M.2 Connector Compatibility for 4G and 5G Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing M.2 connectors are not compatible with both 4G and 5G communication modules due to their different pin definitions, preventing them from being used in the same electronic device without additional circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an M.2 connector, a protection circuit, and a processor that determines whether a module inserted is a 4G or 5G module, executing a protection process for the 4G module to prevent damage and not executing it for the 5G module to allow connection to the power supply and reset signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same M.2 connector is used for both 4G and 5G modules, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the different pin definitions between 4G and 5G modules cause compatibility issues and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the M.2 connector and the communication modules. This protection circuit includes a first protection circuit connected to the first pin and a second protection circuit connected to the second pin, which selectively blocks electrical connections based on the detected module type. The protection circuit acts as a mediator that prevents direct incompatible connections while allowing compatible ones, thus enabling single connector usage for both 4G and 5G modules without causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters dynamically based on the detected module type. When a 4G module is detected, the protection circuit blocks the electrical connection between the first pin and the first power supply, and between the second pin and the reset signal. When a 5G module is detected, the protection circuit allows these connections. This parameter change enables the same physical connector to provide different electrical configurations for different module types, resolving the compatibility issue.
2Reliability
If protection circuits are added to support both 4G and 5G modules, then module compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 4G and 5G module compatibility through a single integrated circuit structure. The first protection circuit and second protection circuit work together to provide selective blocking for both module types, eliminating the need for separate protection circuits for each module type. This universal design achieves compatibility improvement while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection circuit blocks electrical connections for 4G modules, then module damage is prevented, but the 5G module cannot access the power supply and reset signal
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit operates dynamically based on real-time detection of the inserted module type. The processor detects whether the module is a 4G or 5G module and controls the protection circuit accordingly. When a 4G module is detected, the protection circuit blocks the electrical connections to prevent damage. When a 5G module is detected, the protection circuit allows the connections so the module can access the power supply and reset signal. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between protection and connectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device (100) includes an M.2 connector (110), a protection circuit (120), and a processor (130). The processor (130) is configured to determine whether a module inserted into the M.2 connector (110) is a 4G module (210) or a 5G module (220). In response to that the processor (130) determines the inserted module is the 4G module (210), the processor (130) causes the protection circuit (120) to execute a protection process. In response to that the processor (130) determines the inserted module is the 5G module (220), the processor (130) causes the protection circuit (120) not to execute the protection process. In the protection process, the protection circuit (120) blocks an electrical connection between a first pin (P1) of the M.2 connector (110) and a first power supply (V1) and blocks an electrical connection between a second pin (P2) of the M.2 connector (110) and a reset signal (SR). A method for making two communication modules be compatible in a single M.2 connector (110) and a computer-implemented method thereof are also provided.