be simultaneously available, the system can sequentially activate different connection modes (row-to-column, row-to-row, column-to-column) in different time slots, effectively providing all connectivity options without the need for all traces to be permanently energized, thus eliminating stubs while maintaining versatility.
4Device complexity
If a sparse matrix is used to reduce the number of switches, then cost decreases, but only a limited number of simultaneous row-to-column connections are allowed—often only one connection at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sparse matrix into multiple independent block matrices, where each block can independently establish row-to-column connections. This segmentation allows multiple simultaneous connections to occur across different blocks at the same time, overcoming the limitation of traditional sparse matrices that allow only one connection at a time. The overall system maintains the cost benefits of sparse topology while achieving full-matrix-level parallel connectivity capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A dimensionally flexible sparse matrix comprising multiple ports connected to a plurality of interconnected universal switches is disclosed. Each universal switch has at least three terminals and is switchable to connect any pair or all three terminals together. The plurality of interconnected universal switches are independently switchable to connect any one or more ports of the sparse matrix to any subset of the other ports. The sparse matrix may also be configurable to duplicate the connectivity of a variety of dimensionally different switch matrices by designating a first subset of the multiple ports as row ports and a second subset of the remaining ports as column ports with the added flexibility of connecting row-to-row and/or column-to column. The small physical size of signal stubs in the universal switches results in a signal path between any pair of terminals that may be suitable for the transmission of signal frequencies greater than approximately 500 mega-hertz.