Link Loopback Device Flexible Circuit Board Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current link loopback devices for testing high-speed communication network equipment cannot simulate a complete actual link, as the attenuation value cannot start from 0 dB, affecting the accuracy of the tests.
Innovation Solution
A link loopback device utilizing a flexible circuit board connected to a substrate, allowing for adjustable attenuation of high-speed signals from 0 dB, simulating a complete actual link by varying the length of the flexible circuit board, thereby improving test accuracy and reducing device volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resistors are used for attenuation test, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because attenuation value cannot start from 0 dB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from fixed resistor values to variable cable length. By adjusting the length of the flexible circuit board (cable), the attenuation can be continuously varied starting from 0 dB, enabling precise simulation of different link conditions without changing the physical structure of the test device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the actual transmission link using a flexible circuit board that replicates the electrical characteristics of real cables. This copy allows accurate simulation of link attenuation without requiring the complete physical link infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If direct attach cable (DAC) is used to simulate complete actual link, then measurement precision improves, but device volume increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flexible circuit board directly onto the substrate, nesting the cable simulation function within the test device itself. This eliminates the need for external DAC cables and reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the ability to simulate complete actual links.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission medium for signal testing and the attenuation variable. By changing only the cable length, the device can simulate different link conditions, making the test device universally applicable to various attenuation scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If direct attach cable (DAC) is used for testing, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation worsens due to setup complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable, connectors, and test device into a single integrated unit. The flexible circuit board is directly connected to the substrate, eliminating the need for separate DAC cables and complex connector assembly, thereby simplifying the setup process while maintaining test accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If flexible circuit board is used to simulate complete actual link, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible circuit board instead of rigid cable assemblies. This flexible film structure can be easily mounted on the substrate and allows for compact integration, reducing structural complexity while enabling accurate link simulation through length variation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure disclosed a link loopback device comprising a substrate and a flexible circuit board. The substrate comprises an interface connecting end, a transmitting end, and a receiving end. The interface connecting end is electrically connected to the transmitting end and the receiving end. The flexible circuit board comprises a first electrical connecting end and a second electrical connecting end. The first electrical connecting end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the transmitting end of the substrate, and the second electrical connecting end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the receiving end of the substrate, forming a link between the flexible circuit board and the substrate. Just like testing with a direct attach cable (DAC), the link loopback device of the present disclosure can simulate a complete actual link to improve the accuracy of the test effectively.