Isolated Chassis Mounting for Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Different reference grounds in hardware signal chains can negatively affect signal integrity due to the presence of metallic conductors and electronic components connected for power, control, and monitoring in computing systems.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component system with a chassis featuring an electrically isolated portion and an insulator made of electrically insulating material, allowing for the separation of electrical grounds between components, thereby preventing interference in signal chains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are connected for power, control, and monitoring in hardware signal chains, then functionality and connectivity are improved, but reference ground differences cause signal integrity degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into multiple electrically isolated portions (first electrically isolated portion, second electrically isolated portion, and ground portion) separated by insulators. This segmentation allows different electronic components to be mounted on different portions with different reference grounds, maintaining connectivity while preventing ground loops and signal integrity degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulators made of electrically insulating material are introduced as intermediaries between different electrically isolated portions of the chassis. These insulators prevent direct electrical connection between portions with different reference grounds, thereby maintaining signal integrity while allowing functional connectivity through isolated pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a single reference ground is used for all electronic components, then signal integrity is maintained, but electrical isolation and interference prevention are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidelectrical isolation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis structure is segmented into multiple electrically isolated portions that can be independently grounded or left floating. This enables different isolation strategies for different components based on their specific requirements, enhancing both signal integrity and electrical isolation capability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the chassis have different electrical characteristics - some portions are electrically isolated while others are grounded. This local differentiation allows each electronic component to have its optimal reference ground configuration, improving both signal integrity and isolation capability where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If insulators are added to electrically isolate portions of the chassis, then ground separation and signal integrity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidchassis structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulators are integrated into the chassis structure itself, combining the mechanical support function with the electrical isolation function. This merging reduces the need for separate isolation components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulators serve multiple functions: they provide electrical isolation between different chassis portions, mechanical support for mounting electronic components, and structural integration within the chassis. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 maintains signal integrity by isolating the electrical grounds of electronic components, preventing interference and ensuring stable operation in hardware signal chains.

Implementation Method 1

an insulator disposed between the electrically isolated portion and the body, wherein the insulator is comprised of a first electrically insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12089359B2Isolated component mounting scheme

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An electronic component system includes a chassis that includes a body, an electrically isolated portion, and an insulator disposed between the electrically isolated portion and the body, wherein the insulator is comprised of a first electrically insulating material. The electronic component system further includes a first electronic component mounted to the electrically isolated portion, and a second electronic component mounted to the body and electrically connected to the first electronic component.