USB Type-C MIPI Camera Cable for Long-Distance Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional FPC/FFC cables for MIPI cameras are limited in length, prone to signal failure due to impedance matching issues, and cannot be used externally, leading to limitations in design and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A cable module with appropriate shielding, using USB Type-C connectors and self-defined pins, is designed to transmit MIPI camera image signals over long distances, allowing for external connections and repeated use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If FPC/FFC cable length is increased beyond 20 cm, then transmission distance is improved, but impedance matching fails causing image function failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lengthVSAvoidimpedance matching
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cable structure from FPC/FFC to a twisted pair configuration with specific impedance control (100 ohms differential impedance). This parameter change in cable construction allows maintaining proper impedance matching even at lengths exceeding 20 cm, thereby resolving the contradiction between cable length and impedance matching reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If FPC/FFC cable is used for external connections, then versatility is improved, but the cable cannot withstand bending and electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal connection capabilityVSAvoidbending and electromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite cable structure combining twisted pair wires with shielding layers. The twisted pair configuration provides resistance to bending, while the shielding layers (including braided shield and foil shield) protect against electromagnetic interference. This composite construction enables the cable to withstand external harmful factors while maintaining versatility for external connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If FPC connector is fixed on board terminal, then connection stability is improved, but maintainability deteriorates due to inability to withstand repeated plugging and unplugging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmaintainability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into separable components: USB Type-C connectors at both ends of the cable, allowing the cable to be easily disconnected and replaced. This segmentation maintains connection stability during use while dramatically improving maintainability, as the cable can be quickly swapped without affecting the connectors or board terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If FPC/FFC cable is designed for specific camera devices, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of universal connectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera compatibilityVSAvoidconnector design variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts USB Type-C connectors at both ends of the cable, which are universal connectors already widely used in various devices. This universality allows the same cable design to be compatible with different MIPI camera devices without requiring custom connector designs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad compatibility

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250157695A1Module, Method and Structure for Transmitting Electronic Image Signals of MIPI Camera
Publication Date: 2025.05.15 INNODISK CORP
  • US20250157695A1 patent drawing
  • US20250157695A1 patent drawing
  • US20250157695A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention discloses a module for transmitting an MIPI camera image signal, including an MIPI camera, a first connection device, a second connection device and a cable disposed between the first connection device and the second connection device. The MIPI camera is configured to generate the MIPI camera image signal. The first connection device includes a first USB Type-C connector and a first plurality of self-defined pins disposed within the first USB Type-C connector, and configured to be connected to a system host. The second connection device includes a second USB Type-C connector and a second plurality of self-defined pins disposed within the second USB Type-C connector, and configured to be connected to the MIPI camera. The cable includes at least 2 pairs of differential signal twisted wires configured to receive the MIPI camera image signal through the second plurality of self-defined pins.